Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for containing and suppressing explosive detonations

US6173662A · kind A · utility

46Cited by
35References
21Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 12, 1998
Grant dateJan 16, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 12, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S588/90
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A mobile apparatus, and method of operation, for controlling and suppressing the explosive destruction of munitions by detonation in an explosion chamber. The apparatus comprises a double-walled steel explosion chamber which is moved by wheeled carriage means to a desired location. Granular shock-damping silica sand is introduced into fillable cavities within the chamber walls, ceiling and floor prior to use. After use, the sand is removed to lighten the chamber prior to transport. The floor of the chamber is covered with granular shock-damping pea gravel which may be added before use and removed before further transport. A munition to be destroyed is placed within an open-topped steel fragmentation containment unit. Vaporizable plastic bags of energy-absorbing water are disposed about the munition in a spaced array. An array of vent pipes vents the chamber into manifolds leading to an expansion tank or scrubber for further cooling and environmental treatment of the explosion products.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.