Patent · US Expired

Methods, apparatus, and systems for accelerated bioremediation of explosives

US6334395B1 · kind B1 · utility

9Cited by
39References
45Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 30, 1997
Grant dateJan 1, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 30, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S149/124
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

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