(68b) Characterization of Energetic Materials for Safe Processing, Storage, and Transportation

Accurate characterization of energetic materials is important to evaluate safety during processing, storage and transportation, and to ensure compliance with transportation, safety, and environmental regulations. Test methods for hazardous characterization includes various tests from the United Nations (UN) Manual of Tests and Criteria, Rev. 7 (2019), ASTM E537-20 Standard Test Method for Thermal Stability of Chemicals by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and ASTM E1981-98 (2020) Standard Guide for Assessing Thermal Stability of Materials by Methods of Accelerating Rate Calorimetry.

Test strategies will be reviewed for each of the given testing methods, with a focus on the practical impacts of test results on hazardous material processing, storage, and transportation. Challenges such as limited sample quantities, reviewing in-process hazards and the potential to concentrate a highly energetic material will be addressed. Application of the test results to ensure an adequate Basis of Safety is developed will be discussed, including the use of inherently safer design approaches and regulatory compliant operational practices.

The following learning objectives will be achieved:

1. Introduce typical test methods to characterize energetic materials and their applicability.
2. Identify and address challenges in test methodology and data interpretation.
3. Review the application of energetic materials test results to develop a Basis of Safety in handling and transporting these materials.