Subramaniam E Haran

US Patent:

59292822, Jul 27, 1999

Filed:

Mar 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/039547

Inventors:

Ken Sendelsky - Chester NJ
Brent S. DeFeo - Sparta NJ
Russell W. Johnson - Elmhurst IL
Subramaniam E. Haran - Morris Plains NJ
Alexander M. Bershitsky - Chicago IL
Martin Andren - Lake in the Hills IL
John Yamanis - Morristown NJ

Assignee:

AlliedSignal Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

C01C 100
C07C21100

US Classification:

564423

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for converting hydrazine, substituted hydrazines and/or other nitrogen-containing explosive materials, particularly unsymmetric dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH), to ammonia or ammonia and the corresponding amines by hydrogenation are disclosed. The hydrazines are diluted with a suitable carrier fluid, preferably water, mixed with hydrogen, then hydrogenated in a catalyst reactor, followed by separation of the commercially valuable ammonia and amines. Separated carrier fluid and hydrogen gas may be recycled in to the process to conserve energy and reduce waste. Recycled carrier fluid may be used to preheat the diluted hydrazine prior to hydrogenation. Ammonia may be dissociated and the resultant hydrogen recycled into the hydrogenation process. The apparatus is sized for disassembly and transport for shipping to hydrazine disposal sites.