SB 742-1
13-3. Definitions.
PROPELLANT AND PROPELLING CHARGES
a. Bulk Propellant. All types and models of granular,
sheet, stick, flake, or ball propellant packaged in a bulk
13-1. Purpose.
This
chapter
provides
methods
for
container, to be used in loading cartridge cases, for production
determining
serviceability
and
chemical
stability
of
of separate loading or separated propelling charges, or
nitrocellulose-based propellant and propelling charges.
component charges, or for any other application where
nitrocellulose-based propellant is required. Bulk propellant is
organizations that store bulk propellant, bulk-packed
usually assigned FSC 1376.
propellant components, or propelling charges, regardless of
b. Bulk-packed components. Propellant components used
ownership. Proper use of this chapter will ensure safe
in the assembly of complete rounds. Includes made-up charges
storage/serviceability of "standard" propellant items (items
or increments, such as bagged charges for howitzer
that have been assigned standard DODIC's and/or NSN's) and
ammunition; propellant-loaded cartridge cases, primed or
"non-standard" propellant items (items that have not been
unprimed; mortar increments in sheets, bags, or capsules;
assigned standard DODIC's and/or NSN's). "Standard" and
expelling or expulsion charges (loaded with other than black
"non-standard" propellant items include:
powder); and small rocket motor grains (rocket assist grains).
a. Bulk propellant used in the loading of production Component charges are usually assigned FSC 1310, 1315, or
quantities of cartridge cases and also used in the assembly of 1340.
component charges for field service items, such as mortar
c. Complete Round. The assemblage of all ammunition
increments
components necessary to fire a weapon one time.
b. Separate loading charges
d. Separate-loading charges. Made up charges stored and
c. Propellant derived (downloaded) from rework or issued as end items. Separate-loading charges are usually
demilitarization operations.
assigned FSC 1320
d. Propellant-filled
ammunition
components
(e.g.,
e. Demilitarization: the process of removing military
expulsion charges)
characteristics from materiel. The process of demilitarization
involves these two broad categories of methods:
e. Bulk-packed components of nitrocellulose construction
(e.g., combustible cartridge cases)
(1) Resource Recovery and Recycling (R3) military
munitions for which R3 actions are designated are not
WARNING
considered to be Waste Military Munitions (WMM).
For
propellants, these sorts of actions include conversion to
Nitrocellulose-based
propellants
can
become
fertilizer, nitrocellulose extraction, reblending for commercial
thermally unstable as they age. The normal aging
or military use, use as a component of blasting gel, etc. R3
process of the propellants involves deterioration of
involves recovering and reusing all or part of the propellant.
the nitrocellulose with an accompanying generation
of heat. At some point, the propellant may reach a
(2) Treatment, involves partial or total destruction of
state where heat is generated at such an
the material, which may involve the recycling of component
accelerating rate that it cannot be dissipated. The
materials, such as metal parts. Items that undergo treatment
accumulation of heat can lead to combustion
are usually those that have been declared to be WMM.
(autoignition). Chemical stabilizers are added to
Treatment is a term used in the world of environmental
these propellants to slow the aging process. In time,
science.
For propellant, the method of treatment most
the stabilizer levels will drop to a point where the
commonly used is destruction by burning.
level of remaining effective stabilizer (RES) is not
sufficient to prevent the accelerated rate of
f. Disposal. Refers to the removal of military munitions
decomposition. When this point is reached, the
from government ownership/control.
propellant
may
autoignite,
with
possible
g. Propellant Stability List.
A list identifying all
catastrophic results to property and life. Monitoring
nitrocellulose-based Army propellant lots under test by the
the stability level of each propellant lot is essential
Army can be accessed on the JMC surveillance web site listed
for continued safe storage (see Table 13-2).
in para 1-5d(22)(a). If you do not have Internet capability or
f. Each installation, or tenant organization claiming cannot access this data electronically, please contact the
ownership, is responsible for managing its propellant stocks, to addressee in para 1-5d(1) for assistance.
include local monitoring of current RES. The Propellant
h. Propellant Stabilizer. Chemical ingredient added to
Management Guide, published by U.S. Army Defense
Ammunition Center, Logistics Review & Technical Assistance propellant in a sufficient quantity to neutralize the
Office, should be utilized in this effort. Any stabilized deterioration products of nitrocellulose by slowing down
propellant lot, regardless of ownership and in storage on any nitrogen oxide (NOx) attacks. Adding the stabilizer lengthens
Army installation, with unknown RES is potentially hazardous the effective life of the propellant and prevents autoignition
and must be reported to the surveillance office at JMC from occurring during normal use and storage. The stabilizer
immediately. Any stabilized propellant lot in storage, regardless level must be periodically monitored via testing and analysis
of ownership, which has exceeded its "Next-Test-Date," must throughout the storage life of the propellant. Commonly used
be reported to the addressee in para 1-5d(1) for immediate stabilizers are:
stability testing. Stabilized propellant in quantities less than
(1) Diphenylamine (DPA).
the minimum recommended lot size per installation (see Table
(2) 2-Nitrodiphenylamine (2-NDPA).
the Demilitarization office at JMC for demilitarization as soon
(3) Ethyl Centralite (EC).
as practical. Continued monitoring of stability test results per
lot is required until demilitarization is complete.
(4) Akardite (AK).
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