Hazard Classification of Liquid Propellants

The hazard classification of liquid propellants needs to be addressed because procedures for classification have not been established in the Department of Defense Hazard Classification Bulletin TB 700-2. This bulletin clearly states that it applies to ammunition and explosives other than liquids. However, the bulletin has been used as a guide in the hazard classification of liquid propellants. Incident reports on explosions or detonations, identify the major modes of ignition as friction, impact, thermal, adiabatic compression, electrostatics, and impingement. In providing an accurate classification, the subject material must be exposed to the same stimuli as experienced in its environmental state. Often small-scale tests do not simulate the actual conditions, and full-scale tests must be performed to account for the critical mass. This report addresses the methodology and tests required to established the hazard classification of liquid propellants. Prepared in collaboration with Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX and Hazard Research Corp., Rockaway, NJ.