Verfahren und System zum Entfernen einer Explosivladung aus Hohlladungsmunition

A method for removing an explosive charge from a shaped charge munition is disclosed together with a system for carrying out the method. The preferred method for removing a charge from a stackable shaped charge munition, such as a M42 or M46 grenade, involves three punching stages using two hollow punch dies of different diameters and lengths to extract the metal cone-shaped liner and all of the explosive except a layer lining the inner side wall and dome end wall of the casing. The thin layer of explosive can be readily removed in an explosive waste incinerator. The system for carrying out the method includes a delivery conveyor, a rotatable indexing table having multiple gripping devices for holding grenades or other shaped charge munitions, multiple punching stations positioned in sequence around the perimeter of the indexing table, and a take-off conveyor for transporting processed grenades from the indexing table. The preferred embodiment also includes a dispenser for inserting paper liners inside processed grenades before the grenades are transferred form the indexing table to the removal conveyor.