Experts at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) use stainless and carbon steel containers to package and store some projectiles that are not well suited for the facility’s heavily-automated process.

Single Round Containers, more commonly called SRC, will store process-line leakers and rejects, said Robert Bushek, compliance specialist, PCAPP.

SRCs are cylindrical containers of various sizes which, prior to each use, are tested with helium to ensure they are vapor tight. All possible leakage paths, including sealing surfaces, gaskets, O-rings and welds, are checked for containment within 90 days of use, Bushek said.

“Each container shall satisfactorily demonstrate helium containment,” said Bushek.

When a leaker or reject is identified at the process line or elsewhere during plant operations, PCAPP workers will secure the projectile in an SRC, and transport it to the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) storage igloos, where it will be secured, monitored and periodically inspected by PCD personnel, said Jake Torres, operations superintendent, PCAPP. These special containers were routinely used at all chemical demilitarization sites.

The SRCs will remain in storage until movement to the PCAPP Explosive Destruction System where the leakers and rejects will undergo final destruction, Torres said.