A recently developed device allows destruction of some 105mm and 155mm projectiles previously rejected for processing in the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant automated systems.

“The original thought was to process 105mm and 155mm projectile rejects in Static Detonation Chamber units,” said Todd Ailes, project manager, Bechtel Pueblo Team. “But now that we have the Burster Rotating Adaptor Device, or BRAD, we are confident they can be processed in the main plant with minimal issues.”

During the 155mm projectile destruction campaign, in which approximately 300,000 munitions were destroyed between 2016-20, a small portion did not successfully go through the Projectile/Mortar Disassembly system. This automated robotic system disassembles a projectile and removes its energetic components, allowing for drainage of the mustard agent inside. However, on rare occasions, some projectiles can’t be processed for destruction, typically because of a stuck internal component.

The BRAD was developed for use during the 105mm projectile destruction campaign. The device, which provides an additional twisting motion to loosen stuck bursters, is credited with reducing the amount of 105mm projectiles rejected by the automated system.

The new device was not yet developed when the 155mm projectile destruction campaign ended in September 2020.

“Approximately 200 155mm projectiles will be able to be processed in the main plant,” said Brian Ramdwar, deputy plant manager, PCAPP. “We received a temporary authorization from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Aug. 23, which allows us to move forward with reject processing.”