Munitions handlers prepared mock rocket warheads in September for testing the Blue Grass Static Detonation Chamber, or SDC, units before their operations begin.

“This test equipment is specifically made to closely simulate rocket warheads,” said Rusty Davis, deputy plant manager, SDC 1200. “It is used to test processing systems, to assist in validating procedures and to train workers before actual munitions are processed.”

The munitions handlers filled the test warheads with varying percentages of glycol, a chemical-agent substitute for testing, capped them, and sealed them within standard destruction containers. The different percentages of glycol will show how the SDC and its off-gas treatment system react to each percentage during testing and will provide information to tune the systems, Davis said.

“It took the crew about a month to prepare 700 test containerized warheads,” David said. “Developing this equipment is an essential part of the process to get ready to destroy the containerized, drained rocket warheads.”

The test containerized warheads are being used in the systemization of the SDC 2000 prior to the start of its operations, planned for the end of the year. They will also be used to test the SDC 1200 after it enters the systemization phase, planned for early 2023.

The SDC units will be used to process containerized, drained warheads, along with overpacked M55 rockets and potentially M55 rockets that are unsuitable for processing in the main plant but not overpacked.