TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER FROM
TORPEDO REFUELING FACILITIES
M. A. Kessick, Research Officer
Alberta Research Council
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
W. G. Characklis, Associate Professor
W. Elvey, Graduate Student
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering
Rice University
Houston, Texas 77001
INTRODUCTION
As a result of refueling torpedoes after practice firing or on a regular fuel-replacement
basis, two disposal problems are presented.   That of unused fuel that has been replaced,
and that of wastewater from the refueling area which inevitably contains small concentrations of the major fuel components.   This report addresses possible solutions to the latter,
although on the basis of the results, solutions are also recommended for disposal of the
unused fuel.   Time constraints dictated that only Otto Fuel II be considered in this study.
It is believed, however, that simUar results would be obtained for the other major fuel
type currently in use, NOSET Fuel A, which contains a propellant chemically simUar to
that in Otto Fuel.
Otto Fuel II itself consists of 75% propylene glycol dinitrate (PGDN) as propellent,
24% di-n-butyl sebacate as a stabUizer and 1% 2-nitrodiphenylamine as an inhibitor.   Previous results have indicated that solutions resulting from contact of the fuel with water
are toxic to microorganisms and other life forms.   PGDN also has weU  documented physiological effects, simUar to its homologue, glycerol trinitrate (also known as nitroglycerin).
This has necessitated the implementation of special precautionary procedures for personnel in fuel production and utUization facUities.
The purpose of this project was to (a) determine biodegradabUity and possible toxic
effects of the dUute fuel waste stream on organisms commonly found in domestic waste
treatment plants; and (b) it toxic, devise an acceptable treatment procedure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Preparation of Aqueous Fuel Solutions
Aqueous solutions of Otto Fuel II were prepared by stirring 100 ml deionized water
with 100 ml fuel for 24 hr.   Concentrations fo the 3 fuel components (PGDN, 2-NDPA
and di-n-butyl sebacate) were measured directly via gas chromatography after extraction
into benzene using a glass column (4 ft x 1/8 in.)with 3% SE 30 on 80/100 mesh acid-
washed DMCS chromsorb W.   Saturated aqueous solutions ranging from 2400 mg/1 up to
2800 mg/1 Otto Fuel were obtained. It should be noted that in reporting levels of "Otto
Fuel" in solution, the concentration of PGDN is often given because of its high solubUity
relative to the other compounds in the fuel (di-n-butyl sebacate and 2-NDPA).   As long
as solutions were prepared below the melting point of 2-NDPA (75 C), its presence in
aqueous dUutions was very low, relative to the amount of PGDN present (1%).   2-NDPA
is also nontoxic and has been found to support mixed culture growth when present as the
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