Hazardous Wastes Generated in the Manufacture of High-Explosive 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene

AbstractThe hazardous wastes generated in the manufacture of high-explosive 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) from starting material 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene are described. The process generates three kinds of effluents: water-based nitration effluent (WNE), toluene-based amination effluent (TAE), and water-based amination effluent (WAE). These three effluents are analyzed as per the country’s pollution control norms. Both WNE and WAE need treatment before discharge to the environment. These treatment methodologies are discussed. The solvent recovery from TAE was found highly feasible. However, some solid organic explosive waste (∼100  kg/ton TATB produced) is generated from the residue of TAE after solvent recovery. The composition of this solid waste is analyzed by gas chromatography and its potential explosiveness is characterized by a sensitivity test. The disposal methodology of the solid wastes generated from WNE, TAE, and WAE are also discussed.