Pour diesel or fuel oil over the entire pile, if applicable.
Prepare an ignition train according to TM 9-1300-277, as shown in Figure 1-10, Figure 1-11, and Figure 1-12
on pages 1-16 and 1-17.
Ignite the materials according to TM 9-1300-277.
At least 12 hours after the fire has burned out, inspect the pit for unburned or partially burned munitions. This
inspection must be performed by a qualified person, with a second qualified person acting as a safety backup.
considered a safer, more expeditious method of burning such items as small-arms ammunition, delay elements,
and primer detonators. Deactivation furnaces are described in TM 9-1300-277.
Disposal by Detonation
Disposal by detonation is accomplished by placing demolition charges or other explosive materials on single or
stacked quantities of munitions, priming the charges, and detonating them from a safe distance. Specific
instructions on the use of demolition materials and firing systems are contained in the individual demilitarization
DMWRs and in TM 9-1300-277. Munitions are destroyed by detonation using both electric and nonelectric
priming systems.
Do not attempt to detonate any item using less than the amount of explosive charge specified in the applicable
demilitarization DMWR. Do not bury blasting caps. Do not work with electric blasting caps or other electro-
explosive devices while wearing static-producing clothing (nylon, silk, synthetic hair, and so forth). Carry
blasting caps in approved containers, and keep them out of direct sunlight whenever possible. When explosive
charges are to be covered or tamped with earth, fit the charges with detonating cord leads that have a minimum of
two meters (six feet) uncovered on the surface.
Conduct a search of the surrounding area after each detonation. Detonate in place fuzed munitions or items that
may have internally-damaged components that have been thrown from the pile or pit. Where operations require
the use of a personnel shelter, the shelter must be located at the IBD, but not less than 91 meters (300 feet), from
the disposal site, and it must afford substantial fragment-proof overhead cover and frontal protection.
The preferred firing system for demolition is the electric firing system. When the electric system is not feasible,
or when there is an electromagnetic radiation hazard present, the nonelectric firing system must be used.
A nonelectric system, such as the one shown in Figure 1-11, consists of a fuse igniter, time blasting fuse, and a
nonelectric blasting cap. Upon activation, the fuse igniter initiates the time blasting fuse, which transmits the
flame that fires the blasting cap. The blasting cap provides a shock adequate to initiate the explosive charge.
When more than one charge must be detonated simultaneously, the nonelectric system must be combined with
detonating cord to ensure simultaneous firing.
The electric firing system, shown in Figure 1-12, consists of an electric blasting machine, a firing wire and reel,
and an electric blasting cap. When the blasting machine is activated, it generates an electrical impulse that travels
through the firing wire and the cap lead wires to fire the electric blasting cap. Initiation of the cap detonates the
explosive charge into which the cap has been inserted.
MM0170
1-18
Previous Page
