Original Date: 02/28/2000
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Crane Army Ammunition Activity is involved in downloading white phosphorous from 5"/38 projectiles. As a result of leaks and safety and fire hazards, the Activity initiated several process changes which significantly improved equipment and safety to personnel.

Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA) has been involved in downloading white phosphorous from 5”/38 projectiles. Originally this process was accomplished manually by screwing on a pushout adapter to the nose threads of the projectile and hydraulically extending a shaft against the adapter, which pushed out the smoke canister and projectile baseplate. In a couple of instances, the smoke canisters developed leaks of white phosphorous which generated smoke or fire when introduced into the air. This was recognized as safety and fire hazards, and the operation was shut down. As a result, several process changes were initiated.

The operation of the hydraulic cylinder was initiated from a remote location, and a hinged housing was manufactured to fit over and hold the projectile. An operator is no longer in direct contact with the pushout process and now activates the process remotely and monitors it by video, thus eliminating the potential danger to personnel. If a leak develops, the operator activates an emergency stop button remotely, and the cylinder shaft and housing automatically move the projectile to a water trough which neutralizes the leaking phosphorous until it is safely disposed.

Since implementation over a two-year period, there has been no downtime due to fires or leaks, and safety of personnel and equipment has been significantly improved.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.