Bechtel Corporation

James F Cullinane

August D Benz

John D Gorrell

A structure for the destruction of dangerous materials is described which has a destruction location, which may be a pit below ground level. The destruction pit contains the dangerous materials. At least one durable, sealed membrane is present beneath at least a portion of the destruction pit. An overburden mound of soil is provided above the destruction pit; and at least one shaped explosive charge placed adjacent the dangerous materials capable of subjecting the dangerous materials to crushing detonation forces and high heat for a period of time. After detonation of the explosive charge to destroy the dangerous materials and their containers, such as by pyrolysis, the destruction pit is remediated by removal of the waste products. The methods and structures of the In-Situ Implosion (ISI) process can be used in an Engineered ISI embodiment where dangerous materials are brought to a previously prepared site, or in a Direct ISI embodiment where it is too dangerous to move the materials through the public area immediately around their location, and the materials are prepared according to the method and structures of the invention. After destruction of hazardous materials and removal of hazardous residues from the pit, the ISI structure may be re-used or the pit area may be restored.

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Saratoga, CA, United States of America

James F Cullinane