Ebook: The Conversion of Liquid Rocket Fuels: Risk Assessment, Technology and Treatment Options for the Conversion of Abandoned Liquid Ballistic Missile Propellants (Fuels and Oxidizers) in Azerbaijan

Prof. Dr. -Ing. Wolfgang Spyra Brandenburg University of Technology in Cottbus, Germany The demilitarization and conversion of military properties wor- wide has been a topic of growing importance since the end of the Cold War. The slowing of the arms race brought on by weapons treaties and relaxed tensions between NATO and Warsaw Pact nations caused sto- piles of conventional weapons to become superfluous. The need to process and dispose of such weapons began more quickly in NATO countries. This demilitarization process began shortly after the reunification of Germany and was largely completed by the mid to late 1990’s. The remaining process, no small task in itself, of converting lands formerly used by the military into safe and environmentally acceptable landscapes may continue for decades to come. Due to a lack of resources and technology, the process of demilitarization in the former Warsaw Pact countries has launched more slowly. In 2002 both Georgia and Moldova finished projects which destroyed their stocks of liquid ballistic missile components. Both these projects were carried out through the cooperative support of trans-national organizations, private contractors, and research institutions. The Republic of Azerbaijan now finds itself at the beginning of its demilitarization process. Stored at the country’s military depots are over 2000 tons of missile fuels, oxidizer, and chemical additives. This hazardous waste is kept in tanks intended only for temporary transport and storage.

The Conversion of Liquid Rocket Fuels is the first volume to be dedicated to the demilitarization of Azerbaijan. It is the product of an exciting workshop which brought together participants from NATO member countries and partner countries to share ideas and experience. This publication investigates the possible treatment methods for hazardous ballistic missile wastes being stored in Azerbaijan. The uniqueness of this volume lies in its interdisciplinary nature with authors coming from a diverse range of fields and experiences. Topics include risk assessment of hazards, environmental and human toxicology, technological options for chemical disposal, and comparative case studies from similar projects in Moldova and Georgia. Also featured is an introduction to the field of demilitarisation and military conversion, and a cultural analysis of the emerging Republic of Azerbaijan. Those in military or civilian administrative positions who face the task of chemical waste disposal or demilitarization will find The Conversion of Liquid Rocket Fuels especially interesting. This volume brings new experiences and information to the field of environmental studies and war and armed conflict.