A process for separating a nitramine or nitramine intermediate from water and volatile organic compounds comprises the steps of: (a) feeding a liquid stream comprising a liquid nitramine or nitramine intermediate, water, and at least one volatile organic compound, into the upper half of a stripper column; (b) feeding a gas stream having a temperature of at least about 120.degree. C. into the lower half of the stripper column, whereby the gas stream and the liquid stream come into countercurrent contact in the stripper column; (c) withdrawing a nitramine or nitramine intermediate stream from the bottom of the stripper column; and (d) withdrawing a waste stream comprising gas and one or more of water vapor, water, formaldehyde, and acetic acid, from the top of the column.