Implementation of Explosive Destruction Technology for problematic mustard projectiles December 10, 2013
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like478 views
The document discusses the implementation of explosive destruction technology (EDT) at Blue Grass Army Depot to safely destroy mustard projectiles that are unsuitable for processing through existing facilities. Bechtel Parsons has been contracted to design, construct, and operate the EDT system, which includes a static detonation chamber that safely manages and destroys hazardous materials. The operational approach emphasizes environmental protection, minimizing human exposure, and ensuring clean air emissions through advanced pollution control systems.
Implementation of Explosive Destruction Technology for problematic mustard projectiles December 10, 2013
- 1. Implementation of Explosive Destruction Technology for problematic mustard projectiles December 10, 2013 Presented to: Kentucky Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission and Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board Explosive Destruction Technology Working Group Presented by: Jeff Brubaker, ACWA Site Manager
- 2. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction Decision to use Explosive Destruction Technology at Blue Grass PEO ACWA decision to implement EDT will safely resolve a significant challenge by destroying mustard projectiles deemed unsuitable for processing through the main BGCAPP facilities. – PEO ACWA decision considerations included: Environmental Assessment and resulting Finding of No Significant Impact and stakeholder involvement PEO ACWA has directed Bechtel Parsons to begin initial work supporting design, environmental permitting, construction, systemization, operations and closure of an EDT system. – More than 15,000 155 mm mustard projectiles, with fewer than 200 in over-pack containers, along with two Department of Transportation (DOT) bottles containing mustard agent will be processed through the EDT. 2
- 3. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction 3 Role as the systems contractor Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass is the systems contractor responsible design, construction, systemization, operations and closure which includes: – Main neutralization/supercritical water oxidation pilot plant – Explosive Destruction Technology (EDT) system
- 4. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction BGCAPP Operational Philosophy 4 •Protect the workforce, public and environment •Minimize or eliminate human interface with weapons •Minimize or eliminate additional waste streams BGCAPP Operational Philosophy
- 5. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction M110 155mm H-filled Projectile (In 1943) (Today) 5 Blue Grass Mustard (H) Projectiles Mustard filled projectiles are the oldest component of the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) stockpile Manufactured between 1941 and 1943 at Edgewood Arsenal (EA) Maryland, today part of Aberdeen Proving Ground Mustard filled projectiles are the only projectiles at BGAD that have an explosive charge referred to as a burster Mustard M110 155mm Projectiles – Agent Type: Levinstein Mustard – Burster Explosive: Tetrytol – Percentage of Munition Inventory: 15.2 percent – Percentage of Agent Inventory: 17.3 percent
- 6. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction Equipment Selection: Static Detonation Chamber Equipment selected based upon competitive procurement process facilitated by Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Equipment selected: Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) system supplied by UXB International, Inc. SDC system includes a spherical, fully-contained and high strength heat resistant stainless steel vessel SDC uses electrically-generated heat causing munitions to detonate or deflagrate, thus destroying agent and energetics Pollution abatement system includes thermal treatment and scrubbers to remove particulates, sulfur-dioxides, chlorine and any heavy metals. System contains a robust carbon filtration system to ensure air released back to the environment is clean SDC will be enclosed within a pre-engineered building constructed atop a concrete foundation 6
- 7. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction Static Detonation Chamber system 7
- 8. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction 8 Static Detonation Chamber Overview Workers place mustard projectiles in feed tray with aid of material-handling equipment System allows for single handling of projectiles by workers Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Projectiles conveyed to top of vessel For added safety, it is a fully automatic, double air-lock feeding conveyor system Projectiles fed into electrically heated detonation chamber Chamber temperature maintained above critical temperature of energetics inside the projectiles High heat detonate/ deflagrate projectiles, mustard agent and energetics destroyed by explosion/thermal decomposition Off-gases treated by air pollution control system
- 9. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction Static Detonation Chamber Cont. 9 Scrap metal is retained in the chamber until it has been completely treated to destroy all agent, including heels if present The remaining byproduct, clean scrap metal will be removed for recycling Before AfterAfter
- 10. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction EDT Pollution Control System Overview 10 EDT air pollution control system basics Is treating off-gasses from EDT system Is regulated under Title V Permit for the EDT system Flamed Thermal Oxidizer1 Particulate Collection2 Scrubbers 3 Carbon Filters4 Air Pollution Control System Process Overview Off-gasses
- 11. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction Explosive Destruction Technology site location 11 Explosive Destruction Technology Utility Building Supercritical Water Oxidation Process Building Control and Support Building Munitions Demilitarization Building
- 12. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction Explosive Destruction Technology Milestones 12 Operations RCRA Part B Permit Modification Title V Air Permit BGCAPP Site Work Begins SDC Factory Acceptance Testing SDC Equipment Delivery Systemization
- 13. A Partnership for Safe Chemical Weapons Destruction 13 Questions