The Field Deployable Hydrolysis System (FDHS) is a transportable, high throughput neutralization system developed by the U.S. Army for converting chemical warfare material into compounds not usable as weapons.[1]

Operation

Neutralization is facilitated through chemical reactions involving reagents that are mixed and heated to increase destruction efficiency, which is rated at 99.9 percent.[1]

The transportable FDHS is a self-contained system that includes power generators and a laboratory. Operational inputs include consumable materials such as water, reagents and fuel. It is designed to be set up within 10 days and is equipped with redundant critical systems.[1] An on-site a crew of 15 trained personnel, including SME support, is needed for each shift of a possible 24-hour operational cycle.[1]

Development

One of two Field Deployable Hydrolysis Systems installed on the MV Cape Ray (T-AKR-9679)
One of two Field Deployable Hydrolysis Systems installed on the MV Cape Ray (T-AKR-9679)

A 20-week design and development phase was funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in February 2013. The effort to develop a functional prototype was led by subject-matter experts from the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) in partnership with the United States Army Chemical Materials Agency.[1] An operational model was developed over the course of six months, with the participation of 50 ECBC employees.[1]

Deployment

Two of these units were deployed on the MV Cape Ray (T-AKR-9679) for use in the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.[2] They are the "centerpiece" of the disarmament effort.[3] The United Kingdom gave the United States £2.5 million of specialist equipment and training to enable the highest-priority chemicals to be processed more quickly.[4][5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "The Field Deployable Hydrolysis System" (PDF). CBIRR News. Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. 1 (8 (Special Edition)). August 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 November 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  2. ↑ Manning, Lt. Col. Rob. "Army Civilians praised for expertise in support of U.N. mission". U.S. Army. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  3. ↑ Gordon, Michael R. (5 October 2013). "Plan for Ridding Syria of Chemical Arms Includes Brute Force and Chemistry". New York Times. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "UK to help United States destroy Syrian chemical weapons faster". Reuters. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  5. ↑ "Syria: UK To Aid Chemical Weapons Destruction". Sky News. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
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