Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Removal in Legacy Fire Suppression Systems
Abstract
Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exist in the form of aqueous film-forming foams within hangar fire suppression systems throughout the country, posing a threat to both surrounding environments as well as local populations. The United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD), in conjunction with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is investigating best practices to flush out existing contaminants prior to disposal and replacement with a less environmentally harmful replacement. While current procedures dictate a triple rinse of the entire system to yield contaminant levels acceptable to the DoD, the practice has never truly been tested. Designed as a tool to understand movement of drinking water within distribution systems, EPANET software can be used to model a contaminants fate through a series of pipes reminiscent of a hangar fire suppression system and can thus simulate legacy PFAS transport from origin tank to expulsion emitters. Its hydraulic modeling and water quality modeling features make it ideal for this endeavor, and the results produced provide further support for the triple rinses hypothesized six-log reduction of the chemical contaminant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1143704
Entities
People
- Jacob G. Spaulding
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology