Decontamination of Chemical Agent Contaminated Structures and Equipment
Abstract
Operations involving chemical agents such as manufacture, loading, storage, and demilitarization have resulted in the contamination of buildings and a wide variety of processing equipment. The contamination has been caused by a number of chemical agents with the most persistent being mustard agents. Materials that are contaminated include concrete (in floors and walls), metals (in piping and process equipment), and wood. All of these materials exist in both painted and unpainted forms. Many of the contaminated facilities have potential reuses or monetary value as excess property if they can be properly decontaminated. Much of the contaminated process equipment also has monetary value as scrap material if properly decontaminated. Currently this value cannot be realized since the only acceptable decontamination method involves destruction and incineration of the contaminated material. Past efforts at resolving this situation have identified some 56 concepts that could be utilized, with 5 having been evaluated under laboratory conditions. These concepts include thermal, abrasive, chemical, and extractive removal schemes. Each of these technologies was evaluated based on destruction efficiency, mass transfer, safety, damage to existing materials, penetration depth, applicability to complex surfaces, cost, and waste management. Based on these comparisons, hot gas technology was identified as the most suitable methodology. Currently, a full-scale demonstration is in the design phase for implementation at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The chosen site was originally contaminated with mustard and mustard degradation by-products from past demilitarization activities. The building contains concrete approximately 18 inches thick, large metal storage tanks, process piping, motors, and pumps.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA526463
Entities
People
- Kevin R. Keehan
- Timothy S. O'rourke
- Wayne E. Sisk