Continuous Supercritical Water Reactor for Neutralization of Chemical Warfare Agents
Abstract
Continuous Supercritical Water Reactor for Neutralization of CWAs. The proposed research will develop a new means of neutralizing chemical warfare agents (CWA) using a single-step, continuous supercritical water hydrolysis (CScWH) reactor platform. The proposed fundamental study is based on our earlier experimental work, in which we demonstrated the complete decomposition of inert biomass slurries in residence times on the order of 5 seconds under typical supercritical conditions. The fast decomposition of these highly stable biomass compounds suggests that CWA molecules can be destroyed via supercritical hydrolysis in similar or shorter times. This continuous process offers several advantages over the present batch NaOH hydrolysis process: (1) the fast decomposition rates enable a dramatic reduction of the system?s Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) requirements, and (2) a single-step, continuous process reduces the direct involvement of the plant operator. The first point envisions a portable, skid-mounted system, while the latter point focuses on reducing manpower requirements, training, and opportunities for error. Basic research is, however, required to advance this concept to the practical application of CWA neutralization. Specifically, work is needed to: (1) establish the fundamental chemical kinetic rates for agent decomposition over the range of operating conditions, (2) identify the appearance of potentially toxic intermediates, (3) explore potential catalytic enhancements, (4) examine potential reactor materials for catalysis and corrosion, and (5) characterize the final state of the products of the reaction. Our plan is to obtain chemical kinetic data, identify and validate chemical pathways and rates, and develop models describing the CWA destruction process and the behavior of potentially toxic intermediates. This fundamental research will lead to the development of a small footprint (mobile), flexible, low-cost CWA neutralization platforms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 09, 2017
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710001
Entities
People
- Igor Novosselov
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Washington