Field Deployable Hydrolysis System Explained

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

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 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]

Notes and References

  1. The Field Deployable Hydrolysis System . CBIRR News . August 2013 . 1 . 8 (Special Edition) . 16 January 2014 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131126110233/http://dtirp.dtra.mil/PDFS/cbw_news_FDHS_130923.pdf . 26 November 2013 .
  2. Web site: Manning. Lt. Col. Rob. Army Civilians praised for expertise in support of U.N. mission. 6 January 2014 . U.S. Army. 16 January 2014.
  3. News: Michael R. Gordon. Gordon. Michael R.. Plan for Ridding Syria of Chemical Arms Includes Brute Force and Chemistry. 17 January 2014. New York Times. 5 October 2013.
  4. News: UK to help United States destroy Syrian chemical weapons faster. 13 January 2014. Reuters. 13 January 2014.
  5. News: Syria: UK To Aid Chemical Weapons Destruction. 10 April 2017. Sky News. 13 January 2014.