Field Deployable Hydrolysis System

The Field Deployable Hydrolysis System (FDHS) is a transportable, high throughput neutralization system developed by the U.S. Army designed to convert 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 and Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) subject matter experts led the effort, in partnership with the United States Army Chemical Materials Agency, to construct a functional FDHS prototype.^[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 are deployed on the MV Cape Ray (T-AKR-9679) to assist with the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.^[2] They are the "centerpiece" of the disarmament effort.^[3]

References

1. "The Field Deployable Hydrolysis System" (PDF). CBIRR News. Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. 1 (8 (Special Edition)). August 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.