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Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)
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      Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)


      Mission: Destroy Chemical Weapons Stockpile

      Vision: Chemical Weapons Free by 2023

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Washout System Tested for Optimal Performance

Published: July 28, 2017 | Category: PCAPP News, Technology
A robotic arm places a munition into a Cavity Access Machine (CAM) during training exercises at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. CAMs, which are a part of the Munitions Washout System, wash out chemical agent from munition bodies with high-pressure, hot water.

A robotic arm places a munition into a Cavity Access Machine (CAM) during training exercises at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. CAMs, which are a part of the Munitions Washout System, wash out chemical agent from munition bodies with high-pressure, hot water.

Experts at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant are optimizing the Munitions Washout System and completing a process required by pilot test demonstrations.

“The goal of optimization is to identify the best conditions to completely and efficiently rinse munitions before feeding to the Munitions Treatment Unit,” said Rick Holmes, project manager, Bechtel Pueblo Team. “Technicians are looking at munition rotation, rinse pressure and time to establish sustainable and maintainable operations.”

The testing, which began in early June, consists of varying time, pressure and rotation to optimize the munition washout process. Test conditions are compared against design conditions, said John Jackson, plant support specialist, PCAPP.

Munitions were tested with washout times between 70 seconds to 140 seconds, at pressures between 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi) and 6,500 psi, with or without rotation. Each munition was weighed after the rinse. The munitions were then washed under design conditions and weighed again. After, the weights were compared and if there was no variation, the munition passed, Jackson said.

“The lower the pressure of the rinse, the less wear and tear on the equipment,” said Jackson. “Our objective is to minimize toxic area entries by technicians for equipment maintenance and equipment down time.”

Holmes said the testing has also shown the munitions do not need to be rotated to get an effective rinse.

Before pilot testing began, first-of-a-kind equipment testing was performed off site to determine an initial design for washout conditions. Design conditions were established at 7,500 psi, with a washout duration of 140 seconds with rotation, said Jackson.

Plant technicians are currently validating the results from the optimization testing and will then conduct a four-hour run.

Validation must be complete before the initiation of Integrated Facility Demonstrations, during which the plant will run at full capacity and emissions will be monitored, Jackson said.

More PCAPP Technology Articles

  • Attention to Detail Prevents System Clogs

    Attention to Detail Prevents System Clogs

    Published: March 23, 2021
  • Innovative Solution Reduces Problematic Munitions

    Innovative Solution Reduces Problematic Munitions

    Published: March 4, 2021
  • Pueblo Plant Upgrades Closed-Circuit Camera System

    Pueblo Plant Upgrades Closed-Circuit Camera System

    Published: February 10, 2021
  • Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Automation Specialist Wendell Savage teaches the Training Facility robot about the new Drained Munition Weight Station. Later, the lessons were applied to the plant’s Munitions Washout System.

    Pueblo Plant Worker Instrumental in Campaign Success

    Published: February 2, 2021
  • Static Detonation Chamber Units Begin Testing

    Static Detonation Chamber Units Begin Testing

    Published: December 22, 2020
  • Workers Reconfigure Equipment for Next Destruction Campaign

    Workers Reconfigure Equipment for Next Destruction Campaign

    Published: November 30, 2020
PCAPP Equipment

Related PCAPP News

  • Antistatic Gear Improves Safety

    Antistatic Gear Improves Safety

    September 20, 2018
  • Heel Test Anticipates Plant Washout System Failures

    Heel Test Anticipates Plant Washout System Failures

    February 28, 2017
  • Solution Devised for Over-Pressurized Rounds

    Solution Devised for Over-Pressurized Rounds

    February 17, 2017
  • Heating Technique to Eliminate Residual Chemical Agent

    Heating Technique to Eliminate Residual Chemical Agent

    April 5, 2016
  • Pueblo Plant Uses Present-Day Technologies to Clean up the Past

    Pueblo Plant Uses Present-Day Technologies to Clean up the Past

    February 17, 2016

Related Videos

  • Pueblo Plant Control Room Prepares for Operations

    Pueblo Plant Control Room Prepares for Operations

    January 13, 2016
  • Overpacked Pallets Carry the Load

    Overpacked Pallets Carry the Load

    March 15, 2015
  • Modified Ammunition Vehicles Ensure Safe Transportation of Chemical Weapons

    Modified Ammunition Vehicles Ensure Safe Transportation of Chemical Weapons

    September 9, 2014
  • PCAPP Projectile/Mortar Disassembly Systems

    PCAPP Projectile/Mortar Disassembly Systems

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  • Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Self-Operating Vehicles

    Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Self-Operating Vehicles

    September 30, 2013

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Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)