Technicians are evaluating Metal Parts Treater systems in preparation for a full-system demonstration.

“The two Metal Parts Treaters will be some of the most frequently used equipment within the plant, thermally treating projectile bodies, metal components remaining from rocket processing, and other waste materials,” said Scott Winters, staff start-up specialist, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. “We are making sure each of their systems is fully functional and validating their operating procedures before we test them as a whole.”

Experts tested the equipment’s electromagnetic fields, are looking for hot spots with a thermal sensor while the system is operating, and are introducing super-heated steam to further test functions, Winters said. Nitrogen was introduced to the plant in January to support Metal Parts Treater testing, and the nitrogen system performed satisfactorily in blanketing oxygen in the system to prevent combustion.

“As we go through the operating procedures, we make changes as we find things that need to be adjusted, both to the equipment and to the procedures,” Winters said. “We need to ensure everything operates smoothly to destroy the aging chemical weapons and keep our community safe.”

The next steps for the Metal Parts Treaters will be to run trays that will carry projectile bodies through the process and then perform the formal systemization demonstration procedure in late spring or early summer.