OPTIMAL DISH WASHING WITHOUT GRAYWATER

Technology International Incorporated (TII) shall investigate concepts and techniques to acquire the scientific knowledge and understanding necessary for development of shipboard dishwashing technologies for cleaning dishes to an acceptable level without the generation of wastewater, or production of secondary waste streams. A waterless dishwasher would reduce graywater generatino by over 25 percent, the size and cost of subsequent treatment systems, and the overall freshwater requirement. Increase in the graywater holding time without treatment is invaluable in Navy operations. Preliminary concepts include pulsating supersonic jets or ultrasonic nozzles, using hot streams of air or steam. In addition to thermal techniques, mechanical and chemical means will be considered for a complete dishwashing process. Agents for scrubbing, degreasing, collection of food and cleaning residues, or sanitization may be required. Trade studies will be performed to select the most promising technology. A proof-of-concept (POC) bench-scale test of the leading concepts will be conducted to examine the potential of new components or novel techniques which have yet to be proven. The outcome of the test will be an estimate of the feasibility of the selected technology. The final conceptual design will be the basis for development of the breadboard in Phase II.