mSCWO For On-Site Complete Destruction Of Air Force Hazardous Waste Stockpiles

The DoD needs innovative waste management technologies to protect the warfighter and support Line of Effort 2: Readiness. Traditional landfilling and incineration methods are ineffective against “emerging contaminants” such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In fact, DAF is prohibited from incinerating PFAS-laden waste, so inventory is being stockpiled awaiting effective disposal. Technologies are being developed, but few can handle high concentrations, mixed contaminants, slurries and liquids. Some even generate hazardous byproducts from incomplete degradation. Industrial super critical water oxidation (SCWO) completely degrades a wide range of inorganics, organics, and biologicals. SCWO has been used for disposal of energetics for decades. AxNano is commercializing mSCWO - a robust, mobile unit for on-site, non-incineration destruction of wastes with high concentrations of emerging contaminants (EC). This AFWERX Phase 1 will evaluate the feasibility of mSCWO for on-site destruction of stockpiled DAF wastes containing high concentrations of PFAS, including aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). To use SCWO for treatment of DAF PFAS waste, R&D is needed to increase throughput and mobilize for on-site use.  Program objectives are to test value propositions of mSCWO for DAF stakeholders, map the DAF contracting process for mSCWO adoption; and establish a Work Plan for pilot testing mSCWO.