Thursday May 22, 2014
What is it?
The Field Deployable Hydrolysis System (FDHS) is a transportable, high throughput neutralization system designed to breakdown chemical warfare agents into compounds not usable as weapons. The FDHS takes three hours to destroy 99.9 percent of the chemicals pumped into its tank, a standard set by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). When running at its peak, the FDHS can destroy up to 25 tons of chemical weapons per day, depending on the agent.
The integrated teamwork from partners across the Department of Defense has enabled the world to embark on an unprecedented mission. Two FDHS units have been installed on the MV Cape Ray in order to accomplish an international mission to eliminate Syria’s chemical agent stockpile.
What has the Army done?
The U.S. developed the hydrolysis method over 30 years ago to destroy its own chemical weapons stockpile, as required under the 1997 CWC. Previously, the technology was used in large, static destruction facilities. The FDHS has opened a new mobile destruction platform for the U.S. Army.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
Currently, four FDHS systems have been completed with plans to produce an additional three systems. These units will be incorporated into the Chemical Biological Defense Program Portfolio and will be available to deploy when a need arises to destroy chemical weapon stockpiles.
Why is this important to the Army?
The development of the FDHS will keep chemical weapons out of the hands of potentially hostile terrorists for use against U.S. service members and allied forces. This ground breaking solution represents a mobile capability that was previously only available in static form. The development of FDHS to deal with a real-world problem in Syria demonstrates the power of interagency collaboration, resourcefulness and flexibility.
Resources:
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