Plant..included a new approach to chemical warefare agent
elimination
Bechtel-led project wins top excellence award
VIRGINIA, US, November 21, 2014
Bechtel, a leading engineering, project management and construction company, said its project team at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant won the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ 2014 Engineering and Construction Award.
Bechtel, along with URS, Battelle Memorial Institute, and General Physics, is designing, building, and starting up the facility that will safely destroy a stockpile of chemical weapons currently in storage at the US Army Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado, said a statement.
The Bechtel Pueblo Team was recognised for successfully completing the design and construction of the plant, which included a new approach to chemical warfare agent elimination.
As an alternative to incineration, the plant will chemically neutralise the mustard agent and use microbes to consume the secondary waste, known as hydrolysate.
Rick Holmes, project manager, said: “The team brought an innovative approach to safely solving a complex problem. They worked with the government and the community to develop a new way to accomplish the mission of destroying chemical weapons.”
The AIChE award recognises teams or individuals for achievement in the design and construction of process plants or improvements based on the project’s contribution impact, magnitude of challenges, and innovation and technical creativity.
Craig Myler, chief engineer for Process and Nuclear Engineering, said: “The plant’s design and construction are the result of substantial teamwork and technical accomplishment. The new treatment process integrates with existing safety measures that address mustard agent, propellants, high explosives, and other hazards. It’s important work for the nation and for the world.” - TradeArabia News Service