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• Advanced Process Systems

Advanced Process Systems Division

Minimization and disposal of hazardous wastes is a serious concern. The Advanced Process Systems Division (APS) of GA has developed advanced process systems to destroy any organic wastes (Hazardous Waste Destruction) and to destroy conventional and chemical munitions (Demilitarization). The APS is also investigating New Technologies to convert plastic wastes, trash, and biomass into usable power and to produce fuels from algae to reduce our dependence on foreign fuel supplies. The Division has 25 years’ experience developing new technologies for real-world use by both civilian and military customers.

Demilitarzation

Cryofracture GA has combined its experience in robotic engineering, process control technology, and cryogenics to develop the Cryofracture process for disposing of every type of chemical munition in the U.S. stockpile and most conventional munition types as well.

Incineration Incineration is a proven method of oxidizing organic materials.  Most incinerators operate at high temperatures to increase the rate of the oxidation process.  Treatment of offgases from incinerators is necessary for pollution abatement.

Neutralization General Atomics has designed a number of neutralization systems for demilitarization of rockets and difficult munitions.

Cryocycle The cryocycling process developed by General Atomics is a method of demilitarization that involves subjecting solid propellants to repeated thermal cycles between ambient and cryogenic temperatures.

New Technologies

Vitracycle General Atomics has developed a new process called Vitracycle that replaces the inefficient electrically powered plasma arc with a torch that is sustained by recycling the carbon in the waste until it is converted to syngas.

Fuels and Power General Atomics has for many years explored ways to recover energy from plastic wastes, trash, and biomass in a realistic and environmentally responsible manner.

Bio-Fuels Research has shown that algae can produce enormous quantities of bio-oils.  Thus, bio-diesel derived from algae has the potential to provide an affordable, assured domestic supply of fuel.

Hazardous Waste Destruction

Supercritical Water Oxidation SCWO takes advantage of the unique properties exhibited by water when used above its critical point, 705°F and 3210 psig, to destroy hazardous wastes.

Solids Processing Dunnage and non-process materials accompanying munitions operations, including packing materials, wood munition pallets and associated metal scrap, personnel protection suits with gloves and boots, plastic bags, used filter carbon, waste oils, and used hydraulic fluids are selectively processed for disposal operations.

Salt Waste Processing Salt Waste Processing concentrates and separates highly radioactive waste constituents [principally actinides (alpha-particle emitters), long lived strontium (beta-particle emitter) and cesium (gamma-ray emitter)] from dilute salt-waste solutions that will be pumped from SRS high level waste tanks.

Contact Information: William Davison Vice President, Advanced Process Systems Division William.Davison@ga.com