The safe disposal of retired naval vessels poses a huge environmental challenge.
This project will provide alternative green metal cutting methods for use during vessel disposal to reduce metal fume emissions in full compliance with Washington State and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency opacity requirements, Federal Clean Water Act, and to reduce costs during the cut-up phases of aircraft carrier disposals.
Several technologies will be evaluated as potential replacements for oxy-fuel cutting. Abrasive Water-jet cutting, inert gas, laser, mechanical cutting, and machining are potential replacement methods. Process improvement methods will also be evaluated in an effort to control emissions from both oxy-fuel and other traditional cutting methods. Each possible replacement or improvement comes with its own unique set of problems and challenges to overcome. These challenges include efficiency, hazardous waste by-products, and other safety and environmental issues.
This project currently seeks commercial and Department of Defense participants with an interest in the disposal of naval vessels.
For additional information contact:
NCMS Program Manager, Dana Ellis, danae@ncms.org (360) 782-1370
