Home > News Centre > DLO and QinetiQ help Royal Navy lead the world in environmentally-responsible waste management systems
20 October 05
DLO and QinetiQ help Royal Navy lead the world in environmentally-responsible waste management systems
Waste project manager, Caroline Day, views central system for pyrolysis technology
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The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Royal Navy are fast becoming leaders in the field of environmentally-responsible waste management, thanks to leading-edge technologies being developed by QinetiQ in conjunction with the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO).
Advanced waste treatment equipments, developed by QinetiQ, are currently being trialled onboard the Frigate HMS Grafton and Aircraft Carrier HMS Illustrious. These equipments form integral parts of the fully Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS), which is the first system of its kind to combine innovative waste disposal technologies, to provide a complete solution for the safe and environmentally friendly destruction of all ships' generated wastes.
Emerging global environmental legislation, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) means that, in future, ships wastes will have to be offloaded at port for land disposal, or be treated onboard to achieve strict new environmental targets.
QinetiQ's IWMS allows ships to operate for up to six weeks without having to discharge waste materials, helping to dramatically cut back on port and harbour offload costs. IWMS has also been designed to minimise manual intervention in waste handling, significantly improving health and safety standards.
The technology works by using a sophisticated membrane bio-reactor to treat and recycle all sewage, showers and laundry waste. This produces clear and safe water which can be discharged into the sea or re-used for washing and other functions. State of the art incinerator technology is also used to ensure that waste emissions are less toxic than other existing waste management systems.
Another waste management technology is based on pyrolysis, a thermal destruction technique that is far more advanced than incineration. QinetiQ, with Bristol based company Compact Power, has developed an 'on board' pyrolysis system which will comply with emerging MARPOL legislation, and NATO future emission targets. It will reduce reliance on shore side facilities and time spent in port to offload stored waste. It will also require less manpower resources and free up valuable on-board storage space. If sea trials planned for 2007 are successful, the system is likely to become the standard solid waste disposal technique for all RN surface ships. Additionally research into Microwave technology has the potential to resolve the issue of food waste at sea which will have considerable benefit to operations in the littoral.
MOD spokesman, Captain Bob Rusbridger, said, "Flexible global reach unconstrained by environmental legislation is a key driver of both Foreign and UK Defence Policies. In view of ever more stringent environmental legislation being introduced, an opportunity now exists to ensure our legacy and future platforms remain compliant. The equipment programme will also improve operational capability and reduce drudgery for the crew. "
QinetiQ DLO Account Manager Sarah Kenny said: "It's a sobering thought that so much of the waste discharged at sea can take so long to bio-degrade. Orange peels can take between six months and two years to decay, while aluminium soft drinks can takes 50 to 100 years. QinetiQ is proud to have collaborated with the DLO to help the Royal Navy act responsibly and well ahead of international environmental legislation."
Advanced waste treatment equipments, developed by QinetiQ, are currently being trialled onboard the Frigate HMS Grafton and Aircraft Carrier HMS Illustrious. These equipments form integral parts of the fully Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS), which is the first system of its kind to combine innovative waste disposal technologies, to provide a complete solution for the safe and environmentally friendly destruction of all ships' generated wastes.
Emerging global environmental legislation, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) means that, in future, ships wastes will have to be offloaded at port for land disposal, or be treated onboard to achieve strict new environmental targets.
QinetiQ's IWMS allows ships to operate for up to six weeks without having to discharge waste materials, helping to dramatically cut back on port and harbour offload costs. IWMS has also been designed to minimise manual intervention in waste handling, significantly improving health and safety standards.
The technology works by using a sophisticated membrane bio-reactor to treat and recycle all sewage, showers and laundry waste. This produces clear and safe water which can be discharged into the sea or re-used for washing and other functions. State of the art incinerator technology is also used to ensure that waste emissions are less toxic than other existing waste management systems.
Another waste management technology is based on pyrolysis, a thermal destruction technique that is far more advanced than incineration. QinetiQ, with Bristol based company Compact Power, has developed an 'on board' pyrolysis system which will comply with emerging MARPOL legislation, and NATO future emission targets. It will reduce reliance on shore side facilities and time spent in port to offload stored waste. It will also require less manpower resources and free up valuable on-board storage space. If sea trials planned for 2007 are successful, the system is likely to become the standard solid waste disposal technique for all RN surface ships. Additionally research into Microwave technology has the potential to resolve the issue of food waste at sea which will have considerable benefit to operations in the littoral.
MOD spokesman, Captain Bob Rusbridger, said, "Flexible global reach unconstrained by environmental legislation is a key driver of both Foreign and UK Defence Policies. In view of ever more stringent environmental legislation being introduced, an opportunity now exists to ensure our legacy and future platforms remain compliant. The equipment programme will also improve operational capability and reduce drudgery for the crew. "
QinetiQ DLO Account Manager Sarah Kenny said: "It's a sobering thought that so much of the waste discharged at sea can take so long to bio-degrade. Orange peels can take between six months and two years to decay, while aluminium soft drinks can takes 50 to 100 years. QinetiQ is proud to have collaborated with the DLO to help the Royal Navy act responsibly and well ahead of international environmental legislation."
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