Ball milling, also known as mechanochemical destruction (MCD), is a novel treatment method that can destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by exploiting the mechanical energy induced by high velocity ball-to-ball and ball-to-surface collisions within reaction vessels. The objectives of the technology validation program include establishing the scalability of MCD as an effective PFAS destruction technique for PFAS-laden solids, with a focus on impacted soil originating from firefighting training sites. Furthermore, this project will also include an in-depth feasibility study encompassing operational aspects, technology optimization at pilot-scale, and system implementation.

Benchtop experiments have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of MCD to destroy a plethora of PFAS across a range of substrates and environmental media. Using Environmental Decontamination Limited’s larger-scale MCD reactors, it is envisaged that the outcomes of the project will sufficiently profile a scalable technological solution for the destruction of PFAS in soils at requisite throughput rates. Successful outcomes include achieving set remediation goals in soil for semi-continuous flow pilot trials (20 up to 200 kg) followed by continuous flow pilot trials (approximately 1,000 kg treated at 500 kg to 2,000 kg per hour processing flowrate). In all trials, the effectiveness of the MCD technique will be determined by analyzing the impacted media before and after treatment, employing a targeted and non-targeted analytical approach. Potential air emissions from the reactors will also be evaluated.

Much of this development work will lead to ‘first of its kind’ innovations and findings for nonthermal PFAS destruction, and subsequently, early adoption advantages. The capital expenditure and operational expenditure requirements for ball milling systems are significantly lower relative to existing thermal destruction technologies. Mobile plants and/or centralized facilities can be engineered for on-site or off-site treatment of impacted media as the design of the system is entirely scalable to the needs of current PFAS challenges. Following the successful outcomes of this project, the MCD technology can be realistically installed for operational field-testing within 12 months. Such advancements in large-scale PFAS remediation and destruction will contribute to sustainment of force readiness and the operational capacity of the defense industrial base, preventing disruptions to production and supply chains. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2026)