The objective of this project is to validate the efficacy of a plasma vortex (PV) technology for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates through field demonstration trials without the addition of chemicals. The project aims to achieve the following specific goals as criteria for successful validation:

1. Achieve >99.99% Destruction and Mineralization: Demonstrate that the PV technology can effectively destroy and mineralize more than 99.99% of the total PFAS present in undiluted AFFF concentrates.
2. Operate in a Closed-loop System: Ensure that the PV reactor operates in a closed-loop recirculation mode under vacuum pressure to prevent the release of PFAS-containing gases into the environment during operation.
3. Reverse Osmosis (RO) polishing: Demonstrate removal of any residual PFAS and production of direct dischargeable effluent after RO polishing (final effluent having PFAS concentrations that are non-detectable or below federal drinking water limits).
4. Cost-Effective Processing: Provide a treatment-train solution at a cost per unit volume comparable to that of high-temperature incineration and disposal at hazardous waste landfill sites.

 

To achieve the aforementioned objective and specific goals, this project consists of the following technical tasks:

• Conduct bench-scale laboratory experiments that will evaluate and optimize PFAS destruction efficiency with undiluted AFFF concentrates.
• Identify host site and produce a project schedule outlining the scope of AFFF formulations to be tested.
• Execute field AFFF destruction field trials.
• Begin transitioning the technology to the Department of Defense (DoD) and broader remediation community.

The benefits of this technology, if demonstrated successfully, include reduced total costs and improved destruction of current-use and legacy AFFF concentrates. The technical knowledge gained through this demonstration project will provide strong evidence for the cost and performance of the PV technology accelerating the adoption by the DoD to further strengthen the DoD’s operational readiness and ensure the warfighters are prepared. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)