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neutralized in caustic. The energetic (fuel) is also drained and neutralized in caustic. This process is known as hydrolysis, and the resulting chemical compounds are known as hydrolysates. Another parallel step is that the aluminum missile body needs to be thinly sliced and dissolved in caustic. The three hydrolysates are then held to ensure agent destruction before being transferred to the next treatment step. Neutralization: The next step is the neutralization of the hydrolysates. This involves using a special mixture of HCl, H 2 SO 4 , and H 3 PO 4 acids. The neutralization step is very exothermic and results in a solution that contains a high level of aluminum hydroxide, precipitated salts, and unquantified substances. A good portion of this chemistry was developed and filter-tested at Oberlin's headquarters. Filtration: This step is accomplished by the automatic pressure filter, which was chosen for its simplicity in mechanical function, its need for minimal operator intervention/safety due to its automatic dry-solids discharge operation, and its ability to provide flexible media selections. The clean filtrate is expected to have TSS around 8 to 20 mg/L (0.45 micron membrane) and an NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit) of 3 to 20. The filtrate was visually clear. The media selected was a 1-micron absolute DuPont Soloflo. The solids filter cake is 25-mm thick with a moisture content of 45 to 50 percent. Organic Destruction: The final step utilizes the SCWO process, taking the filtrate from the automatic pressure filter and breaking it down into the basic components of CO 2 , water, and salts. This is accomplished by operating above the supercritical point of water at >3200 psi and >700°F where water exhibits unique properties and where organic compounds are quickly converted to carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen. Milwaukee's Water Cluster: A Global Health Steward The role that Oberlin Filter plays in the d e c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d disarmament of chemical nerve agent weapons is crucial in providing a safe, reliable, and precise filtration step during the destruction process. It also exemplifies the work that Water Council members are doing to create a safer environment for all, addressing a broad range of global water challenges through the development and deployment of innovative technologies — such as filters that disarm chemical weapons. wateronline.com ■ Water Innovations Dean Amhaus has served as the first president and CEO of The Water Council since March 2010. The Council seeks to grow the Milwaukee region into a world hub for water research, education, and economic development. Amhaus holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a B.S. in business from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Thomas Ausloos has spent the last 28 years at Oberlin Filter Company, where he is currently VP of marketing and product development. He holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. About The Author 36 INDUSTRIALWASTEWATER