Decontamination Systems for the Belgian Armed Forces: Kärcher Futuretech Delivers the Material Earlier Than Planned
16 January 2007
Winnenden – In order to take action against the consequences of a possible NBC threat, the Belgian Armed Forces are now equipped with the most modern and flexible decontamination devices from Kärcher Futuretech. In a European tender, Kärcher Futuretech asserted itself against strong competitors – the project in the area of NBC protection systems, which was realised in cooperation with Kärcher N.V. (Benelux), was in fact successfully finished a year earlier than planned. In the middle of December, the last MOSDM decontamination system found its way to Namur in Belgium – Kärcher Futuretech started the delivery of a total of four complete systems (each one consisting of four containers) to the Kingdom of Belgium in June 2006.
The 'Modulaire Ontsmeettingsysteem / Système de Décontamination Modulaire,' ('MOSDM'), forms the basis for the thorough decontamination after an attack involving NBC weapons or after the release of toxic/hazardous materials of industrial origin. An MOSDM consists of two containers equipped with the most modern decontamination systems (DFL 4000 and DSC-B) and two water transport containers (WSC 10) for the storage of water of drinking water quality.
This highly mobile system is transported on four powerful vehicles and is thus ready for operation within shortest time. Loading and unloading of the flatrack is carried out by means of the hydraulic hook lift system of the ALC vehicles (Autonomous Load Carriers). The Belgian soldiers could assure themselves of the advantages of this system for the first time during a two-week training course carried out by Kärcher N.V. Manager Koen van Looken at the 'Genie School' in Namur. "The users were very enthusiastic about the great flexibility and easy operation as well as the system's large range of application," reports the Belgian project leader. The multi-functional decontamination system was ready to be presented to King Albert II and the general public in the traditional military parade in Brussels on the Belgian national holiday (in July 2006).
DETAILS
The performance spectrum of the MOSDM covers the following main tasks:
- Decontamination of persons
- Decontamination of personal equipment
- Decontamination of vehicles
- Decontamination of delimited road sections
The complete system contains three MOSDM-F units which can be used flexibly. They are designed for the physical cleaning, i.e. for removing of coarse, visible, contaminated dirt. If needed, these units can be taken out of the containers and even transported by helicopter to the desired place, where they can be operated independently. An MOSDM-F includes two MPDS (hot-water high-pressure cleaner), two high-pressure hose reels, spray lances, hot-water high-pressure hoses and fire hoses.
In addition, the equipment includes an MOSDM-C module. This device is just as mobile and flexible as the MOSDM-F units, but is used for chemical decontamination. It comprises the AMGDS system (module for the application of GDS 2000), which is able to apply non-aqueous decontamination agents. Using the integrated EDADS (Electric Direct Application and Decontamination System), aqueous emulsions and suspensions can be produced and applied.
MPDS
For the pre-treatment and post-treatment of vehicles with the application of high pressure or hot steam, and for the decontamination of clothing and equipment. This is treated with steam at a pre-heated temperature of more than 200°C and boiled out in a special boil-out container. The water output of the MPDS ranges between 340L and 1,450L per hour at an adjustable pressure of up to 60bar.
EDADS
For the decontamination of vehicles and road sections. The quantity of emulsion applied is 3,300L per hour. For the decontamination of terrain sections, up to 7,200kg of suspension can be produced and applied per hour.
AMGDS 2000
Highly modern device for the decontamination of vehicles and road sections. It was designed and built for the application of non-aqueous solutions. The output ranges between 60L and 480L per hour. The system pressure can be adjusted. The device can be used for the application of decontamination agent GDS 2000 which is listed under NATO stock number 6850-12-366-1321 and stands out due to the following characteristics:
GDS 2000
- Manufactured industrially
- Available ready for use
- Fulfils the requirements of water pollution class 1 (low hazard to water)
- Biologically degradable
A heated, inflatable tent system is used for the quick decontamination of persons. This tent system has three separate tent modules: a tent for dressing, a tent for undressing and a shower tent. The inflatable decontamination tent is used for the decontamination of equipment. All tent modules are inflated or deflated by means of the electrical blower supplied.
The DFL 4000 container (Decon Flatrack, 4,000L) represents the core of the complete system. It has a strong electrical power generator which supplies the crane and the other aggregates with electrical energy. In addition, the front third of the container is equipped with an insulated 4,000L water tank made of stainless steel. This tank is heated through a compact high-performance heat exchanger which uses the heat coming from the engine to carry out this function.
In order for the system to clean also large vehicles, it has an integrated, 16m long hydraulic crane with a basket. This crane provides a working height of up to 16m. Furthermore, the container includes an MOSDM-C and an MOSDM-F unit. The system can be operated set down on the ground as well as on the truck (even during travel).
The DSC-B container (Decon System, Container B) serves among other things as an equipment container. It has an autonomous power supply system and two MOSDM-F modules. This container, which is equipped with six large folding doors, safely accommodates the KFH 20 field heater, the complete tent system and various modules such as the foldable tanks and shower units.
The two identical WSC 10 containers (Water Supply Container, 10 m³) are described as water transport containers and make the storage of drinking water possible. This system has a tank with a capacity of 10,000L and supplies the complete system with water. The containers are equipped with an independent power supply system and heating elements which prevent the stored water from freezing. The high-performance water pumps deliver the water efficiently. The electrical power generators can be driven with the doors closed to ensure low-noise operation.
Due to the high flexibility of the system, the decontamination of vehicles can be accomplished using two different devices: by means of the AMGDS, which uses the innovative, ready-made GDS 2000 decontamination agent, or alternatively, be means of the EDADS decontamination system, which uses Di 60 or TDE 202 emulsion. The two modules can of course also apply other decon agents in use with the Belgian Armed Forces.
The maximum water capacity of the system is 48,000L. This capacity is not only reached thanks to the rigid tanks, but also by means of eight extremely flexible foldable tanks with a volume of 3,000L each.
The same versatility is ensured for the decontamination of road sections. The necessary water reserve can be extended from 4,000L to 14,000L when the operation is carried out during driving. This is achieved by combining a truck with flatrack and a water transport container. There is no limit to the length of this operation if one of the water transport containers is refilled while the other one is in use.
