Date of Award

3-14-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Tay W. Johannes, PhD.

Abstract

Solid waste is generated in mass quantities at forward deployed locations due to their temporary nature. Current handling practices are inefficient and wasteful, and do not reuse the energy inherently available in the waste. This research identifies potential energy, convoy, and casualty reductions that can be realized through the use of waste-to-energy (WTE) at contingency locations. It identifies typical variance expected in the solid waste stream and illustrates decision factors for determining the type of WTE technology that is best suited for a particular situation. A statistical analysis was conducted on the waste streams of five contingency bases to determine energy content of a typical sample at any location for WTE planning purposes. Energy and risk reduction was calculated and a decision tree was developed to allow personnel to choose a technology type that would best suit their waste disposal needs. Results indicate that variability in the waste stream significantly affects results of each analysis and that the typical sample energy content from the entire waste stream is much lower than either of the other waste streams.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-14-M-05

DTIC Accession Number

ADA599359

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