Marines Test New Energy-Efficient Weapon in the War on Trash
ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) — In collaboration with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Marines at Camp Smith, Hawaii, are currently testing an innovative trash disposal system. This advanced system effectively reduces a standard 50-gallon bag of waste into just a half-pint jar of harmless ash.
Called the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS), the unit is currently undergoing evaluation by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC). It may be a possible solution to help Marines win their daily battle against the increasing trash at remote forward operating bases (FOB).
Lt. Col. Mike Jernigan, a dedicated Marine combat engineer who recently commanded a logistics battalion in Afghanistan, expressed that waste disposal in the field is a significant and ongoing problem. This issue can greatly impact both morale and operational efficiency. He highlighted the challenges faced by troops when it comes to managing waste in remote areas. In such locations, access to proper disposal facilities is severely limited. Jernigan emphasized that improper waste management not only poses environmental hazards but also affects the health and safety of the personnel involved. The accumulation of waste can attract pests and lead to unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, he noted the critical need for innovative solutions to address this persistent issue. This would ensure that soldiers can focus on their primary missions without the additional burden of waste management concerns.
Options: Burn or Bury It
“Right now, we have two main options. We can burn it or bury it,” Jernigan said. “Any potential solution must reduce security and logistics concerns regarding trash disposal. Additionally, it should help the environment. This is important. Ultimately, that’s a good outcome for the Marine Corps.”
MAGS is both environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. A controlled decomposition process, which thermally converts energy from biomass is the key to MAGS’ effectiveness. Additionally, “The system essentially bakes the trash and recovers a high portion of combustible gas byproduct, which is used to fuel the process,” said Donn Murakami, the MARFORPAC science adviser who leads the Marine Corps’ evaluation team.
Program Under Environmental Quality
Developed under the Environmental Quality, Discovery and Invention program at ONR and in collaboration with the Canada’s Department of National Defence. For MAGS was definitely designed to meet the need for a compact, solid-waste disposal system for both ships and also shore facilities.
“Decades ago, the idea of harvesting energy from trash was just a side show in the environmental movement,” said Steve McElvany, the MAGS program officer at ONR. “Now, the technology is mature enough to where the Department of the Navy is seriously evaluating its practical and tactical benefits.”
The energy-efficient and clean-burning properties of MAGS make it attractive to expeditionary units. It has a low carbon footprint, and emissions are not visible, which is a tactical plus. Waste heat can also be used for practical purposes, such as heating living quarters or water.
“What we are doing for FOBs can be applied to schools, hospitals, or an office building,” Murakami said. “We are talking about disposing of our waste in a different manner, rather than just sending it to the landfill. This means implementing innovative waste management systems that focus on recycling and reusing materials, thereby minimizing our ecological footprint. By collaborating with local governments and organizations, we can create tailored solutions that enhance environmental sustainability in various sectors. It’s about fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness among individuals and institutions. This approach encourages them to think critically about how they manage resources in their facilities.”
Testing of Marine MAGS Trash Gasification
We will test MAGS through March. This provides valuable insights into its performance and capabilities. As we gather more data, we can refine our approach. We will improve the system’s effectiveness. Next summer, phase three of the evaluation starts. It will also focus on the system’s expeditionary aspect at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii. There, we will run a series of comprehensive field tests. This phase aims to evaluate MAGS in various environmental conditions and operational scenarios. It also ensures that we meet the rigorous demands of modern military operations. By tackling realistic challenges in diverse terrain, we hope to find areas for improvement and innovation.
MAGS is an exemplary illustration of how ONR energy programs are significantly contributing to the Department of the Navy’s efforts to meet its strategic ashore energy goal. By investing in innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the Navy is actively working towards producing at least 50 percent of its installation energy requirements; essentially from only alternative sources by 2020. This ambitious target not only aims to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, but additionally to enhance energy security, improve resilience against disruptions, and furthermore support environmental sustainability. Moreover, the implementation of these energy programs reflects the Navy’s commitment to leading the way in renewable energy adoption. As a result, the Navy is driving forward a cleaner, more efficient energy future. This ensures operational effectiveness and readiness.
ONR drives the science and technology that sustains the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological edge. It leads in science and technology through its affiliates, engaging in 50 states and 70 countries. Furthermore, ONR collaborates with 1,035 institutions of higher learning and also 914 industry partners. The organization employs about 1,400 people, including uniformed, civilian, and contract personnel. Additionally, more employees work at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
Source:
US Navy, Story #, NNS111115-14 Release Date: 11/15/2011 4:09:00 PM
For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit www.navy.mil/local/onr/.
