Military Base Camps (dBBR)

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Military Base Camps – Deployable Baffled Bioreactor (dBBR)  

An advanced, deployable treatment developed for the Army’s base camps, including forward operating bases (FOBs) and longer-term installations

Why dBBR for Military?

While maintaining the same level of operational capabilities and readiness, the dBBR reduces supply line susceptibility from threat forces by minimizing logistics requirements through reclamation. It allows for increased flexibility in base camp operations through modular, scalable, sustainable and adaptable designs. By utilizing existing facilities (where available), plus improved adaptable designs, it allows for decreased construction and deconstruction requirements. In addition, the improved operations require less Soldier, civilian or contractor oversight and support. The use of dBBR also improves base environment and health of Soldiers.

dBBR Design

The dBBR is an easily transported, internally modified 20’ shipping container. It requires minimal maintenance and easy-to-follow start up and troubleshooting instructions. The system is extremely versatile and it’s 3kW maximum power requirement allow it to operate on a standard 110V circuit or on its own internal generator with 10 gallons of fuel consumption per day. Plus, the unit can be incorporated into existing plants or function as the centerpiece around which an installation’s wastewater treatment functions are based. The scalable technology allows for multiple systems to be operated simultaneously to address changes in base population.

dBBR Fits Current and Future Military Goals

The dBBR meets Force Multiplying Effects as defined by TRADOC Pamphlet 525-7-7 Army Base Camps in Full Spectrum Operation for the Future Modular Force 2015-2024 (December 7, 2009) as follows:

•     Reduced supply line susceptibility from threat forces by minimizing logistics requirements while maintaining the same level of operational capabilities and readiness.

•     Increased flexibility in base camps operations through modular, scalable, sustainable, and adaptable designs.

•     Decreased construction and deconstruction requirements through improved, standardized, adaptable designs and using existing facilities where possible.

•     Improved operations requiring less Soldier, civilian, or contractor oversight and support.

The Sustainable, Full Spectrum Contingency Operations Gap Assessment (ERDC/CERL SR-08-13, August 2008) suggests that the primary sustainability objective should be to minimize the amount of water transported to base camps due to it’s cost  – $15.30 per gallon.  The literature went on to suggest that, because the cost is mostly attributable to transportation security, this objective can best be achieved by implementing technologies for onsite treatment and reuse.  Furthermore, these technologies should be:

•     Deployable

•     Expandable

•     Durable

•     Simple

•     Energy Efficient

dBBR for Limited Access Areas

In areas where wastewater treatment is necessary, but access is hindered due to current infrastructure circumstances, the dBBR is a viable option. These instances include natural disaster areas, humanitarian missions, temporary construction sites and areas with seasonal variations in population.

System upgrades are coming soon and include solar energy compatibility and potable water production using wastewater.