Development of a simulation model for an Army chemical munition disposal facility

The U.S. Army is in the process of disposing of its stockpile of obsolete chemical weapons. A simulation model has been developed to help identify facility operational strategies that may increase the number of munitions or the quantity of chemical agent processed over an extended period of time. It is also used to assess the potential effects of proposed plant modifications and alternative process configurations on plant performance, schedule, and operating costs prior to their implementation. A new customized graphical user interface to the simulation model has been developed to overcome software limitations and enhance the model system. This allows more rapid and complete assessments by a variety of users at different facilities.