Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:
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Minimum annual:
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$ 350 K
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Minimum 15 Year:
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$ 5,250 K
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| It has been determined that a composite ball can provide improved performance especially against corrosion. A standard drawing for these balls has been developed. Testing in saltwater is ongoing. A Business Case Analysis (BCA)will be performed in the near future. The Navy is looking at the fabrication process to see if the production price can be reduced. The valve ball is currently planned for use in CVN-78 and DDG-1000 (forward fit). A backfit decision will result after the BCA is complete. |
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Problem:
| For a variety of reasons, current metal ball valves, located in the salt-water firemain system, are corroding and leaking. The current approved composite valve is expensive, unavailable, and possibly non-conforming. New ship designs require the lighter weights offered by composites, as long as they meet other requirements. |
Solution:
| Qualify a new composite ball valve product that shows great promise of meeting all of the Navy's requirements. Various sizes will be tested for shock, vibration, flame, smoke and toxicity, and other basic requirements. This will require a matrix of multiple tests. |
Fleet Impact:
| Reduced maintenance by elimination of piping/component replacement due to corrosion. Improve readiness of firemain system and reduced surrounding corrosion damage caused by leaking salt water. Reduce ship's weight (reduction at each fire station). Also applicable in the flushing and CHT systems. |
Applications:
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