TECH TRANSFER NEWS
May 1999
Navy Looking for Answers
(4/30/99) Our readers may be able to help the Navy solve an ongoing
problem. Shipboard watertight doors (WTD) have handles that, when not being used, are
stowed in the vertical direction. The handles are held there in place by spring metal
clamps. Some of these WTDs are operated hundreds of times a day. Unfortunately, the clamps
being used can corrode, lose their spring (which causes the handles to fall down and block
the doorway) or simply break off. The MTTC is looking for a replacement for these clips.
They do not have to be made of metal, but, if they are metal, they must be able to
withstand the salt-water environment. If you have a product or an idea that we could
propose to the Navy, please call or email Dick Gilbert at the numbers at the bottom of
this page.
Next Meeting of the Technical Advisory Board (TAB)
(4/30/99) As announced at the April Board, the next TAB meeting will
be held October 13, 1999 at MTTC. Time and location to be announced.
Lynx Motor Update
(4/30/99) While U.S. Navy and Naval contractors are still expressing
strong interest in using the Lynx Motor in a variety of applications, no contracts have
yet been issued. Lynx has continued its expansion in the commercial arena. They recently
signed contracts with NASA and Boeing to produce a prototype motor that may eventually
replace the hydrazine auxiliary power unit on the space shuttle. They have completed
production of the first 10-inch diameter motor that is associated with their Department of
Energy SBIR contracts. Lynx is conducting negotiations with a large number of potential
users ranging from transportation to home appliances.
ASNE Symposium
(4/30/99) The MTTC has been selected to give a paper at the
bi-annual American Society of Naval Engineers Fleet Maintenance Symposium. This year it
will be held on October 26 – 27 in Virginia Beach, VA.
MTTC Fleet Maintenance Projects
(04/30/99) The Project Status is as follows:
S086501: Superbolt. Testing is complete. NAVSEA is preparing to
issue a fleet advisory approving the use in most applications. USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, USS
JOHN STENNIS and USS ENTERPRISE have gone to sea with Superbolts installed under a waiver.
S086502. Portable Chlorinator. Suitcase unit is designed and under
construction. COMNAVSURFLANT has identified the USS CARR as the test ship. Shipchecks have
been conducted and modifications will be installed during an upcoming drydocking. A 6-12
month test period is envisioned.
S086503. Lynx Motor. The Lynx Motor shock test will probably be
delayed until later in 1999 when a steel-cased motor becomes available.
S086504. Watertight Door Hinge Replacement. Approved at the January
13, 1999 meeting of the Office of Naval Research Working Group. Contract discussions are
ongoing with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock. NAVSEA has estimated that this
new hinge pin set will save $10M annually in maintenance costs. The new pin sets will be
subjected to accelerated cycle testing to verify performance before introduction into
52,000 fleet doors. This is a Secretary of the Navy high interest item. Contract is
imminent.
S086505. Heat Exchanger Descaler. Approved on January 13, 1999. This
commercially- available system will be tested and approved for shipboard use. This will
permit emergent maintenance and eliminate the need for costly removal/reinstallation of
heat exchangers in order to deliver them ashore. An estimated $4M/year cost avoidance is
forecast. Contract is imminent.
S086506. "EURONAVY" Bilge Paint Qualification. Approved on
January 13, 1999. MTTC will be teaming with NAVSEA and the Fleet Commands to qualify this
new epoxy paint for use in ship bilges. This is a Secretary of the Navy high interest item
and should be complete by September 1999. A savings of $6 million per year has been
projected. Contract is imminent.
S086507. Topside Connector Corrosion Protection. Approved on January
13, 1999. MTTC will qualify several re-enterable connector covers for shipboard use. The
use of these materials will minimize connector corrosion and result in greater electronic
system reliability and reduced maintenance. NAVSEA and Raychem, Inc. are currently
developing a test plan.
New Project. Fast Track. K-Flex E Co. MTTC will
evaluate test section of this new material on USS Rushmore. BBN, Inc. will conduct a
baseline assessment prior to ship depoyment in June 1999. When the Rushmore returns,
the installation will be re-evaluated. If approved, larger savings in production
costs will be realized.
January 13, 1999 Board also approved procurement of VHF
antennas for shipboard testing. NAVSEA is currently analyzing available antenna systems
for operational effectiveness. CINCLANTFLT has proposed the use of the USS MOUNT WHITNEY
for at-sea testing. The board also authorized the FMTTC to continue discussions with
NAVSEA on the National Surface Treatment Center. FMTTC is awaiting a decision from NAVSEA
regarding the establishment of the NSTC as an approved MANTECH project.
Call
for More Information...
For additional news or information
about opportunities involving technology transfer, contact Dick Gilbert or Dave
Goddard at (502)367-2186. |
