CTMA Project #: 142248
Problem: Innovation at the public United States (U.S.) naval shipyards is lagging behind that of other repair facilities. For example, paint and coatings are removed from small areas by hand-held pneumatic jackhammers called “needle guns” or “scalers,” in preparation for inspections or welding. Needle gun processes are inefficient, produce waste, and tie up skilled workers needed for important tasks, delaying the operational availability of Navy assets.
Solution/Approach: The objective of this project is to leverage commercial developments in maintenance and sustainment coating removal technologies to the benefit of U.S. commercial industry by deploying Atmospheric Plasma Coating Removal (APCR) systems across backlogged Department of Defense (DOD) maintenance and sustainment facilities. The process for using APCR systems known as “Plasma Blast” only requires three steps and take a total of fifteen minutes to obtain an even cleaner surface; a mere 6% of current total process time associated with needle guns.
Benefit: This project will advance state-of-the-art coating removal technology available to the public while reducing DOD costs, improving weapon system/platform operational availabilities, increasing weapon systems reliability, improving military logistical support efficiency and effectiveness, and improving maintainer proficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Enhance mission readiness
- Increase safety and productivity
- Decrease maintenance and sustainment costs
DOD Participation:
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard
- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD)
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport
- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Patuxent River
- Marine Corps Logistics Repair Depot Albany
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Industry Participation:
- Atmospheric Plasma Solutions, Inc. (APS)
- NCMS
