CTMA Project #: 110417
Problem:Prior to application of new coatings, paints, sealants, and adhesives, coatings should be removed, and the substrate should be properly cleaned and prepared. Current processes of needle gunning and sand blasting are often messy, environmentally unfriendly and inefficient.
Solution/Approach: Atmospheric Plasma Solutions (APS) will be demonstrating their Atmospheric Plasma Coating Removal (APCR) technology at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard to effectively clean identified samples which will serve to evaluate efficacy of the process. At the direction and recommendation of the Norfolk team, the evaluation will be performed on:
- A variety of steel test panels coated with commonly used Navy marine coatings that are applied to shipboard substrates.
- Evaluations will include several shops and trades at the yard.
The difference in cleanliness and profile from abrasive blasting or other current used removal methods will be compared with results from plasma blasting.
Benefit: Atmospheric Plasma technology will remove paint, sealants, adhesives, and other coatings quicker and more thoroughly than current coating removal solutions, which will ultimately lead to shorter repair times. Atmospheric Plasma technology will not have a negative impact on the substrate, whereas needle gunning and sand blasting normally damage the substrate. The Atmospheric Plasma pen is much lighter and more ergonomic than a needle gun.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Reduce risks, time and costs
- Increase worker safety
- Improve warfighter readiness
DOD Participation:
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Industry Participation:
- Atmospheric Plasma Solutions
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost Savings
- Repair Turn-Around Time
- Safety
- Improved Readiness
Focus Area:
- Coatings and Corrosion Prevention
