Explore the development of alternatives to traditional

ECW piping system interfaces through the application
of novel interface concepts and the use of advanced
material solutions to minimize maintenance and life
cycle costs, time required and level of effort
associated with movement and rearrangement of
these shipboard piping systems.

  Description:   A significant cost component of maintenance and life-

cycle costs for hull, mechanical and electrical
systems is the need for hot-work when a piece of
equipment is moved or rearranged within a space
onboard Navy ships. When equipment is moved,
associated piping is typically rerouted. This requires
new, welded or brazed pipe connections, the
installation of new pipe hangers and the cutting,
grinding and repainting associated with removal of
the existing pipe hangers. The overall process is both
time consuming and can be expensive. In addition,
this work often requires a full Ship Alteration
(SHIPALT), which includes a two year planning
period, followed by a three to six month change-out
and since it must be accomplished in a shipyard, the
availability of the ship is directly affected. This topic
seeks to explore the development of innovative, non-
traditional concepts to enable flexibility in the
installation, relocation or re-routing of ECW piping
runs in an attempt to reduce labor and material costs
typically associated with these types of changes.
Total escalated life-cycle cost of a conventional ECW
System is estimated at over $4 Million. Across
multiple compartments within one ship and
considering entire classes of ships, the cost savings
could be significant. Proposed concepts will be
required to meet existing Navy shock qualifications
for piping (see references). Meeting these shock
 requirements represents the most significant
challenge associated with designing a shipboard,
flexible piping solution. Proposed concepts should
eliminate the need for hot work (welding, brazing,
cutting and grinding) while meeting all referenced
shipboard standards and requirements (see
references below). In addition, concepts should
eliminate the need for a SHIPALT by removing the
need for hot work (welding, brazing, cutting and
grinding) and causing minimal disruption to the ship.
The concepts should allow this work to be performed
via Equipment Alteration (Machinery Alterations, Field
Changes, etc), which do not require the extensive
planning and change-out period associated with and
are less expensive than SHIPALTs. In addition, by
performing piping change-outs via Equipment
Alteration vice SHIPALTs, the ship’s availability is
increased since it does not have to return to a
shipyard for this work to be performed. Proposed
concepts should focus on electronic cooling water
piping applications. Current shipboard pipe sizes
range from a 2 inch main to a ½ inch supply line. The
temperature range for this piping is from 40 to 105
degrees Fahrenheit and the pressure range is from
10 to 150 lb/sq. in. If successful, there is a possibility
that the proposed flexible piping solution could be
used for potable water piping in the future.

   PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the

development of innovative, non-traditional
approaches to eliminate the need for welding and/or
hot work and meet current Navy standards and
requirements. Establish performance goals of the
approach. Provide a Phase II development approach
and schedule that contains discrete milestones for
 product development.

   PHASE II: Develop a prototype of the proposed

Phase I concept(s). In a laboratory environment,
validate the performance goals identified in Phase I.
Provide manpower, cost-savings and performance
metrics. Prepare an implementation and test plan that
contains discrete milestones for product development
for the purposes of obtaining necessary certifications
for shipyard and/or manufacturing sector
implementation.

   PHASE III: Utilizing the concept(s) developed during

Phase I and Phase II, work with Navy and industry to
approve and certify the proposed concept for use in
Navy applications and then transition this technology
to existing and future surface combatant systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/

   DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The commercial

shipping industry may find the same cost reduction
benefits in the use of these piping interfaces.

  References:   The following references are available through

ASSIST (https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/):
1. MIL-S-901: Grade “A” Shock Testing

2. MIL-STD-167-1: Mechanical Vibrations of

Shipboard Equipment

3. MIL-STD-2142: Magnetic Silencing Characteristics

4. MIL-STD-1399-300: Interface Standard for

Shipboard Systems, Electric Power Alternating
Current (Metric)

5. MIL-STD-1310G: Navy Standard for Grounding

 6. MIL-E-16400: General Specification for Electronic,
Interior Communication and Navigation Equipment,
Naval Ship and Shore

7. MIL-W-21965: General Specification for Water

Cooling of Shipboard Electronic Equipment

8. MIL-H-24520: Hose and Hose Assembly for Water

Cooling of Electronic Equipment

9. MIL-STD-438: Schedule of Piping, Valves, Fittings

and Associated Piping Components for Submarine
Service

10. MIL-STD-777: Schedule of Piping Valves, Fittings

and Associated Piping Components for Surface Ships

Keywords:   electronic cooling water systems; piping; fittings;

interfaces; arrangements; open systems;