| ATKINS & PEARCE, INC.
One Braid Way Covington, KY 41017 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(859) 512-2795
Mr. Jeramie Lawson SOCOM 08-002 Awarded: 05/01/08 |
| Title: | Deep Submergence Rated Flexible Hoses and Piping System Connectors |
| Abstract: | Connecting deep submergence systems (submarines) in the field can be a dangerous and difficult task. The rigid piping systems used today have little flexibility to accommodate for variations in connection points and differences in tolerances between vessels. Atkins & Pearce, a 200 year old textile processing company, has developed a technology that uses a multi-layered approach to create a high pressure hose that is extremely flexible. Inspired by the human body, A&P's technology uses a braided substrate in conjunction with high strength reinforcement rings. Taking existing technology and expertise in the field of fiber science, A&P developed the innovated concept of using compression resistant coils to withstand external pressures and a braided sub-structure to contain internal pressures. A&P's technology combines burst protection, compression resistance, flexibility, and the ability to attach to a variety of connection points. The system can eliminate unnecessary spare parts and make the job of connecting Deep Submergence Systems easier and safer. Potential civilian applications include offshore oil platforms, deep-sea science research and other underwater systems. |
| MEI-CHARLTON, INC.
7220 North Lombard St Portland, OR 97203 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(503) 228-4065
Dr. A Sharma SOCOM 08-002 Awarded: 05/01/08 |
| Title: | Deep Submergence Rated Flexible Hoses and Piping System Connectors |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing flex hoses for hydraulic and other piping system interfaces that can withstand high pressure environments, hydrodynamic, and other forces unique to deep submergence system operating environments. This hose and connecter system coined FlexiHOSEc proposed by MEI-Charlton, Inc. (MEIC) will meet the need of operating under deep submergence operating environments with extreme hydrostatic and dynamic pressures. This will be achieved by both design optimization and material choice in engineering the hose and connector system proposed here. A super alloy braid sandwiched within polymer layers will be the basis of the FlexiHOSEc. The desired properties of the selected materials are high strength, high impact toughness and fracture toughness to tolerate the high level of stresses generated due to high internal pressure vary from 1 atmosphere up to 4,500 PSI.. The mockup prototype flexible hoses proposed here will range between one foot to ten feet in length, and from 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter (inner). The hoses will be designed to contain hydraulic fluid or diver quality air. The hoses proposed here will be able to withstand pressure differentials (internal to external) of up to 6,500 PSI (threshold) and 7,000 PSI (objective). In addition to accommodate the external pressure variations the hoses design will withstand pressure differentials (external to internal) of 1,000 PSI (threshold) and 1,100 PSI (objective). The hose ends will be standard nine inch bolted flange connections with a single O-Ring and the hose flange connections will rotate freely relative to the hose body. The proposed FlexiHOSEc products when in use will allow navy to overcome the necessity of current piping and connectors to adapt to varying configurations and tolerances on different host platforms, and hence overcoming the use of rigid piping systems and connectors that are known to create difficulties when installing or moving Deep Submergence Systems from one host ship to another. |
| ACELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
835 Stewart Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94085 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(408) 745-1188
Dr. Xinlin P. Qing SOCOM 08-003 Awarded: 05/13/08 |
| Title: | Embedded Sensor System to Provide Superior Structural Health Monitoring of Fairing Panels |
| Abstract: | Swimmer delivery systems, externally mounted on submarines, are subject to hydrodynamic flow and irregular wave-slap loads. These result in unsteady, alternating impacts that can damage exposed surfaces. It is important to track the cumulative stresses imposed on the fairing panels to provide operators with a sense of the remaining service life of the panels. Fairing Panel failure could be catastrophic to operations. Since surface mounted sensors can become damaged or dislodged during normal operational use, there is a need to develop a reliable, durable embedded sensor system. In order to be able to make accurate measurements from embedded sensors, these challenges must be dealt with: (1) Sensor movement during the manufacture of composite, (2) Survivability to high temperature/high pressure composite manufacturing environments, (3) Compatibility of composite materials and sensors, and (4) Ability to make "measurement calibrations" to compensate for the effect of 3-D stresses. In this proposal, Acellent will address and overcome all of the major challenges faced for embedding stress/strain sensors within Fairing Panel composites. Acellent's unique "SMART Layer" technology has been demonstrated to securely embed sensors, keeping them from moving, during the cure of composites. This advanced technical ability will be used as a basis for this development. |
| LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC.
1 Riverside CircleSuite 400 Roanoke, VA 24016 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(540) 552-5128
Dr. Thomas Plaisted SOCOM 08-003 Awarded: 05/13/08 |
| Title: | Distributed Sensing System for Health Monitoring of Deep Submergence Vehicles |
| Abstract: | Deep submergence vehicles must perform in demanding marine environments to safely and effectively carry out special operations. These vehicles are subjected to damaging hydrodynamic and wave impact loading that may weaken or fail the structure. Luna Innovations proposes a distributed health monitoring system to monitor localized strain and damage within the vehicle's structure and predict its remaining service life. The embedded sensing system promises to integrate seamlessly within existing vehicle structure and/or within the manufacturing processes of future composite marine structures. The sensing system will be small and light and will have no damaging effect on the mechanical properties of the material being monitored. The sensor system will provide unmatched resolution to accurately measure the strain throughout the entire structure and pinpoint the presence of damage before it compromises the structure's integrity. Composite durability testing will be carried out to develop material specific prognostic models and algorithms to provide operators with data on the loading history and predictions of the remaining service life. |
| SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC.
2151 Las Palmas Drive Suite C Carlsbad, CA 92011 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(760) 268-0083
Dr. Sanjay V. Patel SOCOM 08-005 Awarded: 05/06/08 |
| Title: | Speciation, Identification and Quantification of Atmospheric Gases |
| Abstract: | Accurate speciation and measurement of the composition of air environments in Navy submersibles is vital to crew safety and health. This proposal focuses on the development of a detection system specifically for collection, speciation, identification and quantification of gas phase chemicals found aboard submersibles. The proposed hybrid sensor system will be approximately 1/10 the size and cost of traditional bench top analytical instruments and will be capable of unmanned sample collection and battery-powered operation without compressed gas. We believe no single chemical detector technology will be able to serve the solicited detection requirements. The proposed system will utilize multiple sensor technologies to meet the requirements of the solicitation, including chemicapacitive, metal-oxide, and electrochemical sensors integrated with a preconcentration/chromatography system; thus combining selectivity from a diverse array of sensors with a miniature sampling system for amplified sensitivity. Specific components include: a vapor collection pump, a gas sampling loop, sample preconcentrator capable of quick heating and in stages, capillary column for separating chemicals released from the preconcentrator, providing selectivity, integrated array of chemical sensors including chemoselective chemicapacitors, chemiresistive metal-oxides, and electrochemical sensors, and integrated touch screen computer. |
| SENSOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
17 Godfrey Drive Orono, ME 04473 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(207) 866-0100
Mr. Brent Marquis SOCOM 08-005 Awarded: 05/06/08 |
| Title: | Lightweight, Compact Atmospheric Gas Sensor |
| Abstract: | SRD will develop a miniaturized atmospheric gas sensor array and design a gas analyzer (sensor analyzer module, SAM) capable of accurately detecting and autonomously monitoring critical atmospheric gases in enclosed spaces. In this Phase I effort, SRD will use its current, existing technology (miniaturized sensor platform, proprietary SMO sensor coatings and advanced signal processing algorithms) and make appropriate engineering modifications to meet the environmental background challenges specified by the solicitation. O2, CO2, CO and TCA will be detected and identified in real-time, in a continuous monitoring mode at pressures ranging from 1 to 6 ATM, temperatures of 32 to 105 degrees F, and a wide range of humidity. The low power requirement of the sensor array and supporting electronics will lead to rapid development of a lightweight, portable, waterproof atmospheric SAM, suitable for environmental monitoring and atmospheric control applications aboard small submersible vessels, within piping systems or adapted for use in atmospheric monitoring and control of UBAs. The portable gas analyzer will be used as an autonomous real-time gas monitor with the option of linking multiple analyzers together with wireless communication to create a distributed environmental gas monitoring network. |
| SYNKERA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2021 Miller Dr.Suite B Longmont, CO 80501 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(720) 494-8401
Ms. Debra J. Deininger SOCOM 08-005 Awarded: 05/05/08 |
| Title: | Lightweight, Compact Atmospheric Gas Sensor |
| Abstract: | The objective of the SBIR project is to develop a lightweight and compact atmospheric and trace gas sensors that can be safely used within the Scope of Certification boundary to provide real-time monitoring of CO2, O2 and trace contaminant levels in manned compartments or within piping systems onboard submersibles. .Synkera has extensive experience at development of sensor technologies for industrial health and safety, air quality and process control applications. Synkera proposes to adapt its family of sensor technologies based upon chemiresistive, electrochemical and acoustic mechanisms to meet the needs identified in SOCOM topic 08-005. Synkera's toxic gas sensors have been shown to detect ppb levels of a wide range of atmospheric contaminants, and are robust and reliable. The proposed analyzer will utilize sensors based upon advances in materials chemistry, nanotechnology and ceramic micromachining to exceed the performance available from state of the art commercial devices. |