A Compact System for Shipboard Pipe Reinforcement

Typical piping joint designs in the fuel systems of Navy ships are susceptible to weakening due to poor inherent weld quality and localized corrosion. The current composite patches and other processes that represent the state-of-the-art for reinforcement weakened areas are expensive; difficult and potentially hazardous to install; and not durable. Our novel solution to reinforce weld joints and other difficult-to-access areas in fuel system piping is our Compact Repair System (CRS). We have adapted a conventional welding process currently used for large-scale manufacturing and miniaturized the technology to facilitate material addition for reinforcement. Our CRS is ideally suited to portable systems for shipboard pipe reinforcement applications. During the Phase I project, we successfully developed and demonstrated that our proof-of-concept CRS produces excellent reinforcement of weakened joints with a pressure rating far in excess of the Navy’s requirements. In addition, we developed a preliminary design of the CRS as springboard for the Phase II project. During Phase II, we will complete the system design, fabricate a prototype, complete testing at Creare and at an on-site location to be determined by the Navy, and work with the Navy and our product-based sister company, Edare, to transition the technology.