Automated Non-Destructive Foam Sense and Control Unit

To address the Navys need for a foam detection and mitigation in sewage vacuum collection, holding and transfer (VCHT) tank, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance development of the Automated Non Destructive Foam Sense and Control Unit (DEFOAM) proven feasible in Phase I. During Phase I and Option, POC theoretically and experimentally established the feasibility of the DEFOAM technology to detect and mitigate foam in a mild steel tank with representative waste-water. Our study on equipment safety, and maintenance requirements proved that the DEFOAM system will be able to prevent foam spills onto the weather deck, thus improving crew safety and health while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Phase II is now a straightforward optimization and engineering effort to produce a mature technology readiness level 5/6 DEFOAM prototype and test it in a laboratory environment for performance metrics. Safety hazards will be evaluated and system acquisition, daily operation and maintenance costs will be refined. Phase II will produce interface control documents and installation methods for integration with select platforms for field-testing, to be performed in Phase III. Manufacturing processes for DEFOAM along with Phase III plans for full certifications, engineering and regulatory documentation, and pre-productization will also be developed.