Deep Submergence Rated Flexible Hoses and Piping System Connectors

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 FlexiHOSE© 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 FlexiHOSE©. 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 FlexiHOSE© 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.