ABL Smart Piping System for Containment and Control of Highly Corrosive and Hazardous Chemicals

During this program, multifunctional (smart) piping system technology will be developed for used on the Airborne Laser (ABL). This system, which was demonstrated in phase I, has a multifunctional design with integrated containment and leak detection functionality. The smart piping system design uses lightweight materials in conjunction with integrated sensors to achieve an advanced lightweight piping system that detects leak progression of toxic and corrosive chemicals. The smart piping system will benefit the ABL by protecting its personnel and weapon system from the highly toxic and hazardous laser chemicals. Literature shows that exposure to chlorine gas at concentrations of 40-60 ppm is very dangerous and that exposure at concentrations of 1000 ppm will cause death after a few breaths. Another corrosive gas used in the ABL laser is ammonia gas which may be explosion under the right conditions, especially in confined spaces and if exposed to a intense energy source such as static discharge. Chlorine gas can be highly corrosive to aluminum and titanium structure, as well as, electronic circuitry. Phase I demonstrated that the smart pipe was 32% lighter over the baseline tubing (Hasteloy C-276). During phase II, further weight reduction will be achieved through design exploration and optimization.