Submarine Emulsified and Mixed Hydraulic Oil Cleaning, Filtration and Reuse Aboard Ship

Hydraulic and lubricating fluids provide critical functionality for Los Angeles Class Attack Submarines. Submarine hydraulic systems continuously experience salt water intrusion that results in contamination of hydraulic fluid and leads to component failures. Our objective is to develop a commercially-viable, lightweight Portable Filtration Unit (PFU) capable of restoring hydraulic fluid to better than new condition for use aboard LA Class Submarines. Two PFUs, consisting of Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) components, will be constructed and tested. Improvements in the filter media to reduce submicron particle contamination will be investigated. Laboratory tests of the PFUs and field tests conducted on-board submarines will be completed. The proposed portable filtration unit will extend the life of mixed hydraulic and lubrication oils used aboard submarines and prevent equipment and component failures.