Submarine Repair & Maintenance Cold Spray Solutions
The first US Navy submarine launched in 1861. Over 600 more Navy subs have launched since, with another 60 planned over the next couple of decades.
Submarine use is not limited to the Navy, though. There are also submarines in use for research, the offshore marine industry, commercial ventures, and some privately owned.
These submarines will eventually need repair for hull and propulsion corrosion or damage regardless of their purpose.
Submarine Repair Challenges
Submarine repair backlogs have cost billions of dollars and years of lost sailing time. A lack of shipyard space exacerbates the issue. Most private shipyards set up for construction lack maintenance facilities and procedures, especially for submarines.
Typical submarine repair and maintenance can take up to two years to complete. Delays in that schedule result in the submarine needing to repeat dive qualifications after being out of service for these extended periods.
VRC’s Solutions for Submarine Repair
Using VRC Metal Systems’ high pressure cold spray (HPCS) technology is part of the solution to this complicated submarine repair and maintenance puzzle.
- Several of these systems are already in use at some Naval Shipyards, with other site certifications underway.
- The portability of VRC Metal Systems’ cold spray equipment allows for “pop-up” production cells and shortened, agile technology implementation.
- Highly corrosion-resistant metals/alloys can be deposited onto carbon steel, aluminum, and other materials. Choices are available between galvanically similar coatings, more noble, or more sacrificial coatings.
- With no thickness limitation, dimensional variances due to corrosion or gouging can be corrected in place, eliminating component replacements.
- The bonding mechanism combines mechanical interlocking with metallurgical bonding from a high degree of re-crystallization at highly strained particle interfaces resulting in a positive impact on fatigue and mechanical strength of the coating.
- Application of composite blends increases resistance to wear and abrasion from the effects of cavitation erosion or other forces.
- Due to the rapidity of the cold spray application process, there is no oxide formation or combustion product entrapment, preventing corrosion from developing between substrate and coating layers, even with substrate pitting or substrate impurities.
- HPCS deposits are highly consolidated, strongly bonded to the substrate, and have compressive residual stresses. This shields the underlying part from corrosive agents and helps prevent surface crack formation and growth.
VRC Metal Systems is trusted by government organizations and reputable institutions worldwide. With VRC’s High-Pressure Cold Spray systems, you receive expert on-site implementation and maintenance support from highly-trained staff.
If you’re interested in a cost-effective solution for your submarine repairs and maintenance request a quote, and one of our Sales Engineers will contact you.
Contact VRC Metal Systems today to find out how cold spray technologies can support your building repair and maintenance needs.
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