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Current decontamination methods used by maintenance personnel result in exposure to dangerous chemicals and pose disposal problems.

We propose to develop and prototype a state-of-the-art automated cleaning system for weapons components, with applicability to aviation, transportation and other industry applications.  Using surface chemistry modeling methods and analysis of existing component substrates, and considering specific contaminants of each component, HPC computer modeling will pre-determine the chemical agents required to affect optimum cleaning with minimal waste generation.  The prototype cleaning system will be capable of mixing the precisely determined chemical solutions designed to break down the specific hazardous substances on contaminated, reusable components.  What we call the “C5” Unit (Chemical Composition Cleaner for Contaminated Components) will employ techniques such as high voltage ionization, phased plasma and/or ultrasonic principles, coupled with applicators, attachments, or enclosures designed specific to user needs. 

A prototype portable, on-site hazardous waste treatment system will be developed; utilizing the onboard chemical elements and/or heat, this unit will completely neutralize or effectively reduce known byproducts generated by the cleaning phase.  (The vehicle may vary dependent on specific industry/component requirements). This will further reduce personnel exposure (for example, in the case of torpedo cleaning, by eliminating the requirement for worker-staffed deep sinks and manual hazmat-grit removal) and waste generation. 

We will test the prototype and analyze by-product levels to meet EPA safe levels.

This project currently seeks commercial and Department of Defense participants with an interest in aerospace; heavy equipment/auto repair; military aircraft/ship/mechanized overhaul and weapon turn-around facilities.

For additional information contact:

NCMS Program Manager, Jeff Walker, jeffw@ncms.org (360) 782-1370, or Heidi Hottinger, heidi@ncms.org (360) 782-1370

The safe disposal of retired naval vessels poses a huge environmental challenge.

This project will provide alternative green metal cutting methods for use during vessel disposal to reduce metal fume emissions in full compliance with Washington State and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency opacity requirements, Federal Clean Water Act, and to reduce costs during the cut-up phases of aircraft carrier disposals.

Several technologies will be evaluated as potential replacements for oxy-fuel cutting. Abrasive Water-jet cutting, inert gas, laser, mechanical cutting, and machining are potential replacement methods.  Process improvement methods will also be evaluated in an effort to control emissions from both oxy-fuel and other traditional cutting methods. Each possible replacement or improvement comes with its own unique set of problems and challenges to overcome. These challenges include efficiency, hazardous waste by-products, and other safety and environmental issues.

This project currently seeks commercial and Department of Defense participants with an interest in the disposal of naval vessels.

For additional information contact:

NCMS Program Manager, Dana Ellis, danae@ncms.org (360) 782-1370

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"A self-starter…with tenacious drive, and ability to 'get it done.' "These traits were only a few of those identified in the Letter of Appreciation presented to Emily Oliphant, NCMS West's first Intern, in appreciation of her six-week internship in Bremerton, WA.

The newly implemented Internship Program developed out of a need recognized by Doyle Maleche, Senior Program Manager (NCMS West).

"An Internship Program really has three facets," Maleche stated.  "First, there's the involvement of our organization with the community – in this case, we are formally partnered with Olympic College in Bremerton." Second, as stated in the NCMS Internship Program Employee Handbook, this well-defined short-term work/learning experience assists students, former military, and other community members prepare for a chosen career field, and gain real-world insight into the workplace.  Finally, the well-chosen intern can provide valuable assistance to a project at little to no cost, and potentially lay the path for a future NCMS recruit when need arises.  The Internship Program also provides a path to hiring former military members with active security clearances for short-term, low-cost support of specific Department of Defense projects.

Oliphant, as a former employee of Navy Region Northwest Security with system-specific knowledge, was able to provide extensive assistance in the performance of NCMS West's Video Surveillance Camera Assessment.  She also used her network administration expertise (recently recognized with completion of a Bachelor of Science in Network and Communication Management) to develop and program databases, providing rapid reports for the project customer, a valuable contribution to the Assessment.  On completion of her Internship, Oliphant accepted a position in federal service at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton.

NCMS recently held an exclusive technology event at the Barstow Marine Corp Logistics Base.  A dozen NCMS member companies displayed project technology throughout the base for maintenance personnel.  Maintenance Center Commander Colonel Dale Johnson III was pleased with the technology innovations highlighted during the event.

Project technologies on display included:

• Electrical Wire Integrity System (EWIS), a wiring technology quickly detects and locates wiring defects on a variety of cable and wire types.  EWIS has been recognized with Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award, which honors outstanding team performance to promote systematic process improvement and helps publicize best practices throughout the Air Force and the 2006 Defense Manufacturing Excellence Award which recognizes outstanding cooperative efforts on technology development between government, industry and academia.
• Kinetic Spray Metal Deposition a process which helps prevent corrosion and repair vehicle components.  This project won a 2007 Defense Manufacturing Excellence Award.
• Centralized Fleet Automated Management System (CFAMS) which reduces industrial vehicle maintenance costs, improving fleet mission readiness, increasing material handling productivity and the consequential velocity of critical warfighter supplies, and improving worker safety.  
• Handheld Fluid Analyzer a portable, hand-held analytical tools which provides a lab-quality assessment suitable for real-time in-field use, to help implement condition based maintenance on a wide variety of vehicles.

In addition to Barstow maintainers, Department of Defense personnel from the Albany Marine Corp Logistics Base (MCLB), The Tobyhanna Army Depot, The Defense Contract Management Analysis (DMCA) Industrial Analysis Center, and Office of the Secretary of Defense participated.

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