Inactive

A key aspect of maintaining the Navy Nuclear fleet is understanding, in as much detail as possible, the material condition of the propulsion plant. The more accurately this is known the better mainten... A key aspect of maintaining the Navy Nuclear fleet is understanding, in as much detail as possible, the material condition of the propulsion plant. The more accurately this is known the better maintenance activities can be planned to optimize for reduced costs and shorter maintenance periods. Current techniques rely on a combination of invasive (methods that require changes to the plant – i.e. removing insulation or coatings, changing temperatures or pressures, disconnecting electrical power, etc.) and non-invasive methods. Non-invasive or less invasive methods are always preferred as they allow the conditions to be determined while operating or with reduced effort when shut down. Problem Statement: Better methods to determine plant material conditions are being sought. These include, but are not limited to: • New non-destructive inspection technologies that can be easily deployed with minimal ship or crew impact • In-situ sensors and interpretive software algorithms that can read component or material condition in real time while operating • Self-diagnosing equipment • Technologies to allow isolation of select components or systems or maintenance without impacting the balance of the plant • Inspection and/or maintenance technologies that function properly at high temperatures and pressures and within a radiation field. • Automated robotic inspection technologies with localized control systems Pre-Proposal Conference: Question & Answer Session A pre-proposal conference will be conducted to discuss the proposed work area and answer any questions with respect to the project on: • May 16, 2022, at 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST Contact Anne Roth to sign up to attend the Pre-Proposal Conference (Q&A session).