Acoustic, Thermal and Fire Insulation System Navy SBIR FY2004.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.3 Topic No.: N04-221 Topic Title: Acoustic, Thermal and Fire Insulation System Proposal No.: N043-221-0 Firm: Tech 21, LLC 301 W. Airline Hwy., Ste 100 La Place, Louisiana 70068 Contact: Morris Meyer Phone: (985) 651-2911 Abstract: In recent years, significant strides have vastly improved the potential for spray on insulation systems that will help to abate airborne noise on Surface Ships. The optimal insulation will provide high acoustic absorption, airborne transmission loss and structural damping along with the requisite thermal/fire/condensation protection. Our objective is to exhibit improved acoustic characteristics through a liquid ceramic thermal insulation that provides NAVSEA approved condensation control. Combine this product with a tested fire retardant product that also displays damping capabilities. These products will produce a multi-modal or composite layered liquid applied barrier. This coating combination is safe, light weight and produces very little smoke. The concept will use proven ceramic micro-sphere technology that we have developed and designed over a 14 year period. The blending of micro spheres in a safe, light weight waterborne matrix has been accepted for use by industry and manufacturing in a wide array of circumstances. TECH 21 research will investigate how these products can be combined for maximum results. The conclusion will yield a method of blending and installation that will reduce handling, weight and installation costs. We will explore the incorporation of this system into the N98-092 JERICHO program and SNAME's Design Guide 3.37. Benefits: This multi-modal insulation solution, with an emphasis on noise damping, would offer numerous benefits to vessels for both commercial and government applications. The ability to custom insulate each ships space in accordance with need and personnel requirements would create the effect of a quieter vessel that is easier to maintain and better insulated against noise, thermal conditions, condensation and fire. All products being considered will be tested for their impact on absorption, acoustic radiation, acceptance, damping and airborne transmission loss characteristics using a standard 8' X 8' X �" thick bulkhead built in accordance with ASTM E-90. These products are water soluble and spray applied offering many advantages. The coatings will take up less space than conventional insulation, adhere to the surface that they treat or protect, cover and conform more completely, are easily repairable and are light weight in nature. Because this system adheres to the surface being treated, it significantly reduces corrosion under insulation. Unlike conventional mass insulations, they will not harbor mold, mildew pathogens, rodents or insects between the insulation and the ships surface. Following design completion, the product(s) will be tested using ASTM E-84, Flame Spread and Smoke; D-3359 Adhesion; D-882 Tensile Strength & Adhesion and pH. These combined improvements are needed on private and government vessels alike. The issues become more pronounced with the advent of the growing interest in cruise ships which carry numerous private passengers and with the expanding computer and technological advances on all ships. A ship that is dryer with reduced condensation and is easier to maintain will offer many advantages over existing installations of loose lagging and mass insulation without significant condensation control or fire protection. The weight savings alone will be quite substantial for all types of ships assuming that this system replaces currently applied ships interior coatings. Return