Automated Non-Destructive Foam Sense and Control Unit Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Topic No.: N122-131 Topic Title: Automated Non-Destructive Foam Sense and Control Unit Proposal No.: N122-131-0653 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Products and Engineering Division 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Samuel Nieva Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a defoaming system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Automated Non-Destructive Foam Sense and Control Unit (DEFOAM) based on a novel low- and high-power ultrasonic detection and mitigation technique. The novelty of POC's DEFOAM system lies in its multi-transducer beamforming approach, which results in a nonlinear effect at the intersection of multiple acoustic beams. This approach forms localized pressure and force gradients, which disintegrate the foam. Moreover, the system is entirely external, as it can operate through tank walls; it is also completely automatic, eliminating humans-in-the-loop. POC's DEFOAM does not use any chemical agents nor does it require any modifications to existing tanks; it does not require opening the tanks to feed in deforming chemical agents. The DEFOAM system reduces shipboard crew labor and therefore, maintenance and ownership costs, directly addressing Navy requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of foam detection and counteraction capabilities by developing and testing a limited-capability DEFOAM prototype. In Phase II, POC will expand on this development, producing a fully advanced and field-deployable DEFOAM system, ready for certification and qualification, that meets the performance goals developed in Phase I. Benefits: The DEFOAM system gives the U.S. Navy a field-deployable system that will prevent foam formation on ships. DEFOAM has potential commercial uses in many large travel vehicles that carry many passengers. Cruise liners, cargo ships, and aircraft can all benefit greatly from the DEFOAM system. In addition, recreational vehicles can use the DEFOAM. Another application of DEFOAM includes eliminating foam in food, specifically, cola. Manufacturing companies, sewage treatment plants, chemical industries, pesticide manufacturers, and others can use DEFOAM technology. Modification to the DEFOAM device will result in ultrasonic drying or washing, which the food and textile industries will find beneficial. In the military, DEFOAM can be acquired by the Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships for its various ships, such as the PMS 400D-DDG51, and the PMS 500-DDG 1000. Return