Decompression of Internal Pressure of Submarine ATmosphere (DIPSAT) System for Distressed Submarines
Navy SBIR FY2018.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1
Topic No.: N181-047
Topic Title: Decompression of Internal Pressure of Submarine ATmosphere (DIPSAT) System for Distressed Submarines
Proposal No.: N181-047-0117
Firm: ADA Technologies, Inc.
11149 Bradford Road
Littleton, Colorado 80127
Contact: Thierry Carriere
Phone: (303) 792-5615
Web Site: http://www.adatech.com
Abstract: It is critical for the US Navy to ensure the safety of submarine crewmembers by enabling their escape and rescue in the case of a distressed submarine (DISSUB). It is possible that the internal atmospheric pressure could be increased up to 5X during a DISSUB scenario; currently, there is no method to lower that internal pressure. ADA Technologies proposes a method to decrease that internal pressure, thereby increasing the chance of survival by crewmembers. The Decompression of Internal Pressure of Submarine ATmosphere (DIPSAT) System will over-pressurize and subsequently vent gas from the DISSUB. The DIPSAT system will have the ability to be man-powered, in the case of no available onboard electricity. The proposed effort will leverage the high-pressure gas storage and delivery system design experience of the ADA team with the experience of the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems division, as well as the extensive experience of DOER Marine Operations, an underwater technology company. During the Phase I Base Period, we will design the DIPSAT system and perform a small-scale demonstration of the concept. In the Option Period, if awarded, we will design and demonstrate the manually-powered compression system with the DIPSAT system.
Benefits: A custom atmosphere decompression system, such as the DIPSAT system, will provide submarines with the ability to reduce their internal atmosphere pressure; a capability not currently available. If the internal atmosphere is increased during in a DISSUB scenario due to compartment flooding, burst air pipes, or use of emergency air, crewmembers can experience effects such as nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, and decompression sickness. The ability to decrease internal atmospheric pressure in such a scenario could greatly increase the chances of crewmember survivability. The proposed system will find its first commercialization opportunity within the 70 active in commission submarines in the US Navy. The DIPSAT system should also find a large market in some of the other Navies of the world, as there are some 200 submarines currently deployed, in addition to the 70 US Navy submarines. In addition to the DoD markets, the commercial space is likely to also produce some revenue. There are a number of private submarines that could benefit from the addition of the DIPSAT system, as well as underwater laboratories and environments, such as the Aquarius Underwater Laboratory, the MarineLab Undersea Laboratory, and the Jules�?T Undersea Lodge. The market for the DIPSAT system is moderately sized, and as such ADA could likely handle the production and sale of the DIPSAT system in moderate volumes. This strategy would provide a significant financial return to ADA.

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