N102-144 TITLE: Hazardous Material Satellite Storage Lockers

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Space Platforms

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 312

OBJECTIVE: To develop satellite storage lockers for the stowage of hazardous materials to meet the evolving needs of the Fleet, including high corrosion and fire resistance, and durability.

DESCRIPTION: All U.S. Navy Ships require the use of Hazardous Materials (HM) for daily Shipboard operations. Types of required HM include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fluid, lubricating oil, paint, adhesives, acids, and corrosives. Per reference (1) and the Consolidated Hazardous Material Reutilization and Inventory Management Program (CHRMIP), Ships are outfitted with designated HM stowage spaces, such as Flammable Liquid Storerooms, for the bulk storage of HM. These designated spaces are designed to include dedicated fire protection systems, explosion proof electrical fixtures, and forced ventilation. Obtaining material from these spaces requires a member of the Supply Department to conduct a transaction in the Hazardous Material Inventory Control System � Windows (HICSWIN) upon issue and return of the material.

In order for Ship�s Force to work more efficiently, NAVSEA approved the use of satellite storage lockers, which are placed in the Ship�s workcenters, to store a seven (7) day supply of daily use HM. The Ship�s HM Coordinator must approve the use and final location of all satellite storage lockers on a case-by-case basis. Satellite storage lockers allow Ship�s Force to work more efficiently by stowing the most frequently used HM in appropriate work spaces. Without the use of satellite lockers, Ship�s Force would be required to conduct HM transactions several times a day for both issuing and returning, transiting from their work space to the appropriate issue location for material. By utilizing satellite storage lockers, Ship�s Force must still conduct an issue/return transaction; however, this only occurs once for each material over the course of seven (7) days.

There are two types of hazardous material storage lockers approved for Shipboard use: Flammable Liquid Lockers and Corrosive Liquid Storage Lockers. Manufacturers that produce these lockers are Justrite Manufacturing Company, Delta Industries, Inc., and The Protectoseal Company. Per reference (2), Approved Flammable Liquid Storage Lockers range in size from ten (10) gallon capacity to a maximum of thirty (30) gallons; approved Corrosive Liquid Storage Lockers range in size from two (2) gallons to thirty (30) gallons. Per reference (2), the requirements for locker approval are as follows:

Flammable Liquid Storage Lockers Requirements
1. Must meet the requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 30,
2. Meet Grade B shock requirements per Military Specification MIL-S-901,
3. Self-Closing doors,
4. Lockable, and
5. Yellow.

Corrosive Liquid Storage Lockers Requirements
1. Must meet the requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 30,
2. Meet Grade B shock requirements per Military Specification MIL-S-901,
3. Internal shelves fitted with Polyethylene trays or liners to contain internal spills,
4. Self-Closing doors,
5. Lockable, and
6. Blue or white.

In addition to Flammables and Corrosives, Calcium Hypochlorite is also required for emergency potable water purification and Chemical and Biological Warfare defense operations. Calcium Hypochlorite is currently stowed in modified first-aid lockers mounted to the Ship�s bulkhead. Modifications to the lockers include repainting and drilling vent holes to dissipate fumes. The first-aid lockers are constructed of aluminum; however, due to the oxidizing properties of Calcium Hypochlorite, the lockers deteriorate quickly.

NSWCCD Code 635 recommends the investigation of corrosion resistant alternatives to aluminum construction for Calcium Hypochlorite storage lockers. These alternatives include corrosion resistant coatings and corrosion resistant materials, such as polyethylene. Lockers should be able withstand varying levels of shock and vibration as caused by Ship movement and operations. Completely non-metallic lockers could potentially provide the corrosion resistance necessary; however, shock requirements and flammability properties need to be tested. Non-metallic alternatives to the already-approved Corrosive Liquid Storage Lockers, would also lead to a decrease in weight, as steel lockers range in weight from 60 to 225 pounds.

All lockers shall be mountable to the bulkhead or to the deck and shall be lockable. All hinges and brackets shall be corrosion resistant, either through a coating application or material selection. Lockers shall have vent holes to dissipate fumes. Calcium hypochlorite lockers shall be able to stow a minimum of forty-eight (48) six (6) ounce bottles (NSN: 6840-00-255-0471).

Additionally, non-metallic lockers have applications in the Minesweeper Ship Class. Due to the nature of the Minesweeper Class�s mission parameters, non-magnetic equipment is required.

PHASE I: Provide recommendations and rationale for the appropriate size lockers required to maximize Shipboard efficiency. Develop innovation solution to this storage locker issue. Develop detail description and production cost estimate of the proposed concept. Descibe what special installation requirements for a non-metallic storage locker in a compartment.

PHASE II: Fabricate small, medium and large prototype versions of the locker for testing and evaluation. Evaluate durability (i.e. corrosion resistance, flammability, smoke generation and shock/vibration properties), useability and application testing on non-metallic storage lockers. Evaluate the lockers in a labratory. Refine detail description and production cost estimate of the proposed concept.

PHASE III: Refine the design based on Phase III and fabricate pre-production prototypes for shipboard evaluation. Support shipboard installation and evaluation. Refine detail description and production cost estimate of the proposed concept.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Lockers resistant to highly corrosive materials are relevant to any activity or Command that utilizes hazardous materials in the workplace.

REFERENCES:
1. Chief of Naval Operations Instructions (OPNAVINST) 5100.19E

2. Naval Ship�s Technical Manual (NSTM) Chapter 670

3. Naval Vessel Rules (NVR), Part 5 "Auxiliary Machinery Systems", Chapter 7 "Environmental Protection Systems", Section 13 "Hazardous Material Management � Shipboard Control", dated 15 July 2004

KEYWORDS: Hazardous Material, Flammable, Corrosive, Oxidizer, Lockers

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