Spraytime

NRL’s Thermal Spray Technology Enhances Navy Ship Readiness

Engineers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL’s) Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering, Key West, Fla., have installed an advanced thermal spray nonskid (TSN) coating system on the USS Kearsarge with a new thermal spray robotic vehicle (TSRV) to enhance U.S. Navy mission readiness, ensure crew safety, and maintain a fully capable fleet.   

“The successful application of TSN using the TSRV on the USS Kearsarge marks a significant milestone in the navy’s efforts to modernize its fleet and improve operational readiness,” said NRL Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering Branch Head Ted Lemieux. “NRL is committed to developing innovative technologies that support the navy’s mission and enhance the safety and well-being of our sailors.”

The USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, is under routine maintenance at the British Aerospace (BAE) Shipyard in Norfolk, Va. During its overhaul, the vessel will undergo multiple repairs and upgrades, including TSN installation for the first time.

“The TSN flight deck nonskid coating system, transitioned to the navy by NRL, offers significant advantages over traditional nonskid coatings,” said NRL Materials Research Engineer Jimmy Tagert. “The standard epoxy nonskid requires replacement every two to three years, whereas TSN has proven to last ten years. Therefore, a ship with TSN does not have to include nonskid replacement for three to four repair cycles, reducing the need for shipyard resources.” Additionally, TSN is a metallized coating that can withstand harsh shipboard environmental conditions and enhance the long-term corrosion protection of the structure.

The TSRV automates applying TSN, further improving efficiency and reducing costs. The TSRV combines multiple steps of the TSN application process, from deck preparation to spraying the nonskid solution.

“Combining multiple steps of the TSN application process into a single unit helps us get the work done two to three times faster, providing schedule relief during complex maintenance availabilities,” Tagert said.

TSN and TSRV technology provides enhanced durability, improved safety, increased efficiency, and environmental benefits, all while reducing life cycle maintenance costs and supporting the navy’s mission of operational readiness.

NRL strives to continue enhancing this technology to support TSN operations for the Navy. Tagert and his team intend to shape the TSN application process to expand nonskid technology to all ship classes, including smaller vessels.

Hannecard – ASB Adds Thermal Spray HVOF K2 Gun to Production

Hannecard – ASB Industries, Barberton, Ohio, has enhanced its production capabilities with the installation of the advanced GTV K2 HVOF system, a high-performance thermal spray technology. The third-generation kerosene fuel system, widely adopted across Europe, incorporates patented kerosene atomization and an optimized combustion chamber design, providing more-consistent high-quality coatings in a robust, high-production system.

The system delivers higher combustion pressure, providing higher velocity coatings. This leads to improved coatings with higher strain tolerance and optimum coating structure for wear. The system sprays fine powders for smoother as-sprayed coatings. It features multiple gun configurations to spray materials that require high heat input, such as Cr₃C₂/Ni20Cr, and low-melting-point materials, such as copper. Other features include stabilized kerosene flow, efficient carbide spraying, and more-consistent powder feeding.

IGS Acquires Thermal Spray Business from Liquidmetal Industrial Solutions

Intergrated Global Services Inc. (IGS), Richmond, Va., a global provider of proprietary, highly engineered asset integrity, environmental, and efficiency technologies, has acquired Liquidmetal Industrial Solutions’ engineered coatings and materials business.

The acquired business, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., specializes in high-performance thermal spray application services and materials, including the Armacor^® technology line. This addition enhances IGS’s comprehensive thermal spray solutions portfolio and expands its ability to serve customers with specialized surface enhancement needs.

“We are excited to welcome the experienced team from Liquidmetal into the IGS family,” said Rich Crawford, president and CEO of IGS. “IGS’s technology leadership, engineering excellence, and global operating platform — combined with Liquidmetal’s innovative material technologies — create compelling opportunities for continued global adoption of HVTS^® [high-velocity thermal spray] across a wide range of industries.”

The acquisition brings several key personnel from Liquidmetal Industrial Solutions to IGS, ensuring continuity of service and expertise.