From SBIR Phase I to Phase III Fleet Insertion: A Case Study on the Development of an In-Line Fuel Contamination Sensor for the US Navy

Transcription

1 From SBIR Phase I to Phase III Fleet Insertion: A Case Study on the Development of an In-Line Fuel Contamination Sensor for the US Navy VG presented by: B. David Green, Michael White, Mark Druy, Jay Rushforth, and Jim Glynn Physical Sciences Inc. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA Phone: (978) Fax: (978) green@psicorp.com Abstract Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) of Andover, Massachusetts, has developed a laser-based in-line sensor to monitor contamination (sediment and free water) in aviation fuel (JP5) aboard Naval ships. PSI's innovative monitoring system has undergone successful at sea testing aboard a NAVY aircraft carrier and has completed first article testing (FAT). The approval by the Naval Surface Warfare Center for use with JP-5 is the culmination of a multiyear effort funded by Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Funding for this development originated with the SBIR program and the development program transitioned into Phase III with additional non-sbir funding from the Navy. This sensor could effectively reduce workload due to fuel sampling by up to 3200 hours per month, translating to an annual savings of nearly $1 million per carrier. This paper will present a case study on the successful development and fleet insertion of innovative technology. It will not only examine the underlying technology development process but also illustrate how successful technology development and fleet insertion requires a coordinated team effort between the technology developer, the contracting officer s technical representative (COTR), the customer, and the end user. Physical Sciences Inc. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA 01810

2 ABSTRACT VG Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) of Andover, Massachusetts, Laser-based in-line sensor to monitor contamination (sediment and free water) in aviation fuel (JP5) aboard Naval ships. Monitoring system has undergone successful at sea testing aboard a NAVY aircraft carrier and has completed first article testing (FAT). The approval by the Naval Surface Warfare Center for use with JP-5 is the culmination of a multi-year effort funded by Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Funding for this development originated with the SBIR program and the development program transitioned into Phase III with additional non-sbir funding from the Navy. Aviation Fuel Contamination Monitoring System utilizes laser scattering technology to measure the quantities of free water and sediment in aviation fuel as it flows through a pipe. The monitoring system can detect between 1-50 ppm of free water and 1-20 mg/l of sediment. Innovation can effectively reduce workload due to fuel sampling by up to 3200 hours per month, translating to an annual savings of nearly $1 million per carrier. Provides continuous monitoring rather than periodic fuel sampling and transport throughout the ship. It thus also improves the quality of life aboard ships. This technology has spawned additional technical expertise in the general area of fluid condition monitoring and has led to the development of sensors for monitoring contamination and water in hydraulic fluids and lubricating oils that are at an earlier stage of development and transition. We are working with our partners to apply variations of this mature technology to the other services and applications. Summary Successful development and fleet insertion of innovative technology. Technology development and fleet insertion requires a coordinated team effort between the technology developer, the contracting officer s technical representative (COTR), the customer, and the end user.

3 AUTOGRAPE VG

4 AUTOGRAPE VG

5 AUTOGRAPE Project Development Path Phase I / II NAVAIR SBIR demonstrate concept Dr. Mark Husni Lakehurst NJ Active participation of Carriers in guiding performance Mr. Eric Pitt PEO Carriers NAVAIR SBIR Program Office transition to IDIQ Ms. Carol Van Wyk IDIQ demonstration through FAT Mr. Lucio Salvucci NSWCCD-SSES VG Multi-year effort provided unbroken development ladder Continuity, guidance, active participation all essential Champions and heroes on all sides Basis for transition to fleet for forward- and retro-fit Orders now in hand Commercial aviation application demonstrated

6 AUTOGRAPE Navy Champions Mark Husni (Technology Coordinator, Shipboard Aviation Support, NAVAIR, Code 4.8T) Author of the initial SBIR solicitation and original TPOC Team builder bringing together NAVSEA, NAVAIR, AMSEC, and NGNN Tireless champion for fleet quality-of-life improvement Lou Salvucci (Code 923, Auxiliary Systems Branch, NSWCCD-SSES) NAVSEA transition champion and interface with NGNN Carrier fuels systems expert from Phase I and beyond TPOC for Phase III activities and IDIQ Eric Pitt (CIV PEO CARRIERS 312 ) CVN78 Interface and transition champion Energetic champion for new technologies Rick Kamin (NAVAIR 4.4.5, Fuels Team Lead, Naval Fuels and Lubricants IPT) Fleet acceptance and applicability authority Champion of man-portable follow-on technology Carol Van Wyk (SBIR Commercialization Pilot Program) SBIR support and facilitator for the Phase III IDIQ contract LT Paul Dussault (Force Aviation Fuels Officer, COMNAVAIRFOR N4333) CVN76 Ronald Reagan sea trials organization Dean Bustria CWO3 (Aviation Fuels Maintenance Officer, CVN76) At-sea logistics and support Rita Brownlee (Contract Specialist) Contracts support from Phase I to IDIQ VG

7 DOD Success Story Brochure VG *Excerpt from Department of Navy SBIR/STTR Success Stories, September 2004

8 Commercial Aviation Refueling Application VG *Excerpt from Velcon Filters Product Brochure, VCA TM 1964-R4 10/07