Page 75: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (February 1998)

NAVAL TECHNOLOGY (Continued from page 66) tem does work, the network is an expensive mainte- nance proposition of piping, elbows and joints that leak and corrode. NNS is looking for ways to meet the Navy's demand for a jet blast deflector that will keep the flight deck moving while costing less to maintain. NNS Engineers are studying whether a high density version of the composite used on the space shuttle can meet the extreme demands of an aircraft carrier, where it must stand up to the increasing heat of newer jets, cool rapidly and still be tough enough for a plane to roll over or land on top of it. Most important, engineers are analyzing whether the initial cost of building the new shields will be rewarded by lower maintenance costs over the life of the carrier.

Circle 7 on Reader Service Card

Kvaerner Wins U.S. Feasibility Study

A division of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded to Kvaerner ASA a contract for a feasi- bility study for a mobile offshore base. Awarded by the Office of Naval Research, the offshore base, dubbed SeaBase, has been conceived as the world's largest marine structure. Kvaerner's plans envisage a structure measuring 5,249 ft. (1,600 m) long and 459.3 ft. (140 m) wide, comprising three large-scale, semi-submersible platforms. The three platforms will be linked by two semi-buoyant flexible bridges.

Facilities onboard the structure will include a run- way capable of landing aircraft ranging in sizes up to the C-17 transport craft and accommodations for up to 10,000 military personnel. SeaBase will reportedly be capable of absorbing the motions of the high seas, and remain operational as a movable mil- itary base. "By reconfirming the feasibility of our design for this unusual project, Kvaerner will be in a unique position for participation in further stages of the

Mobile Offshore Base development, from detailed design to the anticipated construction of this unique structure," said Per Herbert Kristensen, presi- dent of Kvaerner Maritime. As an approved U.S. government contractor, Kvaerner will also now be able to participate in future projects for the U.S.

DoD.

Circle 10 on Reader Service Card

Fairbanks Morse Wins $20M Navy Order

The Fairbanks Morse Engine Division of Coltec

Industries has received an order valued in excess of $20 million to produce four engines and related equipment that will propel a new ship for the U.S.

Navy Sealift program.

The four engines are for the program's sixth ship, designated T-AKR 305. The engines are scheduled to be delivered to Avondale Industries, Inc. in 1999.

Previously, Fairbanks Morse had been chosen to pro- vide engines for the first five ships in the Sealift pro- gram.

The engines, 10-cylinder Colt-Pielstick PC4.2 mod- els, are each rated at 16,290 hp. These ships will augment the nation's capacity to transport tanks, trucks and other equipment around the world rapidly. Each ship is 950 ft. (289.6 m) long and is designed to cruise at 24 knots.

Circle 11 on Reader Service Card

February, 1998

VALVES

Certified For Maritime Service (1/4" - 10" Manual & Direct Mount ISO 5211 Series)

Check the advantages you get in MCF three piece ball valves.

They're standard in every valve certified for maritime service.

Self adjusting stem packing assembly with saddle type lock washer automatically adjusts for thermal expansion and contraction. Tab lock washer prevents stem nuts from backing off. <•> "Blow out proof" stem for maximum safety. 0 Internal anti-static design for applications including volatile or flammable fluids.

Precision machined solid stainless steel ball with straight through design eliminates pressure robbing turbulence and expensive loss of energy.

Pressure loaded TF, TE & HT seats give a vapor tight seal even in bi-directional flow.

Fully encapsulated body seals prevent leaks to atmosphere and allow welding in-line without valve disassembly.

Forged steel body in A105 carbon or 316L stainless steel tolerate severe operating conditions. <£ Forged steel end pieces eliminate the need for unions and allow complete versatility of optional end connections in NPT, SWE, BWE or 150# and 300# (Flanged) end connections.

Applications include: Fuel Oil, Lube Oil, Hydraulic Oil,

Compressed Air, Fresh Water, Salt Water, and Fire Main

Systems.

Direct Mount

ISO 5211 Series

Special Maritime Adaptations: > Aluminum End Valves, light weight, allow in-line welding and are in-line maintainable.

O Aluminum Hose Barb Ends, allow a hose to be secured directly to MCF ball valves.

O High Pressure Valve for hydraulic applications (3600 psi - 4000 psi).

O Eight Position Gear Operator, eliminates bulk head piping restrictions.

Enhanced In-Line Maintenance Features Manual Valves: One bolt removal (swing- out design) for maintenance of internal parts. Direct mount ISO 5211 Series: Easy installation and/or maintenance of actuators, "true" stem alignment for reduced wear, elimina- tion of torque stress on end piece bolting.