Objective:
The project objective is to test and verify the domestic source, STI’s intumescent Marine Cable Coating (MCC), through testing at NSWCCD and SwRI. The testing will ensure the MCC performs as expected to mitigate electrical cables becoming fuel during fire events. The MCC will greatly enhance in-service ships with PVC cables and new construction ships using approved MIL-DTL-24643 low smoke, zero halogen cables. The MCC, by direct flame contact, starts to produce a light char, which is a poor conductor of heat, thus retarding heat transfer. Hydrates within the coating release during a fire, i.e., water vapor is released, which has a cooling effect. The intumescent coating delays the ignition and prevents fire spreading.
Summary:
Hepburn and Sons LLC is teaming with FMM, STI, NSWCCD, and SwRI to test and verify a domestic source of electric cable fire protection intumescent coating. The problem addressed in this project is controlling the spread of fire and reducing the impact that electrical cables have in the case of shipboard fires on both submarines and surface ships. Electric cables on ships provide fuel for fires to propagate from compartment to compartment. The “USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Major Fire Review” report issued by the Navy in October 2021 identified funding implementation of fire-prevention materials as one of their initiatives, with “the use of intumescent paint (especially in the highest risk areas of ships)” listed first.
Key Deliverables / Benefits:
This project will test and verify the performance of STI’s MCC using basic flame spread testing and characterization testing at NSWCCD and SwRI. A major benefit to shipyards and alignment to the mission of the Electrical Technologies Panel and Sustainment Panel is that the STI MCC can be applied by shipyard workers, ship’s force, or local paint contractors. Improving the lifecycle of electrical cables and mitigating fire propagation will save Navy ships and improve the overall sustainment of electrical equipment and cabling. The results of this project will lead to a follow-on effort to pursue NAVSEA approval for shipyards to use MCC onboard Navy ships.
Overview
Project Team:
- Hepburn and Sons LLC, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), STI Firestop (STI), Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD)
YEAR
March 2024 – March 2025
NSRP ASE Investment:
INDUSTRY INVESTMENT: - | NSRP INVESTMENT: $150K
