Photo By Jake Chappelle | 210311-N-JB957-001 KEYPORT, Wash. (March 11, 2021) - Naval Undersea Warfare Center...... read more read more
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Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport/- Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport recently became a certified site for testing of non-metallic materials.
This capability, known as “Off-Gas Testing”, is used to ensure prevent toxic materials from entering certified diving systems.
The facility on Keyport was accredited for non-metallic testing in March.
“We’re now one of only four facilities across the Navy accredited to conduct sampling, and can help clear a backlog of material requiring sampling,” said Dustin Matson, NUWC Division Keyport, Host Platform Integration Branch Head.
Testing is performed by pressurizing equipment and materials to determine if said equipment could release toxic chemicals or fumes over time in an undersea environment. Captured air samples are submitted to accredited labs for analysis.
If it’s determined these pressurized materials exude toxic gasses, the non-metallic material may need additional time to off-gas or “cure”. Curing can be accelerated by baking the items at elevated temperatures for extended periods. If this fails, the materials or equipment may be switched out depending on the item.
Items include wet suits, hoses and other non-metallic materials divers use to complete missions.
“Having this capability in house gives NUWC Keyport the ability to rapidly respond to emergent Deep Submergence and Special Operations Forces material testing needs by having access and control over sampling facilities,” Matson said. “With the recent accreditation as an approved facility to conduct off-gas sampling in accordance with [guidelines], NUWC Division Keyport has a unique capability to support the Deep Submergence community.”
Since testing can be prioritized based on mission need and all needed processes for rapid testing are available, the facility may perform on sight sampling of embarked Deep Submergence System before deployment.
“Keyport’s Off-Gas Facility will give [leaders] who authorize the deployment of [Special Forces] equipment the ability to make informed decisions,” said Dan Seacrist, NUWC Division Keyport, Laboratory Technician. “Being able to directly support the fleet is very rewarding, especially since we’re not only supporting their efforts today, but working to ensure their job today doesn’t affect their long term health.”
About Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport
NUWC Keyport provides advanced technical capabilities for test and evaluation, in-service engineering, maintenance and industrial base support, fleet material readiness, and obsolescence management for undersea warfare to expand America’s undersea dominance.
| Date Taken: | 05.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.26.2021 19:59 |
| Story ID: | 397528 |
| Location: | KEYPORT, WA, US |
| Hometown: | HAWTHORNE, NV, US |
| Hometown: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Hometown: | KEYPORT, WA, US |
| Hometown: | MECHANICSBURG, PA, US |
| Hometown: | MILLINGTON, TN, US |
| Hometown: | NEWPORT, RI, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 335 |
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