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Diver Safe Grease

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N65538-08-M-0075
Agency Tracking Number: N081-043-0316
Amount: $99,998.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N08-043
Solicitation Number: 2008.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2008-05-27
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-08-06
Small Business Information
9063 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78733
United States
DUNS: 625120902
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John Bulluck
 Principal Investigator
 (512) 263-2101
 jbulluck@tri-austin.com
Business Contact
 Monte Fellingham
Title: Contracts Administrator
Phone: (512) 263-2101
Email: mfellingham@tri-austin.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Submarine hangar areas have actuated parts (doors, hatches, etc.) that must be lubricated to ensure correct operation and long service-life. The Navy currently uses Termalene�, a hydrocarbon-based grease, for this purpose. Unfortunately, NAVSEA has found that Termalene® off-gasses toxic compounds in pressurized environments, making it unsuitable for use in the enclosed and sealed areas encountered by divers during diving operations. For manned diving operations, the Navy currently uses Krytox® 240AC or Halocarbon 25-5S, which are both based on fluorinated polyethers. These greases have excellent performance and do not release toxic chemicals. However, the resistance to seawater washout is low, and these expensive materials constantly have to be reapplied to ensure adequate lubrication. This constant expense is unacceptable to the Navy. TRI/Austin is proposing to develop a new diver safe grease based on combinations of fluoropolymer and hydrocarbon greases. The new grease will, at a minimum, provide the same lubrication properties as those currently used. Additionally, the grease will offer the same resistance to washout as Termalene®, but will not off-gas any toxic chemicals, making it safe for use in sealed environments. The Navy can expect to save both time and money associated with the constant reapplication of the currently used materials.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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