In 2012, Marine Design Dynamics, Inc. responded to the US Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic N06-184 “Application of Advanced Materials for High Volatility Fuel Management,” with the development of a prototype technology demonstrator for an advanced fuel storage and distribution module, known as the High Volatility Fuel Storage Module (HVF Module).
In several capacities, the Department of Defense utilizes small craft and vehicles that run on high energy density fuels such as gasoline, including special missions on the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Typically, SOCOM small craft, using outboard motors, are deployed aboard the LCS as part of a given mission. However, the transport, storage, and dispensing of the gasoline aboard the LCS poses significant safety challenges to ships and personnel, with increased risk of fire, explosion and explosive vapor migration, especially when encountered in ship spaces not ventilated for gasoline. MDD’s HVF Module demonstrates a relatively low technological-risk modular system that provides safe fuel transport, storage, and transfer capabilities to missions aboard the LCS and other surface ships and shore applications. Naval ships, such as the LCS, and shore activities, including the beachside support of amphibious operations, could use the HVF Module to transport, store and dispense gasoline, in support of small boats and scout motorcycles, raiding craft, and unmanned vehicles where fuel safety is a concern.
The HVF Module, created from MDD’s Phase I preliminary design efforts and combined with the detailed engineering design and subsequent fabrication in Phase II, was successfully manufactured and demonstrated to the US Navy in 2012. The HVF Module features an innovative, double skin steel tank lined with Pearlite/cement, which has a capacity of 500 gallons. The HVF Module meets the transportation, storage, and handling requirements of all nodes of the supply chain, with a total weight of 15,488lbs, including fuel, installed in a custom BICON (10’) container. The HVF Module also has a 100’ hose reel system in a separate sub-compartment, which dispenses fuel at up to 35 gallons per minute. The HVF Module is designed to meet A60 and UL-2085 fire ratings. With two separate firefighting systems, one of which is automatic, and an integrated, active ventilation system, as well as flood detectors, gas sensors, smoke detectors, audio and visual alarm signals, and internal lighting, the HVF Module can safely store and dispense gasoline in restricted spaces.
The HVF Module is designed with the following characteristics:
• Meet A-60 and N-60 Fire rating on all non-deck sides of Module
• Can be jettisoned in case of emergency
• Under 15,000 lbs dry weight
• 425 gallon capacity
• On-demand fuelling capacity, from 1 to 425 gallons
• Support a variety of Small Craft needs, such as:
• CRRC
• UAV
• USV
• Vehicle support for mobility/logistics missions
• Can be used on shore to support a variety of vehicle refueling requirements
• Unique, lightweight (5500 lbs) fuel tank meeting UL 2085 performance standards
HVF Module operational features include:
• 130’ dispensing hose
• Separate, airtight hose reel compartment
• Automatically activated FM200 fire suppression
• Operator activated AFFF fire suppression
• Real-time onboard status capability
• Explosion proof electrical components
View other Marine Design Dynamics projects:
Carnival Cruise Lines Energy Conservation
USS Mount Whitney Assured Power Modifications
Staten Island Ferry Molinari Class Energy Conservation
MSC Engineering Services (USNS COMFORT)
Remote Water Purification System
FOB Energy and Water Conservation System
USMC Forward Operating Bases (FOB)
Multi-Mission Combat Craft
The Mobile Ocean System (MOS) Testing
Maelstrom Water Jet Pump Testing
High Volatility Fuel Module (HVF Module)
Heavy Unrep Program Management
6-PAQ MSE Support
Mobile Offshore Ship (MOS)
MSC Shipboard Energy Conservation
RO Module Phase II SBIR
T-Craft