Shepley Engineers were approached by BAE Systems to undertake a tranche of work to assess the viability of cleaning two sections of pipe work associated with the Astute class submarines vent system. Following initial contact, stakeholder meetings were held with the MoD and Vice Admiral Simon Lister, Head of Submarines for the Royal Navy, to outline the scope of work. A proposal was put forward by SEL Decontamination team to use Ultra High Pressure water jetting to clean the VSB vent system. Due to the possible consequences associated with getting the deployment mechanics wrong, it was advised to develop the deployment methodology on a test rig prior to its deployment on Boat 2 VSB vent system.
These inactive trials were undertaken at the BAE System works in Barrow-in-Furness. Following on from the successful development work a methodology was developed and this was subsequently very successfully applied on Boat 2 while in wet dock. The NDecS team were also asked to undertake further work on the third Astute class submarine, this work was also completed safely and to schedule.
Key Facts
• SDS were able to conceive, develop, test and deploy bespoke equipment quickly producing significant savings in both time and money.
• SDS were able to work flexibly outside normal working times to meet customer deadlines, working 16 hours per day and weekend working to complete the task safely which allowed the customer to meet key project milestones.
• The bespoke equipment performed as per trials and produced better than expected cleaning efficiency to meet the delivery criteria.
• The NDECs team were highly commended by the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems from whom they received a presentation vase for their services.
