Improved Long-Term Preservation System for Ships' Topsides and Superstructures

摘要

A prototype air-supported structure, within which dehumidified air is circulated, was installed over the topsides of USS BETELGEUSE (AK 260). By maintaining relative humidity of the air at approximately 35% within the air-supported structure, deterioration of topside superstructure, machinery, and other gear will be minimized. Improved corrosion prevention techniques for the preservation of shipboard machinery and gear were developed. A time-cost study comparing the current method with the new topside cover method of ship preservation has been made. Over the entire inactivation/reactivation cycle, significant time savings are indicated for the topside cover procedure, especially during the ship reactivation phase. However, estimated costs of the two methods are similar. (Author Modified Abstract)