Tote Project at Nassco

VAC's digital control actuation system passes sea trial.

Adapting existing technology to new uses can be just as rewarding and productive as developing new technologies. Valve Automation and Controls, a wholly owned subsidiary of W&O Supply, recently persuaded a major account to join them in doing just that. The risk was switching from hard-wired electrically controlled valve systems in sea-going vessels to a computer-based digital system. The two systems are vastly different.

The account, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), builds support vessels for the government and commercial ships. NASSCO is owned by General Dynamics. According to Cal Cardiff, VAC´s Chairman, the hard part was talking General Dynamics into trying the digital system.

One advantage of the digital control system is that it can incorporate a large number of valves in a continuous loop, an enormous saving in labor and wiring over the electrically-controlled systems which require individual wiring for each valve. Another advantage is that the computer-based digital system can monitor and provide much more information on each unit in the loop.

The ship successfully passed sea trials and was delivered to the customer in mid-April. "The ship´s been on the ocean for a week and our digital control system is working well," reported VAC President and Chief Executive Officer David Turner.

Future projects for the digital technology include four British Petroleum double-hull oil tankers to be built by NASSCO and up to twelve U.S. Navy supply vessels designed to carry fuel, munitions and dry cargo, Turner said.