Page 48 - Australian Defence Magazine Nov 2018

DEFENCE BUSINESS
INDUSTRY
“Envelop covers started out as a US Navy funded Small Business Innovative Research program.”
The Envelop Covers story
AUSSIE PUMPS | BRISBANE
MILITARY equipment is particularly vul- nerable to corrosion and environmental degradation. This is due to the severe oper- ating conditions in which it is forced to op- erate. Many military assets are left unpro- tected, either on warships or ground based transport and armoured vehicles. Others are covered with ineffective material that often accelerates corrosion.
Requirements to maintain readiness re- main static while end strength manpower is being reduced. Elimination or reduction of repetitive maintenance tasks and depot level resets has become paramount to all modern armies and navies!
In 2011, the US Government's Audit Of- fice (GAO) identified corrosion as a $23 bil- lion annual cost to the US Department of Defence. They also found corrosion to be the largest controllable component of life-cycle costs. The Australian Department of Defence is also learning this very valuable lesson.
Envelop covers started out as a US Navy funded Small Business Innovative Research project (SBIR). The project was to find a more effective way to protect assets from
Militaries spend billions on capabilities so the relative investment in preventative protection makes sense.
corrosion and environmental degradation. Envelop Protective Covers were developed and patented as a result of the initiative.
The covers were designed as a custom fit that could be used on virtually any asset. The material is waterproof so that liquid water cannot permeate the cover from the outside. The breathable nature of the cover prevents the greenhouse effect of humid- ity and moisture collecting under the cover while reducing condensation, thus keeping metal surfaces dry.
Envelop covers also mitigate corrosion by conditioning the atmosphere under the cover with a Vapour Corrosion In- hibitor (VCI) which forms an inert lay- er that halts electron transfers, thereby
preventing oxidation.
The Envelop solution is easy to use, similar to traditional covers used by the military but with the technology that reduces corrosion by up to 95 per cent. In addition, the corrosion protection protects against moisture, sand, dirt, UV, airborne pollution, heat,
cold, FOD impact, and wind. The obvious advantages of this patented product has led to its mandatory application on virtually ev- ery US surface platform, as well as being widely used by the US Army and USMC for artillery, armoured vehicles, and
even small arms.
A detailed paper explaining the major ad-
vantages of this unique product is readily available from Australian Pump Industries. In Australia, the RAN and Army have made good use of Envelop, using this unique prod- uct on a wide range of topside naval applica-
tions, as well as on artillery, and more recently armoured vehicles.
“We’ve designed covers for G-wagons, Bushmasters, and more recently, the Aus- tralian Army’s new Hawkei vehicle,” Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer, John Hales said to ADM. “The undeniable advantage of us- ing the covers is that it doesn’t only provide corrosion control, the covers also keep pro- tected equipment within 10 per cent of the ambient temperature thermal loading."
Thermal loading can cause the surface temperature of military equipment to reach in excess of 180°C. In these situations, En- velop covers will keep the equipment at a useable temperature. In addition to thermal protection, ultra-violet (UV) light can be extremely damaging to sensitive electronic and other equipment. Envelop is also made with UV resistant fabric that will block over 99 per cent of UV rays.
The Department of Defence continues to show an interest in developing new applica- tions for this product.
“The advantages are proved by the US ex- perience and we are exploring new opportu- nities all the time to help the Department of Defence cut costs and improve readiness of expensive key assets,” Hales said.
48 | November 2018 | www.australiandefence.com.au
ENVELOP COVERS