Initial results of monitoring corrosivity in submarine sonar domes: the Dome Water Monitoring Instrumentation System (DWMIS) experiment, January-August 1993

The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington (APL-UW) and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) undertook a long-term study to reduce corrosion in submarine sonar domes. For several years APL-UW, under the auspices of NAVSEA, has inspected dome structures and recommended improvements in their design, materials, and maintenance. In 1992 an Instrument package was developed by APL to monitor selected variables and properties of water in the dome. This instrumentation, the Dome Water Monitoring Instrumentation System (DWMIS), monitors and records dome-water corrosivity variables such as salinity, conductivity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and galvanic potential periodically each day to chart changes and trends. The instrumentation package was installed on the test submarine in November 1992 and removed in August 1993. This paper presents the results of data analysis, as well installation, operation, and problems that arose and were solved during several months onboard an operating submarine. Between outboard seawater and inside dome water (initially potable water) and the effects of the exchange on corrosivity are discussed