Specialized Underwater Coatings for NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Training Facility

UCC successfully executed a surface preparation and underwater coatings application project for NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Training Facility (NBL), covering an expansive area of approximately 26,000 square feet. This involved the treatment of four walls and twelve pits in the floor, and the entire project was accomplished in a timeline of about 14 months. Notably, we completed the underwater coatings project seamlessly, without causing any disruptions to astronaut training or other scheduled activities concurrently taking place within the pool.

Equipment Used for NASA Underwater Coatings Application

During the underwater coatings project for this NASA training facility, UCC used state-of-the-art equipment such as specialized coating applicators, diving equipment and surface preparation tools, ensuring precise and efficient application of the underwater coatings while maintaining the integrity of the facility’s structure. Equipment used included:

• 5k pressure washer with zero rotating tip
• 10″ coating application paddles
• 3″ coating application paddles for lettering
• dual component application tools for mixing coating
• 10′ wide 40′ high stainless-steel ladder to work from
• 2 stainless steel Kirby Morgan 37 dive helmets
• 2 umbilical’s
• 1 hp manifold
• 2 dive radios
• over 750 gallons of Bio-Dur 560 underwater coating material

Why Underwater Coatings Matter for Submerged Infrastructure

Underwater coatings offer several benefits to a structure like NASA’s training facility, including effective corrosion protection for the submerged infrastructure. As the facility consists of a large pool used for astronaut training, underwater coatings create a protective barrier between the structure and the water, preventing corrosion caused by prolonged exposure to the aquatic environment.

These coatings also help maintain the cleanliness and smoothness of surfaces within the NBL. The coatings prevent the accumulation of organisms on the walls and floors of the pool, minimizing maintenance efforts and ensuring a clean training environment. The smoothness of coated surfaces also contributes to the safety and efficiency of training activities by reducing drag and facilitating smoother movement of objects and equipment underwater. Additionally, high-performance underwater coatings minimize the release of harmful chemicals into the water, contributing to an environmentally friendly training environment for the astronauts.

Leverage Our Trusted Underwater Coating Services

Our highly trained experts are available to discuss your specific underwater coatings specifications and can offer professional guidance tailored to meet your project requirements. Contact us today to benefit from UCC’s expertise in commercial diving and underwater coatings to protect the longevity and performance of your submerged structures.