The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Semi-Automatic Pipe Handling System and Fabrication Facility. Phase II - Implementation

The primary objective of this project was to design, install and evaluate an integrated semi-automatic pipe shop for the manufacture and assembly of shipboard piping systems. This facility will reduce the labor, material handling required and increase the flow through the system for a given space requirement and provide for storage as well as fabrication area. The project was conducted in such a way as to provide full viability to all U. S. shipyards during the design, installation. and evaluation phases. This was accomplished through Avondales ASI interaction with Panel SP-1 of the Ship Production Committee as part of the National Shipbuilding Research Program. The magnitude of this project required subdividing the total project into sub-projects functionally oriented. During the project any one of the sub-projects could be developed independent of the other in respect to function, equipment, design or selection. Attention was given to sub-project interface to assure total project integration.