Contributing to Logistics Innovation
with the Development and Patent Application
of the "2IN1 Tester"
The Naval Logistics Command Maintenance Depot (hereafter referred to as "the Depot") has taken a significant step toward smart and proactive logistics innovation by independently developing the "2IN1 Tester," a first-of-its-kind device in Korea that simultaneously enhances self-reliance in maintenance technology and reduces defense spending.
The Depot developed the "2IN1 Tester" using its own technology, allowing for precise diagnostics of the operational status of remote control valves that remotely open and close the fuel oil and seawater systems of propulsion engines and auxiliary equipment, as well as ballast tanks on naval vessels. This device can accurately determine whether abnormalities are present, and a patent application was completed in June.
Previously, the Depot faced structural limitations because there was no dedicated equipment to pre-diagnose malfunctions or precisely inspect the performance of remote control valves. As a result, they had to rely on repetitive processes such as replacing the entire equipment with new units costing between 10 million and 30 million KRW, removal, defect correction, reinstallation, and functional testing.
In particular, most remote control valves are installed in confined or elevated locations, which required significant time and manpower even for simple inspections. If an abnormality occurred after installation, rework was unavoidable.
To address these issues and enhance the effectiveness of field maintenance while establishing a technology-based maintenance environment, the Depot began developing the "2IN1 Tester" in October 2023. The "2IN1 Tester" is designed to switch between remote control valve devices from EMERSON (U.S.) and PLEIGER (Germany) within a single tester using a selector switch.
The test circuit of the "2IN1 Tester," configured to simulate conditions similar to actual naval vessels, measures the response time of electro-hydraulic actuators, pressure changes, and valve opening and closing angles, enabling precise diagnosis of device performance and abnormalities.
This newly developed tester not only enables performance checks before and after maintenance, but also allows for selective replacement of defective parts rather than the entire device. This is expected to result in an annual defense budget savings of approximately 380 million KRW.
Additionally, the "2IN1 Tester" is compatible with ships equipped with remote control valves from EMERSON (U.S.) and PLEIGER (Germany), including relevant domestic government vessels, foreign navies, and civilian ships. This will help promote the excellence of K-defense technology worldwide, while also contributing to international technical cooperation and strengthening ties between allied navies based on the maintenance technology capabilities of the Republic of Korea Navy.
Chae Sooyoung, a Grade 6 civilian administrator at the Naval Logistics Command Maintenance Depot, stated, "This tester marks a turning point that improves maintenance accuracy, efficiency, and safety. We will do our utmost to ensure that combat units can perform their missions under any circumstances by advancing a technology-centered maintenance system."
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