Keeping ship scrubbers in shape
With scrubber systems now an essential component for compliant vessel operations throughout the maritime industry, it’s no surprise that SeaTec has experienced a surge in customer requests for scrubber maintenance. Ulrika Quist, general manager of SeaTec’s repairs division, explains why keeping a scrubber in good working order is essential for continued high performance.
The work that SeaTec carries out is very important to keep scrubbers operating at a high level. Although the technology, design and quality of the scrubber are vital to its success, the way it is operated and maintained will have a decisive impact on its performance during its lifetime. Recently, a group of SeaTec qualified technicians completed work on various vessels for major cruise lines, where they successfully identified issues and performed welding and repair works. This stopped the extension of the cracks inside two scrubber towers on board one of the vessels and also involved the replacement of old fresh water and sea water pipes with new ones.
Poor quality equipment and welding, constant mechanical vibrations and thermal expansion-contracting cycles are all variables which can cause the scrubber to become damaged and ineffective after time. For example, the scrubber tower can develop weak spots which lead to cracking or other fatigue issues, which in turn cause issues such as leaking from the scrubber. Through an experienced team of highly qualified experts including class certified welders, pipe fitters, mechanics and electricians, SeaTec offers customers a preventative maintenance and repair programme which significantly decreases the risk of unexpected scrubber downtime and poor performance. “Our qualified technicians can provide maintenance and repair works for SMO and GRE pipes, seawater pumps, the air supply system, pneumatic valves, welding works to minimise the tower cracks, the scrubber electrical part, replacement of the scrubber insulation and cleaning of the sea-chest filters,” explains Ulrika. We can also perform periodical inspections/checks in order to identify issues, propose and plan corrective actions for pipe leakages, valve operations, level control, pumps, cracks, abrasion, corrosion, sensors, alarm systems and bypass devices for proper operations.”
For more information on scrubber maintenance and repair, contact Ulrika Quist.