In International Shipping News 16/09/2016
Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) is countering the threat of vessel boiler failure with an innovation that revolutionises the method, reliability and onshore insight into boiler water treatment. The leading global provider of products and services to the shipping industry is launching a ‘first’ within the market place – a digital, cloud-based, automated boiler water dosing solution.
The device reduces the risk of boiler failure, removes the need for regular, often inaccurate testing by crews and offers a connectivity that enables on- and offshore data sharing.
“It’s a development we’ve made in response to very clear customer demand,” said Rune Nygaard, WSS Business Manager, Water. “Boiler failure is an ever-present danger within the market, with repair costs usually amounting to between $80,000 and $180,000 and that’s before any related vessel downtime has been taken into consideration.
“Vessel crews do the best they can to test water and maintain predictable operations, but the testing can be time-consuming and, in some cases, an afterthought when compared to vessel duties that are seen as more essential to on-going operations. This is a risk that ship owners and operators shouldn’t need to take.”
WSS’s new digital solution works by taking constant readings for boiler water pH, conductivity, temperature and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), before dosing it with two separate chemicals, according to pre-determined limits. This ensures the boiler water is always well maintained and fit for purpose.
“The automation further mitigates risk by correctly managing the chemical dosage, thus negating human error, while ensuring that crew have a much reduced requirement to handle chemicals,” said Mr Nygaard. “What’s more the data from the equipment is cloud-based and therefore accessible to key decision-makers onshore, giving them a complete overview, and peace of mind, when it comes to boiler dosage throughout their global fleets. In that respect, this really is an industry game-changer.”
The WSS automated boiler water dosing solution has now been thoroughly tested and is being piloted aboard 10 vessels for final refinements. Its wider market release is expected imminently.
Mr Nygaard said: “Boiler water testing and reliable boiler operation is a key issue for ship owners and managers worldwide. So we’re proud to bring an innovation to the market that tackles an ongoing problem, giving our customers the confidence they need to focus their time, resources and crew on other key areas within this demanding, rewarding industry.”
WSS’s innovation is easy to install and suitable for use on all medium to low pressure boilers. The automated boiler water dosing unit is of particular use to vessels with fluctuating steam usage, where correct chemical dosing can be difficult to manage.
WSS markets a broad range of products and services to its customers across the globe, servicing their needs through offices in 75 countries, supporting 2,200 port locations.
Source: WSS
