Ultrasonic Hatch Cover Testing
Ensure your cargo is protected against water damage during transport
Hatch cover leak test is being performed on the hatch covers of a ship’s cargo hold (dry bulk carrier/ general cargo) to determine the watertightness of the hatch cover.
Hatch Cover Testing
The ingress of water through leaking hatch covers is a main cause of damage to cargo. It is in the interest of ship owners, managers and insurers to guarantee the cargo hold is watertight, as damaged cargo caused by water leaking through hatch covers often results in large claims against insurance companies and P&I; clubs. Hatch cover testing is a vital part of cargo ship maintenance.
The ultrasonic hatch cover weather tightness tester provides a quick and simple method of establishing weather tightness of hatch covers, bow, stern and side doors, but unlike hose testing, UT testing has no negative side effects on the port or harbour environment. Our ultrasonic hatch cover weather tightness tester can be performed in sub-zero temperatures.
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How we work
UST tests use ultrasonic equipment to check for leakages in hatch covers and hatch coamings. By placing devices in the cargo hold to emit sounds with a frequency above 20 kHz, UST operators can activate them and measure how much of the sound leaks outside the hatch covers. These results can be used as records for their ultrasonic hatch test reports.
Hose and chalk tests can show if there is contact between the compression bar and rubber packing, but ultrasonic testing indicates whether you actually have the required levels of compression to create the seals needed to keep cargo dry when the vessel is in motion.
Because of its unique dome configuration, our Hatchtite device goes even further than standard UST devices as the effectiveness of an ultrasonic tester is determined by the amount of sound energy reaching the hatch cover and most transmitters emit in an upward direction. By using 13 transmitters, the Hatchtite device gives complete cover in even the largest of holds making it 1,000 times more powerful than any other devices currently available.
Why is it important?
Over 40% of P and I claims are down to damage from leaky hatches. This not only damages your reputation when it happens but takes huge chunks out of your profits costing the industry around $46.9m USD per year.
Profits dwindle through claims and the inevitable repairs you’d need to do your hatches to stop the leaks.
Neither of these sources of losses is unavoidable. Investing in Martek Marine’s ultrasound hatch testing technology can stop these problems from occurring. Picking up the smallest of leaks (which, if left will just get bigger and bigger, costing you more down the line) will save you money and stress.
Legal Requirement
While it’s helpful to you as a business to ensure your hatch covers are in perfect shape, it’s also a requirement by law.
The consequences of poor hatch upkeep are not just economical but also for safety. Poor hatch maintenance can lead to cargo liquefaction that, in a worst-case scenario, can cause a ship to roll without recovering.
With these dangers in mind, it’s a legal requirement by SOLAS to maintain your ship properly, including your ship’s hatches. Your hatch covers are also subject to yearly inspections.
With all the headaches of not maintaining your hatch covers appropriately, there’s no question that it’s a priority. Let Martek Marine make it simple and cost-effective to keep all your hatches watertight with our ultrasound hatch testing.
You’ll not find a more efficient and cost-effective device anywhere else on the market. We know we’re the best at what we do, so let the best help make you be the best.
Benefits of UTS testing
- UST tests can be done with full cargo – the cargo levels don’t impact the test
- The test can be conducted and trusted in sub-zero temperatures
- The test takes minutes to conduct so the time saved vs other methods is significant and tangible
- Leakages can be accurately pinpointed immediately
- Results from successful tests are reliable and accurate – immediate feedback from the equipment will alert you to a failed test so you simply do it again within minutes
Senat Marine Service
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Mobile:+54 11 6126 1525