Ultrasonic anti-fouling system gains ATEX certification

Written by Marine Log Staff
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L to R: Darren Jones, MD of NRG Marine Limited accepting the ATEX Certificate from David Stubbings, Technical Director of CML (Certification Management Limited) with Dominic Findlow, Technical Director of NRG Marine Limited

Coventry, U.K., headquartered NRG Marine Limited reports that its Sonihull ultrasonic anti-fouling system, has just been certified to be in compliance with the EU’s 94/9/EC ATEX directive, the regulation covering equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres.

NRG Marine says that, with this approval, Sonihull becomes the first ultrasonic anti-fouling system to be awarded ATEX certification, making it an ideal choice for LNG carriers, oil rigs, FPSOs, and other petrochemical applications calling for biocide-free anti-fouling solutions in hazardous areas.

“Sonihull is ideal for protecting the raw seawater [RSW] cooling-systems on LNG vaporizers,” explains Dominic Findlow, Technical Director of NRG Marine Limited. “Our transducers can be fitted in-situ to the dry side of the RSW handling equipment and pipework without the drilling or welding associated with impressed-current or dosing systems. Once installed, there’s no regular maintenance to replace costly anodes.”

Sonihull’s ultrasound transducers have been approved for use in Zone 0 and the control box has been certified for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 applications, if being fitted in a separate cabinet.

The system is also easy to install, as the ultrasound transducers are bonded to the dry-side of the RSW handling equipment or pipework. This removes the need for any drilling or welding, and the requirement for extra classification surveys, pressure-testing and documentation.

NRG Marine Limited says that, with simple installation and no anodes to replace, a Sonihull system can reduce capital and MRO costs by up to 95% compared to similar impressed-current anti-fouling systems.

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