Wilhelmsen unveils a digital, cloud-based, autoboiling water dosing solution

Time:2016-10-13 Browse:80 Author:RISINGSUN
WILHELMSEN Ships Service (WSS) is countering the threat of vessel boiler failure by introducing to the market place a digital, cloud-based, automated boiler water dosing solution that the company claims will revolutionise the method, reliability and onshore insight into boiler water treatment. 

The device reduces the risk of boiler failure, removes the need for regular, often inaccurate testing by crew, and offers a connectivity that enables on- and offshore data sharing, a company statement said.

"It`s a development we`re made in response to very clear customer demand," said WSS business manager Rune Nygaard. "Boiler failure is an ever-present danger within the market, with repair costs usually amounting to between US$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 `core` to ongoing operations."

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. 

"That`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," said Mr Nygaard.

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, a company statement said.