In-situ seal replacement avoids drydocking
Belgian based underwater specialists Hydrex came to the rescue of a general cargo vessel recently that was leaking oil, averting the need for the vessel to drydock for repairs.
The Hydrex diver/technician team replaced three stern tube seals using one of the company’s flexible mobdocks. This enabled the team to carry out the entire operation in-situ during the vessel’s stop in Antwerp.
After the team and all equipment had arrived at the vessel, the Hydrex team leader met up with the vessel’s owner and superintendent while the rest of the diving team set up a work station to monitor all underwater activities. Next, all quayside preparations were made for the main activity, which started immediately with the removal of the rope guard. This was followed by a thorough underwater inspection and shaft weardown readings.
The inspection revealed that the leak was caused by a worn down oil seal and running area. A spacer ring was installed to push the housing of the seals further from the stern tube and over a new running area for the seals. Then the flexible mobdock was installed, creating a dry working environment for the divers to allow the entire stern tube assembly to be cleaned before the damaged seals were replaced. Subsequently all parts were reinstalled and secured. After a leakage test was successfully performed the rope guard was welded on again.
The Hydrex award winning range of flexible mobdocks can also be used to perform permanent in-situ bow thruster and rudder repairs that require a dry working environment.
Closing off the bow thruster tunnel on both sides allows Hydrex divers to work in a dry environment around the unit and enables them to reinstall the propeller blades of an overhauled thruster inside the tunnel after the unit has been secured. They can also replace the blades or seals and perform repair work on any specific part without removing the unit. Steel repairs and replacements can also be performed and pintle and bushing defects can be solved without the loss of time and money associated with drydocking.
