On every ocean-going vessel and on every offshore installation, cooling water plays a vital role in maintaining the efficiency of the whole operation. Owners and operators the world over know all about the importance of cooling water systems, but not all of them realise that things can and do go wrong from time to time.
Over a period of months and years, corrosion within such systems can cause major problems which could easily lead to outbreaks of major infectious diseases. The potential harm that can be caused to crew members, passengers, visitors and contractors can even prove fatal, so effective monitoring and testing of cooling water systems is a must.
As well as corrosion, inadvertent fouling of the water that’s used is an issue, as is scale formation which can build up far more quickly than many owners and operators may realise. Maintaining safe processes should be a top priority for everyone that’s involved in the maritime industry.
Damaging to health, reputation and bank balance
Insufficient control of cooling water systems can be damaging to health, of course, and it can lead to financial issues for the operator. An outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease can spell disaster for individuals as well as organisations, so every precaution needs to be adopted, and relevant team members need to be aware of their responsibilities.
Testing kits from MTS can help you to monitor the quality of the water that’s used for cooling, heating and cleaning. These kits act as an effective early warning system should problems start to occur, allowing you to react accordingly and, in effect, to nip problems in the bud. The benefits to the business are all too obvious.
With accurate and reliable testing kits, you can test for alkalinity, chloride, total dissolved solids and a number of other issues. Given the potential outcomes for operators who don’t test regularly, it makes sense to include regular testing and monitoring on the schedule of every vessel and installation.