CASE STUDIES

Innovative Deck Scupper Cleaning and Inspection

Project: Deck Scupper Cleaning and Inspection
Date: March 2024
Challenge: Blocked Deck Scuppers with Potential Leakage into Other Compartments

Overview

AIIR Environmental was hired to address a critical issue aboard a docked ferry. The vessel’s deck scuppers were completely blocked, causing drainage issues and raising concerns about potential leaks into adjacent compartments. A solution was needed to clear the blockages, inspect the scupper integrity, and identify any leakage points. 

Problem

The deck scuppers, designed to channel water off the deck, were clogged with a combination of sediment, debris, and residues that had built up over time and solidified in the pipework. Initial inspections suggested that some scuppers might be leaking into adjacent compartments, posing a risk to vessel safety and structural integrity.

Innovative Approach

AIIR Environmental’s team proposed a two-stage approach combining high-pressure water jetting with an innovative camera inspection unit to effectively clean and inspect the scuppers. This method ensured that the scuppers would be thoroughly cleaned and then inspected for potential leaks or structural weaknesses in a single operation, minimizing disruption.

IMPLEMENTATION

The project was executed in two distinct phases:

  1. High-Pressure Water Jetting: Using our advanced high-pressure jetting equipment, AIIR operatives deployed rotating nozzles operating at 10,000 psi to break up and remove all blockages in the scupper lines. The rotating jets ensured complete 360-degree coverage, efficiently cutting through even the most stubborn deposits without compromising the pipework’s integrity.
  2. Innovative Camera Inspection: Following the successful cleaning, AIIR introduced a state-of-the-art camera inspection unit equipped with a flexible, thin probe capable of navigating the narrow scupper lines. This allowed us to visually inspect the entire length of each scupper, pinpointing any structural issues, debris that may have been missed, or signs of leakage. The inspection footage was recorded in high definition, providing Babcock with a comprehensive visual report for their records.
RESULTS

The combined high-pressure jetting and camera inspection approach delivered:

  • Complete Removal of Blockages: The scuppers were fully restored to their original drainage capacity, allowing water to flow freely from the deck.
  • Identification of Potential Leaks: The camera inspection provided an in-depth analysis of the scupper integrity. 
  • Enhanced Operational Safety: By resolving the drainage issues and identifying weak points, we mitigated the risk of water ingress into other compartments, ensuring the vessel’s operational safety.
  • Reduced Downtime: The integrated solution minimised the need for separate cleaning and inspection phases, reducing the overall downtime for the ferry and keeping the project on schedule.

Conclusion

AIIR Environmental’s innovative approach to tackling the blocked deck scuppers demonstrated our capability to provide comprehensive solutions in challenging marine environments. By combining high-pressure water jetting with advanced inspection technology, we delivered a successful project that not only restored functionality but also provided valuable insights for ongoing maintenance. This case study is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that the clients assets are maintained to the highest standard.

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