St. Johns Ship Building in the USA ensures watertight pipe penetrations in decks and bulkheads by using the Roxtec SPM™ seal. When building the tug Delaware, they also used the seal as vibration hanger in the compartments.
"Roxtec seals have greatly simplified the pipe installations," says pipe manager William Mann. "Where I once needed three people to weld and provide fire watch, now I only need one."
Increasing efficiency
Before discovering the user-friendly Roxtec SPM seal, the pipe installation team used to weld in a steel fitting and install a screw pipe. This work took time, and occasionally caused issues with dissimilar metals.
"We are able to work much more efficiently with the Roxtec SPM seals," says William Mann. "We use them for the copper potable water pipes and wherever we can."
Where I once needed three people to weld and provide fire watch, now I only need one
Saving time
According to project manager Steve Torok they will continue to use Roxtec seals when building and refitting steel ships such as offshore supply vessels, barges and ferries. In this particular case, they managed to save hours of work by installing the seals as vibration hangers in already painted compartments. They did not have to go back in, cut extra holes, weld in hangers and then clean and repaint the areas.
Project facts
Project description
New-build of 4,200 HP tug
Owner
Vane Brothers
Shipbuilder
St. Johns Ship Building, Inc., Palatka, Florida, USA
Applications
Pipe penetrations in decks and bulkheads
Sealing requirements
Approved for water pressure and fire-rated boundaries
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