Problems and Solutions centre
This problems and solutions summary offers help with problems in the field of Water Treatment, Fuel Oil Treatment, Engine Room & Deck Cleaners, Tank Cleaning, Cargo Hold Cleaning, Cruise Line & Accommodation and Specialty Products. E.g. scaling and corrosion, oil and grease contamination, sewage problems, etc.
Problems and solutions summary per category
Water Treatment
Boiler Water Treatment:
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Scaling and corrosion to the boiler systems |
Conditions boilers and protects against the four elements of the boiler water: boiler pH, hardness scale, condensate pH & boiler coagulant. Suitable for boilers up to 35 bar pressure |
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Scale formation |
Prevents scale, hardness by removing particles during blowdown. Alkalinity controls corrosion. Protects three elements of boiler water treatment. Suitable for low-pressure boilers |
Fully Coordinated and High-Pressure Boilers:
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Oxygen caused by low water temperature and high dissolved oxygen |
Increase water temperature between 80 – 85°C, add oxygen scavenger and remove the dissolved oxygen |
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Condition the boiler to reduce the scale deposits in all boilers and all pressures |
Condition hardness salts for blowdown. Maintains optimum pH, alkalinity and prevents corrosion and scale build-up |
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Scale deposits caused by excess of hardness salts. Scale also increases fuel operation |
Maintains the boilers’ optimum phosphate levels to avoid scale and corrosion |
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Corrosion in feed water and condensate systems as a result of dissolved oxygen |
Boiler steam is the only way to maintain acid and neutralise pH on the condensate |
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Corrosion in feed water and condensate systems as a result of dissolved oxygen |
Superior oxygen scavenger based on neutralised organic acid |
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Remove sludge & oil contamination in the boiler steam system |
Conditions and prevents the sludge in the boiler as well as removing oil |
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Scale deposits in seawater evaporators cooling water system |
Prevents crystal growth and scale formation |
Cooling Water Treatment:
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Corrosion within a closed circuit on main engines or marine engines |
Protects metal surfaces and maintains stable pH to prevent corrosion |
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Cooling engines and main engines or marine engines that freeze in low temperature |
Protects the cooling water, lowers the freezing point. Can be used with VECOM MARINE cooling water treatment |
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Seawater intakes and seawater systems blocked by mussels and barnacles. Also corrosion in water lines, bilges and ballast tanks |
Inject dispersant into sea chest to prevent biological contamination |
Others:
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Deposition of mud, silt and sediment in ballast tanks |
Keeps mud and silt in suspension and cleans ballast water tanks |
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Chlorinated ballast water |
Neutralises chlorinated ballast water prior to discharging into the sea |
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Corrosion in potable water systems |
Prevents red water, corrosion and scale in ship’s potable water and other systems |
Test Kits:
| Testing requirement |
Product |
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Determination of alkalinity P & M. Range 0 – 400 ppm |
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Determination of chloride. Range 0 – 400 ppm |
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Determination of nitrite. Range 0 – 3400 ppm |
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Determination of phosphate as PO4 (0 – 80 mg/l) |
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Determination of Total Hardness. Range 0 – 30 ppm |
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Determination of DEHA (N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine) (0 – 0.5 mg/l or 0 to 500 ppb) |
Fuel Oil Treatment
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Water in the fuel, sludge from the separator, pump problems, sludge in the tanks, coking of heaters, filters blocked, poor atomisation, poor ignition |
Specialised liquid product, containing solvents, dispersants, emulsifiers and surface-active ingredients combined with a combustion improver |
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Wax formation at cold temperatures, causing clogged filters and fuel solidification |
Polymeric additive that improves the cold flow properties of middle distillates |
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Bacteria or algae growth in fuel tank |
Biocide against bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae and SRBs in diesel fuel |
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Low-sulphur fuels, lubricity issues |
A non-metallic, phosphorus-free lubricity improver for use in low-sulphur diesels and other middle distillates which have poor lubricity characteristics |
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Piston crown deposits, acid deposits, overheating of exhaust valves, poor atomisation, poor ignition, poor combustibility, high & low temperature corrosion, turbocharger deposits |
Product which acts as a combustion improver, carbon catalyst, ash modifier and smoke suppressant for diesel engines burning heavy fuel oils and boilers |
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Piston crown deposits, acid deposits, overheating of exhaust valves, poor atomisation, poor ignition, poor combustibility, high & low temperature corrosion, turbocharger deposits |
Liquid compound effective in reducing harmful effects of vanadium oxides and sodium salts in diesel engines |
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Turbocharger deposits |
Organic material particles used for cleaning blades of gas side of exhaust gas turbochargers in diesel engines |
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Soot deposit in exhaust gas boilers |
Liquid soot remover to prevent soot deposits in exhaust gas boilers at low temperature |
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Soot deposit build-up in exhaust gas economizers |
Alkaline liquid for the removal of deposits before water washing |
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Soot deposit build-up in boiler and diesel engine exhaust systems |
Dry powder compound or liquid with active blend of mineral-based salts, containing slag modifiers and carbon oxidation catalyst for safe removal of soot deposits |
Test Kits:
| Testing requirement |
Product |
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Determination of density, compatibility and stability of oil |
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Determination of Al- and Si-based catalyst fines |
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Determination of iron content |
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Determination of Pour Point |
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Determination of water-in-oil |
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Determination of water-in-oil and BN (Base Number) |
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Determination of water-in-oil, Base Number, oil viscosity, salt water contamination and spot test |
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Determination of water-in-oil, Base Number, oil viscosity, salt water contamination, spot test and falling ball viscosity |
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Portable laboratory for condition monitoring of fuel, lube and hydraulic oil in engines |
Engine Room & Deck Cleaners
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Oil & grease contamination in tanks, deck and engine room |
Solvent-based emulsion |
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Oil & grease contamination in tanks, deck and engine room |
Water-based general-purpose degreaser – alternative to solvent-based degreasers |
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Mineral oil on machinery parts, tools |
Non-emulsifying, multipurpose, odourless degreaser |
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Oil & grease contaminated bulkheads, bilges, machinery spaces, decks and soiled areas |
Quick-splitting solvent-based degreaser for use in combination with oil/water separators |
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Carbonaceous/varnish deposits on LO & FO separator discs |
Specially formulated cleaner without removing discs from the stack |
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Contaminated oil filters, cylinder heads and air coolers |
Water-based multipurpose cleaner for use in ultrasonic baths and machines |
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Oxides, white powder (in tanks), lime residues and tarnished surfaces |
Liquid rust, stain remover and metal brightener for general and tank cleaning |
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Water scale and rust in boiler, cooling water system, heat exchanger, evaporator, etc. |
Heavy-duty scale and rust remover in liquid or powder form |
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Partially carbonised oil in oil coolers and filters |
Liquid filter cleaner |
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Oil contamination in air coolers |
Effective cleaner to maintain and stabilise air cooler efficiency |
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Carbonaceous deposits in fuel injectors, burner tips, components, LO/FO coolers and machine parts |
Liquid solvent emulsifier for removal of deposits by soaking or circulation |
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Oil & grease on electrical components, machine parts |
Solvent with controlled evaporation, odourless and high flash point |
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Oil & grease on electrical equipment such as switchgear, contacts, coils |
Electro cleaner with fast-drying properties |
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Contaminated electrical equipment such as motors |
Electro cleaner with slow-drying degreasing properties |
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Oil Spills on deck, harbours, beaches and rocky shores |
Low-toxicity biodegradable oil treatments, dispersants, ready to use or concentrated |
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Grease, ink, tar, oil on hands |
Specially formulated hand cleaner |
Tank Cleaning
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Oil and dirt in tanks, galley, accommodation, engine room, reefer boxes & wood/deck surfaces |
Water-based concentrated general-purpose biodegradable cleaner |
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Edible oils in zinc silicate coated tanks and accommodation area |
Neutral liquid degreasing agent. Can also be used on woodwork, leather, desks, painted areas and bulkheads |
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Traces of lead, chloride, sulphites on zinc silicate coated tanks |
Water-based tank cleaner for removal of lead by spraying or circulation method |
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Edible and animal fats in cargo tanks as well as galley |
Grease dissolving strong alkaline foam cleaner |
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Grease in heat exchangers, condensers and tanks |
Water-based alkaline cleaner designed for high-pressure cleaning machines |
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Exhaust deposits on RO/RO vessels. Atmospheric deposits, oil and grease |
Strong concentrated alkaline high-pressure cleaner. NSF approved |
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Removal of grease, oil, sludge, carbon deposits, dirt, grime, edible oils and fats |
Environmentally friendly product with high degreasing properties, compatible with oil/water separators |
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Tanks contaminated with petroleum residues, crude and refined mineral oils |
Tank cleaner with rapid penetration and high solvent power |
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Removal of heavy fuel oils, lube oils, grease, bitumen residues, etc. in cargo storage tanks, pipeline systems, engine room, pump rooms, etc. |
Very strong emulsifying solvent |
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Asphalt, heavy fuel oil, dopes, black tar, synthetic resins (i.e. epoxy) and styrene butadiene rubber |
Extremely powerful solvent cleaner |
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For hydrocarbon-free cleaning |
Water-based neutral degreaser with low foaming surfactants. Multipurpose product |
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Wall wash testing |
Complete test kit for performing a hydrocarbon test, PTT time test, chloride, pH, an acid wash colour test and stainless steel passivation test |
Cargo Hold Cleaning
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Pet coke, animal fats, edible and fish oils. Cleaning of boiler furnace |
Heavy-duty alkaline cleaner |
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Removal of saponifying animal fats and edible oils |
Non-caustic heavy-duty alkaline cleaner |
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Edible and animal fats in cargo tanks as well as galley |
Grease dissolving strong alkaline foam cleaner |
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Removal of coal tar, crude benzene, pyrolyse gas oil, bitumen and similar substances |
Emulsifying cleaning agent with fast separating properties |
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Removal of cement and concrete splatter on cargo holds, machinery and equipment |
Strong acid compound for removal of cement residues from most common metal surfaces |
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Removal of resins like MDI and TDI |
Very strong liquid solvent, replacing conventional solvent cleaners. Environmentally friendly |
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Removal of latex |
Highly concentrated, powerful alkaline stripper for the removal of various kinds of latex |
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Removal of grease |
Water-based alkaline cleaner designed for high-pressure cleaning machines |
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Oxides, white powder (in tanks), lime residues and tarnished surfaces |
Liquid rust, stain remover and metal brightener for cargo hold and tank cleaning |
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Removal of cement, concrete splatter, lime and rust deposits on the cargo holds |
Multipurpose acid for removing cement, concrete splatter, lime and rust deposits |
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Water scale and rust |
Heavy-duty scale and rust remover |
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Protect cargo holds from different types of cargo loads |
Environmentally and user-friendly product which creates a thin temporary film between the cargo hold and cargo surface |
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Wall wash testing |
Complete test kit for performing a hydrocarbon test, PTT time test, chloride, pH, an acid wash colour test and stainless steel passivation test |
Cruise Line & Accommodation
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Unpleasant smells in domestic areas and tanks |
Water-based liquid to mask unpleasant smells in galley, rest rooms, urinals, waste chutes, garbage areas |
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Sewage system maintenance |
Acid salt complex which breaks scale and build-up. Keeps pipes and scuppers free from blockage |
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Wood/teak deck maintenance |
Liquid for cleaning wood and teak by dissolving impurities, leaving surfaces bright |
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Sanitation maintenance |
Environmentally superior sanitation treatment and cleaner, eliminates foul odours, deodorises shipboard sanitation systems |
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Exhaust soot and grime, tyre marks, light oil and grease contamination |
Mild alkaline liquid cleaner specially designed for use on RORO vessels and ferries |
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Uric acid deposits |
Cleaner for effective removal of uric acid deposits, toilet descaler, general cleaner for sinks, showers, tubs |
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Grease, ink, tar, oil on hands |
Specially formulated hand cleaner |
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Foaming in sewage and collecting tanks |
Concentrated defoamer | |
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Onboard sewage water testing |
Simple user-friendly test kit |
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Onboard potable water testing |
Easy and comprehensive kit for potable water testing |
Specialty Products – marine chemicals
| Problem |
Solution |
Product |
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Removal of weld slag, grinding dust, iron particles, heat corrosion |
Pickling liquid specially formulated for austenitic stainless steel treatment |
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Removal of high temperature oxide scale and annealing colours in the weld seams and heat influenced areas |
Pickling paste specially designed for stainless steels |
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Passivation after pickling |
Passivating liquid suitable only for austenitic stainless steel |
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Pickling of outer surfaces of tanks and installations |
Pickling liquid specially formulated for use by spraying method for austenitic stainless steel |
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Whether to pickle or not? |
Test kit which reveals embedded iron particles on stainless steel |
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Checking passivity of storage and transport tanks |
Passivity test kit |
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Preparation of rusted steel / sandblasted surfaces for painting or re-painting |
Specially designed product which transforms the iron oxides into stable, insoluble blue-black metallo-organic complex inert surface |
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Detection of gasoline in tanks |
Paste to provide clear indication of the gasoline level in tanks |
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Detection of water in gasoline and diesel fuel tanks |
Paste for water detection |
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Unpleasant odours in tanks, domestic areas, waste areas, galleys, rest rooms and urinals |
Water-based liquid for masking unpleasant smells |