Cathelco Ltd.

Cathelco are world leading manufacturers of marine growth prevention systems. These eliminate blockages in seawater cooling lines caused by the growth of barnacles and mussels. Specially designed units are also available to protect sea water lift pumps on offshore platforms. The systems consist of copper and aluminium anodes which are mounted in seachests or strainers and wired to a control panel. In operation the copper anode produces ions which create an environment where barnacles and mussels do not settle or breed. At the same time the aluminium anode produces ions which create an anti-corrosive layer on the internal surfaces of pipes.

Cathelco are technological leaders in ICCP hull corrosion protection systems for ships and offshore platforms. The systems consist of an arrangement of hull mounted anodes and reference electrodes wired to a control panel.

A range of C-Max anodes is available in disc and linear form which have the advantage of being lightweight and diver changeable.

The latest Quantum ICCP systems provide greater connectivity with control panels which enable data to be relayed to control room or the bridge via an RS485 link.

In operation the reference electrodes measure the electrical potential at the hull/seawater interface and send a signal to the control panel which automatically raises or lowers the output to the anodes. In this way, the hull receives the optimum protection against corrosion at all times.

Systems can be provided for ships of every size ranging ranging from offshore supply vessels and product carriers to FPSOs which remain at sea for prolonged intervals without drydocking.

Cathelco's engineers have amassed expertise in the design of ICCP systems to protect oil and gas platforms operating in locations as far apart as the Gulf of Mexico and the Russian Arctic. The systems are designed to provide effective protection for large and complex structures which will inevitably suffer coating loss during their time in operation. For Arctic conditions Cathelco provide specially designed ice class anodes and reference electrodes to withstand the pressure of winter ice, together with thyristor pannels which provide outstanding reliability.

The Cathelco Evolution system is currently being tested to the 'live/dead' standard required by the U.S.Coast Guard with the aiming of achieving Type Approval by the 3rd Qtr of 2017.

With capacities from 34 to 1,500 cubic metres per hour in a single unit, it is available skid mounted or in modular form for easy installation on both new builds and retrofits. One of the advantages of the system is that it operates effectively in marine, brackish and fresh water enabling vessels to trade anywhere in the world.

The unique UVT sensor system ensures precise UV dosing according to the water conditions. Maximum power is only used when the circumstances demand and is reduced immediately afterwards.

A sample of seawater is taken before it reaches the chamber and the amount of UV light passing through it is measured. From this data, the automation control unit calculates the correct UV dosage. At the same time, UV intensity meters mounted on the side of he chamber measure the actual intensity of light which is received during irradiation. This relationship creates a feedback loop in which the calculated dose is continuously compared with the actual dose.  If the actual dose is within the prescribed range, ballast water treatment continues as normal. However, if the dose is less, the automation unit indicates that a cleaning cycle is required or that lamp renewal is necessary.