Integrated Remote Closure of Sea Chest

Integrated Remote Closure of Sea chest - IRCS. iko Marine has designed, patented* and offers a unique solution to the problem of sealing off sea chests. The challenge of installing blinds from the outside is significant when the authorities often claim that planned UW operations shall be performed remotely, i.e without the use of divers. In addition to saving time and costs, the owner of the vessel will improve safety when for emergencies or for routine inspections one or  more  sea chests are required to be blanked off and he is able to replace an UW (or diving operation) by simply covering the sea-chest remotely.

Problem: Traditional blanking system

1. Requires installation of “blind” on the outside of the sea chest grid.
2. In-Water operation using divers or ROV’s.
3. Requires planning.
4. Involves risk and high cost.
5. Time-consuming and often leads to downtime of vessel.
6. Damage to equipment (ROV & vessel).

Solution: Integrated Remote Closure of Sea chest

1. No In-Water operation but hydraulically and manually operated from on board.
2. Rough and simple construction.
3. Low price.
4. Pre-manufactured “box unit”.
5. Easy installation.
6. For new buildings or modification of existing vessels.
7. Will be type approved by class.
8. 4 standard sizes or custom design.
9. Efficient cleaning of grid and inlet.

For safe and cost effective operations!

Grid strength:  < 150

Opening Areas:
A1 = A2 , Grid “light-opening-area” A1 equals “outlet-opening-area” A2 on the back of the Seachest.

Fail / Safe:
The seachest must under no circumstances close unintentionally and has to be locked in open position.

Corrosion protection:
The unit has to be protected both against marine growth and corrosion, by means of coating and offer anodes.

Sealing Principle:
The sealing of the gate valve against the box unit will be achieved both by special rubber gaskets, knife-edge sealing (steel – steel) and rubber bellows. For shaft sealing and bushings, stuffing box and composite bearings will be used.

Material: Steel

Frame spacing - vessel:
Frame spacing in the mounting area must be > 750 mm.

Plate thickness: 12 mm.

Operation:
The operation of the gate valve will be manual or hydraulically, from a dry environment.

Installation:
The unit will be installed in dry-dock, and welded to the hull.  The grid and surrounding frame of the unit will be a part of the hull structure after installation.