Performance Profile: Flash Evaporator Vessel
| Distributor: |
Martin Smith, (Formerly) Weatherford NZ Ltd, New Plymouth, New Zealand |
| Customer: |
NIWA - National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Wellington |
| Applicator: | Customer’s Contractor, Wellington |
| Dates: | Circa 1998 |
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is a world-class marine and environmental, scientific research body. The organization operates two research vessels, including the Research Vessel Tangaroa. (2,282 GRT)
During routine servicing in 1998, one of two flash evaporators was removed from the vessel. The Flash Evaporator is a vacuum vessel where sea-water is boiled at low pressure and temperature. The resulting water vapour is removed and condensed for fresh water. The ferrous-cast Flash Evaporator was badly corroded.
A suitable coating system was required, not only approved for potable water, but also able to act as a high-performing Moisture Vapour Barrier system to protect the substrate. After treatment for salts contamination, the structure was coated with CeRam-Kote 54®.
CeRam-Kote 54® has Norwegian and ABS potable water approvals together with other municipal authority potable water approvals. The system also has a high adhesion values and a low MVT – Moisture Vapour Transfer rating that helps prevent water vapour from reaching the substrate surface and initiating corrosion.
RV Tangaroa
RV Tangaroa in the Antarctic
Performance:
Inquiries made in May 2006, and again in 2007, reveal that the flash
evaporator is still functioning in this harsh environment