Filters in yachts
Seawater is an essential, renewable and ever-present mechanical element for a superyacht. The engines of a superyacht are cooled using seawater, it can be used as a fire extinguisher and be chilled to pass through the onboard air conditioning system. Before seawater can be used in engineering systems, any unwanted materials and pollution in seawater such as plants, sea animals, shells, waste, plastics and wood need to be removed to avoid damage to the piping network of a superyacht. This is done through the use of filters, which are installed on the steering and port side of a superyacht to strain and clean the seawater before it reaches the yacht’s system.
These filters are usually made out of metal, but STC Trade has designed special filters made of high-density polyethene (HDPE). In this article we’ll explain why you should use HDPE filters.
Corrosion
Corrosion is the greatest threat to all kinds of things that we depend on in our daily lives, such as drinking water pipes, oil and gas pipelines, windmills, storage tanks, etc. Worldwide, the annual costs caused by corrosion are estimated at $ 2500 billion (source: NACE). A Dutch study shows that corrosion damage in our country is approximately 3% of the Dutch Gross National Product (+ 27 billion euros).
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
Filters made of metal are very sensitive to oxygen corrosion. A less known and more complex form of corrosion is MIC, that stands for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion refers to the influence of microorganisms on the kinetics of corrosion processes of metals, caused by microorganisms adhering to the interfaces. This aggressive form of corrosion can lead to 10 to 100 times faster material removal than regular forms of corrosion.
MIC not only damages the material of the filter, but it can also lead to blockage problems. That’s because micro-organisms secrete substances, which consists of thread-like and slimy substances. The metal particles that are released due to MIC, can also lead to filter clogging.
It’s important to check if filters have microbiologically influenced corrosion, because there is a chance the corrosion process will accelerate. If no action is taken, it can quickly lead to high costs, because materials have to be replaced sooner than expected and because you can suffer consequential damage, such as leakage.
Perfoplast®, the perfect solution
Filters made of HDPE are an environmentally-friendly alternative to the common metal filters. The high-density polyethene HDPE filters (Perfoplast®) created by STC Trade are moulded from a naturally tough and resistant material that can withstand corrosion by seawater and external influences. This means that their lifespan is unlimited and as a result, the cost of ownership is much lower.
Another benefit of the Perfoplast® filters is their design – their lightweight feature enables them to be lifted out of the inlet strainer and cleaned easily by one person. In addition, the filters do not require a hoist to be installed, which would be needed for installing a heavy metal alternative.
Benefits
STC Perfoplast® filters have the following benefits:
- Perfect corrosion resistance and strong material results in an (almost) unlimited lifespan.
- Smooth, fouling resistant surface ensures less fouling, easy cleaning and better water flow properties.
- Up to 70% weight reduction resulting in a lightweight filter and uncomplicated maintenance.
- Perfoplast® filter does not contribute to electrolytic corrosion in the engineering system.
- Accepted under IMO regulations.
- Approved by engine manufacturers.
- Approved to use in engine rooms due to its fire-resistant material in combination with a metal strainer, and because the filter is submerged in water.
- Sustainable product, 100% recyclable.
- Custom made design & engineering available.