At a glance…
An Australian Patrol Boat was experiencing recurring scale build-up in its onboard sewage system. Previously, addressing the issue required pipework replacement, resulting in significant downtime and replacement costs.
ActiveEco SX Descaler was used as an in-situ descaling solution, allowing the system to be flushed, circulated and soaked without dismantling the pipework.
The result was a more practical and cost-effective maintenance approach that helped remove scale build-up and support faster return to service.
The Situation
The sewage system aboard an Australian Patrol Boat was experiencing recurring scale encrustation within the pipework.
Historically, the affected pipework had to be replaced to resolve the issue. This process created lengthy downtime, took the vessel out of service and resulted in high replacement costs.
The crew needed a more efficient method to address scale build-up without relying on repeated pipework replacement.
The Challenge
Scale build-up in onboard sewage systems can restrict flow, reduce system performance and create ongoing maintenance issues.
For an operational vessel, extended downtime is a major concern. The maintenance method needed to be:
- effective at removing scale build-up
- suitable for onboard pipework systems
- safer for workers and the environment
- more cost-effective than pipework replacement
- able to support faster return to service
The objective was to remove the scale while keeping the system intact.
The Solution
A third-party consultant recommended ActiveEco SX Descaler, a fast-acting scale remover designed to dissolve scale build-up.
ActiveEco SX Descaler was circulated through the pipework for several hours at a 4:1 water-to-chemical ratio. The valves were then shut to allow the product to soak overnight, giving the descaler time to break down the internal scale deposits without dismantling the pipework.
After the initial treatment, a further soak and circulation process was carried out at a 6:1 water-to-chemical ratio, alternating between circulation and soaking every hour to help remove remaining loosened material.
The Outcome
The cleaning process successfully removed the scale build-up from the onboard sewage system.
By using ActiveEco SX Descaler, the maintenance team was able to avoid the need for full pipework replacement. This helped reduce downtime, lower replacement costs and support a more efficient return to service.
The result demonstrated that in-situ descaling can provide a practical alternative to dismantling and replacing pipework when managing onboard sewage system scale.
Need to address scale build-up in onboard systems?
If your vessel or facility is experiencing scale build-up in sewage systems, pipework or water systems, Envirofluid can help recommend a suitable descaling approach.
Contact Envirofluid to discuss ActiveEco SX Descaler for your maintenance program.
