DOCKSIDE COMPRESSORS – KEEPING SHIPS AFLOAT

Shipyards are as old as the ships themselves. Shipyards are one of the earliest mainstream industries in the world just as ships are the oldest mode of global transportation.


Shipyard / Dockyard – What it is?

Like land vehicles and aircraft, water-based vessels require need routine maintenance. A Dockyard/Shipyard is a facility where ships are built, repaired, and maintained. The shipyard follows an extensive workflow and involves the deployment of huge manpower, state-of-the-art infrastructure, efficient mechanisms, and systematic processes.

Like any other production process, shipyards occupy large acres of land and are dedicated to constructing, refurbishing and repairing different kinds of marine vessels like ships and submarines. There are also yards dedicated to breaking or disposal of ships known as shipbreaking yards

Most popular Dockyards/Shipyards of India:

  • Naval Dockyard Mumbai
  • Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam
  • Naval Dockyard Port Blair
  • Naval Dockyard, Kolkata
  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.

TYPES OF SHIPYARDS – BASED ON PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

  • Ship construction yards
  • Ship repair Yards
  • Offshore structure construction and repair yards
  • Shipbreaking and recycling yards

USE OF HIGH-PRESSURE AIR IN DOCKYARD

High-pressure portable compressor has many applications in naval dockyards like

  • Cleaning ballast tanks in naval vessels - Ballast tanks are used to stabilize the vessel, and over time, they can accumulate sediment, rust, and other debris, which can affect the vessel's stability. High-pressure compressed air used to clean these tanks effectively
  • Storage of High pressure Air in cylinders
  • Pressure testing of pipelines, tanks, and vessels to test their strength and integrity
  • Power pneumatic tools, such as impact wrenches, grinders, and drill for maintenance and repair work on naval vessels.

Usage of High Pressure Air in Submarine Maintenance:

  • When in Dock all online systems are shut off and Dock Side compressors are used for Pneumatic Applications.
  • Pressurised Air is used to test all important equipment during docking.
  • Submarines have huge ballast tanks which have to be filled with High Pressure Air before they can be set sail from the yard.

PREFERENCE FOR TROLLEY MOUNTED COMPRESSOR

A portable compressor can be easily moved to different locations within the dockyard, making it easier to perform maintenance or repair tasks on submarines or other vessels. This can save time and reduce the need for multiple compressors in different locations, they are typically more energy efficient than larger, stationary compressors, which can result in lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact, also can be used where a stationary compressor may not be practical or feasible, such as in tight spaces or on elevated surfaces.

Portable compressors are often less expensive to purchase and maintain than larger, stationary compressors, making them a cost-effective solution for smaller-scale operations, serve as an emergency backup in the event of a power outage or other unexpected situation, ensuring that critical systems can continue to function.

Overall, the use of a portable compressor in a dockyard can provide greater flexibility, efficiency, accessibility, and cost savings, while also providing an important backup option in emergency situations.

ELGi Sauer Compressor Models for Dockyard Applications

Sauer compressors are engineered specifically for maritime and naval markets, where requirements differ significantly from industrial applications. These compressors are:

  • Robust and Durable: Designed for heavy-duty marine tasks.
  • Versatile: Suitable for shipyards, submarines, and other naval needs.
  • Efficient: Provide consistent performance in demanding environments.

MODELS AT ELGI SAUER

Sauer compressors are designed with the philosophy that Maritime and Navy markets have unique requirements. This is why users require different solutions compared to industrial applications.