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14 Jul
Environment

ERL Executive Organizational Announcement

ERL, Inc. is pleased to announce the following organizational changes at the executive level.    Craig Theiler has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Craig’s commitment to excellence, seasoned relationships with employees and customers, industry knowledge, and ability to drive action will lead ERL into tomorrow. His education has prepared him well for this role with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship and leadership. With over 16 years in the inland marine industry, Craig has proven to be one of the top leaders in this market. As CEO, Craig will drive a relentless focus on serving our employees and our customers. Craig will be based out of ERL’s Houston, TX office.   Todd Marshall has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer (COO) With over 35 years with the company, Todd is a prominent figure at ERL. He garners an intense amount of respect from within the inland marine industry, which makes him a critical component for ensuring our continued success. Todd will be responsible for partnering with our customers to ensure ERL is exceeding their expectations of service while also leading the operations at both our New Albany, IN and Houston, TX facilities.    Ryan Waiz, PE has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Ryan began his career with ERL over 20 years ago. His ability to innovate and partner with our customers to solve operational challenges is unmatched. He is a key reason ERL is the industry leader in the inland marine market, and he will be a critical part of our growth moving forward. Ryan will lead Engineering, Quality, and R&D efforts at both locations while working closely with sales to find innovative ways to connect with customers.   Danny Rossoll will lead Finance, Administration, and Supply Chain (CFO)Danny’s diverse background and leadership experience in finance, accounting, administration, and supply chain along with his education (MBA) make him the perfect person to lead in these areas. He will be instrumental in collaborating with sales, engineering, and operations to serve our employees and industry partners.   ERL is excited to continue blazing the path for innovation while upholding our commitment to put customer service first. New boost

04 May
Environment Mechanical Seals Vapor Emissions

Reducing Tank Barge Emissions with the EverGreen Seal

More and more ERL Inc. is hearing from our customers about issues related to liquid cargo vapor emissions from the Hatches on their tank barges. In many cases these operators are not allowed to discharge their cargo due to excess vapor emissions. Docks and terminals are now employing technology that allows for the detection of these emissions and if discovered when approaching the dock, the tank barge operator is turned away until the issue is resolved. Tank Barges with “watertight” hatches are now required to hold pressures of up to 3 PSI without emissions from deck side hatches on equipment that was not designed for that purpose. The current gasket technology most prevalently used is a Teflon Braided material that is porous and will allow pressure within the tank to bleed off at a significant rate. ERL was asked to review the current technology and if possible, look for or develop a solution that could lower those emissions.  What we found was the current technology leaked at a significant rate regardless of if new or used and was minimally affected by overtightening the hatch. The leak rate was measured on average at 115.5 In3/minute at 3 PSI and 65oF with compressed air as the test gas. To put this into perspective, the Goodyear blimp has an envelope volume of 202,707 ft2 and the leakage of a single 30K Tank Barge could fill this volume more than 3 times if loaded with cargo for a year. ERL began looking at solutions that could seal the watertight hatches and was chemically compatible with the various liquid cargo’s operators push. After significant research and testing, ERL had its solution. The EverGreen Seal (pat. pend.). The EverGreen Seal is a direct replacement for the current braided Teflon gasket material currently employed and reduces hatch emissions by 90.6% and to use the above analogy would take almost 4 years to fill a single Goodyear Blimp. By significantly lowering the emissions rate from deck side hatches, operators will no longer experience the transfer issues where detection systems are currently in use and will become more important as more of these systems are deployed. Our industry has always strived to be good stewards of the environment and to protect the waterways where we operate, new technology and practices are important to the wellbeing of the planet and all that live on her.

26 Apr
Pressure Vacuum Relief Valve

Your Process Safety Guide to Pressure  Relief Valve Testing

The process safety accidents at industrial facilities worldwide observed a significant increase in 2020. Asia, Italy, Turkey, and America are among the places with the most records of such incidents. Industrial facilities with pressure systems or boilers demand pressure relief valve testing. Testing requirements of facilities vary by industry and municipal law. Pressure relief valve testing is the same regardless of how often it’s required. Do you want to know more about pressure vacuum relief valve testing? Review these safety practices to protect your team, equipment, and the whole facility. Use Personal Protective Equipment Expect high noise levels and the release of high velocity and high-temperature fluids. Relief valves can produce these during testing and inspection. Thus, technicians must wear personal protective equipment such as eye and ear protection. When on-site, valve technicians must observe the facility’s specific PPE requirements. Conduct Regular Testing Regular pressure relief valve testing is ideal. Each industry has its respective regulations set for pressure relief valve testing. All facilities take advantage of regular safety valve testing and inspection. Regular testing includes both an operational and valve’s nameplate set pressure testing. Operate-in-Place Test The National Board requires unchecked relief valves to lift the test lever. If the valve does not open and is stuck, take it out immediately for repair or replacement. Any facility’s safe operation requires  the use of pressure release valves. When a valve is stuck, the equipment is already dangerous. Pressure relief valve testing in this situation requires strict supervision. Verify Nameplate Set Pressure Valves passing the operate-in-place test will then undergo verification of nameplate set pressure. The frequency of these tests varies by industry, but it is critical to perform as  required. It’s the only method ensuring the relief valves are activating at the correct setpoint. Inline testing is a convenient and accurate testing approach. You don’t have to stop operations to test. Bench testing is a must but less preferred because it requires a facility shutdown. Know the Pop-Off Pressure Point System pressures are essential to note. It’s critical to be aware of the valve’s pop-off pressure point. While testing helps confirm the valve’s set point, you should never force the valve to open. Correct testing pushes the valve to its simmer point, where it starts lifting. It gives your technician a precise read on the valve’s set point while avoiding valve damage. Using too much pressure to force the valve to pop off can harm the valve. Moreover, it doesn’t always return a correct setpoint with over pressured valves. Technicians must always be aware of the valve’s pop-off pressure point. It will prevent damage and provide more accurate test results. Pressure Relief Valve Repair and Replacement Knowing when a pressure relief valve needs maintenance is essential for its testing. Inline testing is ideal and requires technicians to finish the process. When checking valves inline, a technician recognizes the warning signals of valve failure. It can replace or repair problematic valves on the spot. Pressure relief valve testing does not apply to all valves. It’s critical to know when pressure relief valves need replacement or repair. Ensure Safety in Pressure Vacuum Relief Valve Testing Today Safety should always be the priority in whatever line of work. And it should most especially need monitoring in process industries. Now you know the best pressure  relief valve testing practices. Follow them for you to have a safe experience at work. Are you looking for an industry partner? Contact us for your Industrial or Commercial Marine needs. We offer  Repair and testing of industrial pressure relief valves.

26 Apr
Barge Maintenance (Marine)

Inland Marine Barge Boat Maintenance Explained

The United States uses marine barges to ship all kinds of products and materials. One report found about 30,000 Hopper and 3,800 Tank Barges operating in the US to help keep up with shipping demands. One thing that slows down those barges is damage and degradation caused by water and the elements. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the barge maintenance. We put together a guide to explain everything you need to know about inland marine barge boat maintenance. Keep reading to learn how to extend the life of your marine barge. Inland Marine Barge Boat Maintenance Procedures When you get ready to do your maintenance, make sure to secure your inland barges in floating dry docks so you can access the underside of the boat. These are the three different kinds of vessel repairs and maintenance you’ll need to perform. Conditioning Maintenance Checks Every now and then, put eyes on all the machinery to make sure they are in good repair. You can put an automatic conditioning monitoring system in place. But, make sure you interpret the data the right way to avoid expensive large barge repairs later. Preventative Maintenance Tasks  An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. The same goes for your barge. Some owners do preventative maintenance after so many hours of operation, while others choose intervals based on the calendar. Repair Maintenance When something breaks down, you’ll need to do the barge repair ASAP! The longer you let the problem persist, the more complicated the repair gets. Consider having a mechanic on staff for quick repair services when you need them the most. A recent study found that barge prices have gone up significantly in the last few years. Any barge downtime prevents you from cashing in on this opportunity! Where Do You Find Barge Parts? When you need to replace parts during your marine barge repairs, you can’t run down to the local boat shop and pick up the parts. You’ll want to find a respected marine part company that sells inland marine barge equipment that will last. Ask other barge owners for referrals and check online reviews before you choose a company to supply your replacement barge equipment.  Keeping Records of Your Barge Maintenance Another thing to note is that you need to keep records of your maintenance schedule to meet USCG regulations. US regulations say that you need to keep records of your maintenance, testing, and calibration for at least 2 years in case of an audit. Don’t Let Maintenance Issues Barge In on Your Profits It’s easy to let your barges fall into disrepair if you don’t keep up on maintenance. But, that puts your cargo at risk of loss or damage. Don’t risk losing your profits because of poor inland marine barge boat maintenance. Keep this article in mind so you can keep your barge  seaworthy for as long as possible. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned all about barge maintenance (marine). If you’re in need of quality equipment for your barge anywhere on the US inland water ways or if you have questions about this article, contact us today!

22 Apr
Vertical Turbine Pumps

What Is a Vertical Turbine Pump?

Did you know you can get a liquid to flow up? You don’t need a science fiction anti-gravity device, and you don’t need to attend an academy for wizards. All you need is an extremely useful device called a vertical turbine pump. But how do they work? Keep reading this short guide, and you’ll know all you need to about vertical turbine pumps. What Is a Vertical Turbine Pump? A turbine pump is a special type of centrifugal pump. It uses something called an impeller—which is like a fan with the blades (called vanes in this case) oriented differently—to move fluid. These pumps are also called vortex pumps, periphery pumps, or regenerative pumps.A vertical turbine pump is a turbine pump whose shaft has been aligned vertically, and it can also be referred to as a deep well turbine pump or a line shaft turbine pump. This configuration is specifically geared toward pumping water from deep sources whose surface level changes regularly. A vertical turbine pump differs from a submersible pump in the location of its motor. While a submersible pump’s electric motor is located underwater along with its pumping apparatus (and is usually contained in the same housing), a vertical turbine pump’s motor is located at the top of its shaft, usually above the ground. Anatomy of a Vertical Turbine Pump Depending on the individual instance, one vertical turbine pump’s setup can look very different from that of another. However, they all have the following components in common: A motor Mechanical seals One or more impellers One or more discharge heads One or more flanged columns that house the pump shaft One or more bowls (also called stages) A suction bell A basket strainer is also a common feature; this prevents unwanted debris from entering the pump The number of impellers, columns, and bowls varies depending mostly on the distance of the given liquid’s source to the surface (or wherever else the discharge head needs to be placed). This also depends on the environment in which the pump is placed and the media that it’s pumping, but a vertical pump’s parts are usually made of combinations of cast iron, stainless steel, various plastics, and bronze or brass. How Does a Vertical Turbine Pump Work? The pumping action of a vertical turbine pump is achieved by its impeller(s), which is a radial arrangement of vanes that accelerates a fluid by applying centrifugal force to it. This high-velocity fluid is forced through a bell. This stage of the pump increases the fluid’s pressure by acting like the nozzle of a rocket engine. The fluid is then thrust up the shaft of the pump until it finally reaches the discharge head, where its flow is redirected as necessary. Is There a Difference Between a Vertical Turbine Pump and a Centrifugal Pump? As mentioned above, a vertical turbine pump is only one type of centrifugal pump. But there are others: Canned motor pump Magnetic drive pump Hopper/grinder pump Circulator pump Multistage pump  Cryogenic pump  Trash pump  Slurry pump And despite the inclusion of “turbine” in its name, there are technically no turbines involved in the operation of a vertical turbine pump. Like all other centrifugal pumps, turbine pumps use impellers. So, is there a difference between a turbine and an impeller? Yes! In essence, the difference between a turbine and an impeller is what’s pushing what. With an impeller, the mechanism pushes the fluid. In a turbine, the fluid pushes the mechanism. It’s useful to illustrate this difference by comparing a fan with a windmill. Since a motor causes the blades of a fan to move (which push air along), you can think of the fan as being analogous to an impeller. Likewise, since the wind hitting the blades of a windmill causes them to move (which push something else along), you can think of the windmill as a turbine. A vertical turbine-type pump also differs somewhat from most other centrifugal pumps in how they’re designed to move fluid. The impellers of a turbine pump tend to be smaller in diameter than those of most other centrifugal pumps, and they also incorporate rows of small vanes. Turbine pumps also draw fluid in from the edges of their impeller blades rather than through the central eye most other centrifugal pumps use. Where Are Vertical Turbine Pumps Used? Generally speaking, vertical turbine pumps are used in places where a submersible pump just isn’t a viable option. This is usually because the flow rate exceeds the range of the submersible pump’s impellers or the fluid’s surface level fluctuates rapidly and regularly. Vertical turbine pumps enjoy heavy use in agricultural, municipal, and industrial settings. In agricultural applications, they are used in bored wells to provide irrigation. In municipal applications, they provide groundwater where surface water isn’t an option. They can also be used on open bodies of water like reservoirs or rivers. They see the most use in industrial applications, though. They are used to supply fire water and plant make-up water. They can also be installed atop tanks or fitted inside barrels, which allows for a more effective and controlled balance of source versus atmospheric pressure. The advantages and disadvantages that vertical turbine pumps offer greatly influence their use in the applications mentioned above. Pros Small footprint Ideal for low-flow, high-head applications High discharge pressure No priming issues Easy to customize Comparatively better at dealing with gas–liquid mixtures Less variability in flow rate with changes in pressure Compact design Cons High headroom required for installation and maintenance of motor Not ideal for high-suction, high-pressure applications Low flow rate Mechanical seals can encounter difficulties when pump media contain entrained or dissolved gasses Clean liquids (i.e., without solids) are required due to tight internal clearances Unforgiving of improper assembly Performance not easily adjusted Replacement Parts and Repairs for Your Vertical Turbine Pump We at ERL Commercial Marine offer a vast array of top-quality vertical turbine pump products. And as America’s tanker barge industry leaders since 1970, we are also proud to provide bargeRead More >

22 Apr
Industrial Valves (Chemical)

4 Signs an Industrial Valve Needs Servicing

Industrial valves have a shorter lifespan than you think. Not what a business owner in the marine industry wants to hear, right?  You rely on valves for a variety of crucial applications. The last thing you want is to be stuck offshore with a faulty valve in need of repair. Thankfully, if your industrial valve is in trouble, it will tell you. You only need to learn how to read the signs. Here are four red flags that your valve needs attention. 1. It’s Noisy If you are hearing noises coming from the valve body, you are likely suffering from valve chatter. Valve chatter is the sounds made by spindle or plug vibrations. Valve noises can have various sources. These include improper sizing, misalignment, or seat damage. These issues cause unstable pressures and results in noisy vibrations. You can also check for debris accumulation or foreign bodies. Over time, valve chatter can wear down your valve components. This results in damage or failure. 2. It’s Leaking No valve is designed to close completely. Yet, you don’t expect your industrial valves to exceed the acceptable limit. Excessive valve leaks can be a product of normal wear and tear. Over time, internal components wear down and lead to improper fit. Leaks can also be the result of more serious issues. Improper maintenance, extreme temperatures, and excessive vibration can lead to leaking. These issues reduce the capacity of the valves and increase the pressure on the sealing area. In time, it will wear out and begin releasing material. 3. It’s Jamming If your valve is chattering or leaking, your first instinct is likely to tighten it. Proceed with caution. Over-tightening the valve packing can result in jamming. If your valve jams, it is likely due to over-torquing. Industrial valves have specific jobs, each with its own torque. Pushing a valve past its limit will cause a jam, and it won’t function as intended. Valves can also jam for other reasons. Corrosion problems can hinder actuation, which leads to pressure and flow issues. There can also be damage or debris on the valve body or plug. 4. It’s Failing Sometimes parts fail. Failure can be a result of excess wear or poor maintenance. It is sometimes caused by the reasons above: valve chatter, leakage, or jams. It could even be motor or electrical issues.But sometimes, it’s the end of the part’s lifespan. Industrial valves rely on actuators to open and close. If the actuator fails, the valve can no longer operate as intended. In the case of complete failure, the best solution is to replace the broken parts. Trust Your Industrial Valve Repair With the Experts Industrial valves may be big or small, but they are always mighty. Don’t let your valves cost you downtime and money. If you need valve repair services, trust your ship parts with the best in the service industry. ERL Commercial Marine Inc. is America’s leading tank barge equipment provider. We offer 24/7 tank barge field service. We also stock quality parts that ship anywhere in the U.S. in less than 12 hours. If you need parts or service for your tank barges, contact us today. We are happy to help with your industrial valve.

22 Apr
Mechanical Seals

Your Mechanical Seal Pump Guide to Seal Types

In 2021, analysts valued the global barge transportation market at $147.5 billion. Barge transportation is a critical element of international supply chains. Every hour a barge is delayed due to mechanical failure, industries hemorrhage revenue. Sometimes these losses total into the millions.  The ripple effect of those failures is felt the world over—sometimes for years after the fact. In worst-case scenarios, mechanical failures lead to drift, which leads to catastrophic civil damage. These losses are preventable. A ship-shape barge requires top-quality gear. That includes high-caliber mechanical seal pump options.  But which options are right for your barge? With this quick guide, you’ll learn the distinctions and merits between ten general categories of mechanical seals. Then, we’ll empower you to explore the best choice for your barge.  What Are Mechanical Seals? A mechanical seal is a device that uses pressure to join different mechanical components or systems together. On a barge, the mechanical seals are components of centrifugal pump systems. Engineers place mechanical seals at the point within a pump where the shaft connects to the drive. These seals typically keep fluid in and contaminants out. Often, a mechanical seal protects barrier fluid, like synthetic fluorinated oil. Barrier fluids reduce the friction of rotary pumps, mixers, and agitators. They also cool mechanical seal faces.  Parts of a Mechanical Seal Most mechanical seals have two flat seal faces. The seal arrangements are critical. Engineers install these faces perpendicular to the pump shaft. One face rotates with the shaft. This is the face that creates the primary seal. The other face is stationary. An engineer mounts it in the discharge head near the shaft-drive connection. Some mariners use to call a  stuffing box, which could leak Mechanical Seal Support Systems The mechanical seal does not function independently. Instead, it thrives in a matrix of support systems.  One component of these support systems could be a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is a plate, tube, or set of pipes that transfer thermal energy among fluids in a system. In this context, the heat exchanger cools the mechanical pump seal. Specifically, it transfers coolant fluid to the mechanical seal, which draws away its heat energy. This preserves the mechanical seal for long-term use.  How Do Mechanical Seals Work? In addition to its faces, a mechanical seal typically incorporates a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism applies pressure, which presses the stationary and rotating faces of the seal together. The mechanism must apply the correct amount of pressure. Higher pressure mechanisms run an elevated risk of wear and tear on the seal. But, if the pressure is not strong enough, it runs the risk of leakage.  There is some risk that the heat generated by the friction between the two faces could melt or damage the seal. So, cooling lubricant is a critical element.  Alternate Forces Some mechanical seals utilize different forces to press the two faces together. For example, the kinetic energy of the hydraulic force of the pump can act as a closing force. A mechanical seal may take advantage of this force instead of incorporating a spring.  Materials for Mechanical Seals Engineers have developed seals from different materials. These materials can take advantage of physical forces differently. They also have different capacities to withstand vibration. The most common mechanical seal face materials are: Ceramic Glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (GFPTFE) Silicon carbide Tungsten carbide Ni-Resist alloys GFPTFE is a thermoplastic polymer. PTFE is Teflon. These materials have different strengths, melting points, and degrees of surface smoothness and thermal resistance. These traits determine whether a given material is appropriate for the seal on your pump.  Ceramic Engineers use multiple types of ceramic to create mechanical seals. One popular option is aluminum oxide ceramic. This material is highly chemical-resistant. Benefits Ceramic mechanical seals have high hardness and low thermal conductivity. This makes them ideal for water-based applications.  Drawbacks Ceramic seals are not the right choice for dual seals. Ceramic’s low thermal conductivity raises the operating temperature. It cannot let heat dissipate fast enough.  Utility Most engineers choose ceramic for split-seal applications. They typically utilize a fluid cooling agent.  GFPTE  These mechanical seals incorporate glass or graphite fillings. They are typically radial shaft seals. Engineers design them to withstand high-pressure, dry-heat environments.  Benefits GFPTFE is highly chemical-resistant. It uses minimal energy, and it has high lubricity. It also has a high-enough melting point that it’s well-suited to hot applications.   Drawbacks GFPTFE does not resist abrasion well. It is also somewhat fragile. When compressed, it tends to remain compressed, so it does not serve high-elastic needs.  Utility Choose a GFPTFE mechanical seal in dry contexts. Or, use it when it must combat aggressive fluids with its own lubricity. Many engineers use these seals in medical equipment and pneumatic applications.  Silicon Carbide Silicon carbide is near-diamond in terms of hardness. To create a silicon carbide seal, engineers either create a reaction bond, or they trigger a sinter bond.  Sintered silicon carbide is the most wear-resistant and chemically-resistant mechanical seal material.  Benefits Silicon carbide is corrosion-resistant. It readily conducts thermal energy. You can use silicon carbide seals when you need stiffness in extreme contexts.  Drawbacks Silicon carbide is not as tough as tungsten. It has limited impact-stress resistance. It has little lubricity. Utility Nuclear reactor developers use silicon carbide seals as blanket components. Computer engineers use silicon carbide as a thin-film semiconductor. It’s a popular seal material in energy and aerospace machinery.  Tungsten Carbide  Tungsten carbide is a strong material. It typically uses nickel as a binder. The binder content increases the seal’s toughness, but it reduces its overall hardness.  Benefits  Tungsten carbide has the highest tensile strength of all mechanical seal materials. Some compositions are chemically resistant. It also resists abrasion effectively. Tungsten carbide also resists seal face distortion.  Drawbacks  Tungsten carbide risks creating high frictional heat. Engineers must account for that heat in any dual-seal arrangement with tungsten carbide seals.  Nickel-bound tungsten carbide seals should not interact with ammonia.  Utility Engineers often choose tungsten carbide seals in high-pressure applications. This material is also well-suited to high-vibration and high-torqueRead More >

22 Apr
Tank Barge Training

Becoming a Tankerman: Your Guide to Tankerman Training, Houston

Are you looking to level up your marine career? Interested in making upwards of $85,000/year? Then you should get your Tankerman training in Houston. If you search “Tankerman training Houston” you’ll get a lot of confusing results and complex information. You’ll also see a ton of options for schools and trainings that can take forever and cost you a pretty penny. It may seem intimidating at first because handling dangerous liquids is a serious job. First, it’s important that you read this guide, which breaks down the steps you will need to take in order to become a licensed tankerman.  What is Tankerman Training? Tankerman certification is given to deck crew members who want to work in the transportation of “liquid cargo.” Think gas, chemicals, oils, and temperamental liquids like that. They must complete a series of critical steps to obtain the certification. This important training is overseen and certified by the US Coast Guard. Here are the basics you need to begin your application:  US Citizenship 18 years or older Fluency in English Have or obtain a Medical Certificate from the MMC (Merchant Marine Credentials)  Have or obtain a Firefighters certification  Have or obtain a certificate from an approved course in Cargo Service days in your chosen field (detailed below)  What You Need To Do  If you’re ready with all of the above, your next step is to make sure you’ve fulfilled the service work required. At least a quarter (25%) of the service hours you submit with your application must have been completed within the last five years.  There are four Coast Guard approved options within Tankerman certification that you can pursue. Decide if you want to work on a tank, a barge, as an assistant, or as an engineer. For all but the barge endorsement, you will need 90 days of service as an officer or cadet in your preferred role. The barge specification only requires 60 days. The USCG provides a detailed checklist of all the specific requirements for each endorsement.  Tankerman Training Houston Luckily for Houstonians, there are some great training programs that can help you get your certification. If you are already employed, ERL can bring the training center to your facility. Tell your boss about our free mobile training barge. Be sure to ask to schedule in the form. Our little barge classroom on wheels has everything you need to train on before going for your certification. PV gauges? Check. Vapor header? Check. Expansion dome with sigh glasses and gauge dome? Check and check.  ERL can get you ready to fulfill your training confidently and successfully. This certification not only brings great value to your resume and salary, but it also brings security and protection to your employer. What You Should Do Next We can roll this barge training tank to anywhere in the US. It’s critical that any serious mariner looks into tankerman training if they are ready to transport liquids flawlessly. We can also help your business with marine products or any commercial marine needs.  There’s no reason to wait another minute before pursuing your tankerman training Houston so let your barge owners know they should contact ERL today.

22 Apr
Chemical Spills in Waterways

Preventing Pollution: The Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard

It’s estimated that over 8 million tons of plastic contaminate our oceans yearly. Other environmental pollutants include illegal dumping and oil spills, to name a few. The Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard works hard to benefit us all. The MEPCG takes active steps to prevent things that damage our environment. They’re the frontline against pollution, but also from much more. This includes invasive species, but also criminal activity and smuggling. The Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard stops anything that could contaminate our ecosystem. They also work hard to help clean up our waters to keep us safe. Thanks to a specific program built for that purpose, they’re super-efficient. They also help educate the public and prevent disasters before they occur. The Marine Environmental Protection Program is one way they do this. Read on to learn how the Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard keeps us safe. The Role of the US Coast Guard: A Close-Up Since 1790, the US Coast Guard has kept national waters and the American people safe. For over two centuries, they’ve served a pivotal role in its national, border, and economic security. They’ve also kept up with the ever-changing and rich history of the Maritimes. The Coast Guard consists of active, reserve, and volunteer units. Though they are a vital unit, not many are aware of what being a coast guard entails. Many underestimate what an average day for the coast guard looks like. They handle search and rescue, stopping smuggling, to marine vessel inspections. All of which is only the tip of the iceberg. Knowing what they go through and do in their line of duty, the coast guard isn’t a force to underestimate. Many are unaware that part of the Coast Guard’s job is protecting the marine environment and ecosystem. Managing oil spills and monitoring capsized vessels are good examples of this. Also, they keep an eye out and investigate potential locations harboring invasive species. In fact, they have an ongoing initiative that highlights these – the Marine Environmental Protection Program. It’s designed by the Coast Guard with several other partnerships. A finer understanding of it will provide a deeper appreciation of what they do. Delving into the Marine Environmental Protection Program There has been a greater appreciation for keeping our oceans clean and safe. Such an endeavor has become so much more attainable with everyone’s combined efforts. The public sector, major industries, and the government are getting more invested and involved in this movement. The Marine Environmental Protection Program is a direct result of that. It’s aided in regulating and implementing directives that protect the delicate marine ecosystem. Through it, the Coast Guard is able to implement five key initiatives. 1. Prevention This means combating any type of pollution before it happens. There are three ways this gets achieved. To be specific, through the use right equipment, proper training, and special procedures. A good example of this is how we’ve become more efficient with containing a capsized vessel. Leaving it can lead to unexpected consequences . Some major ones are oil spills and potential fires on the ocean surface. These can lead to severe pollution and in turn disruption and harm to the marine environment. The Coast Guard does their best to stop incidents like this before they start. Depending on the situation’s severity, they can partner with other organizations or volunteers 2. Enforcement The second part of the program involves litigation and penalties for all illegal acts, both civil and criminal. Often, this can include any form of smuggling or even illegal border crossings. Enforcement by the Coast Guard is a role most of us are familiar with. This covers narcotics or immigration issues. It’s likely one of the most high-risk operations the Coast Guard becomes involved with. An example of a less-high-risk application is the recent fisheries enforcement operation. That said, many of us still fail to recognize how much officials put at stake during such operations. 3. Surveillance Another aspect of the initiative is surveillance. Though it may have some nuances with Prevention, it still has its own importance. Its main goal is also to protect the marine environment with different approaches. These include patrolling, monitoring, and inspections. These can either happen through boarding vessels, overflights, or harbor checks. Through proper surveillance, the Coast Guard catches certain activities. This can include giveaways of illegal activities. It prevents ocean dumping or offloading of narcotics, and other illicit acts. 4. Response Sometimes, the Coast Guard will need to take action. This is what the response part is all about. When chemical or oil spills happen, there are aspects of the program that cover it. The initiative aims to clean up and limit the overall impact of these spills. This can include marine science technicians taking samples of the water. They can also use special grade kits such as  the Marine Environmental Response (MER) kits. Documentation of the disaster is important too. By analyzing encompassing effects, better plans and responses are then formulated. At times, there will also be the need for international support and intervention. This makes the Response aspect a wide-scale and multi-level goal and objective. 5. In-house Abatement This is the final important aspect of the Marine Environmental protection plan. All Coast Guard facilities and ships need to comply with federal laws on pollution. They have to be as clean and efficient as possible, and waste as little as possible. This is an undertaking that the Coast Guard takes to heart, as they don’t want to create pollution while they clean it up. For this reason, they’re always looking to improve and reduce their own footprint. The Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard won’t get left behind. Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard The Marine Environmental Protection Coast Guard does incredible and often thankless work. Because they care about our ecosystem and work to keep our shores safe from all threats, we can all thrive. This isn’t an easy process, which is why they are always trying to do more and do better. Part of what they need to be successfulRead More >

22 Apr
Industrial Valves (Chemical)

Choosing the Right Industrial Valves Manufacturers for Your Needs

Tank barges are the backbone of the oil and gas industries, with forecasters predicting a growth rate of 4.5% in this field by 2031. So, if you’re a tank barge operator anywhere in the United States right now, you need to prepare yourself for the growth. You can get started by equipping your tank barges with the ultimate fluid control systems for your needs.  Here’s what to look for when it comes to industrial valves manufacturers to partner with you in your quest for performance excellence.  Search for Valve Companies Offering What You Need As a responsible barge operator, you’re always looking for ways to improve your venting and pumping systems. Especially when it comes to optimizing safety and efficiency. These systems include valves as a way to control the flow and containment of hazardous materials. Some of the most important ones are: Pressure Vacuum Valves The stainless steel 2.5, 4, or 8” Equate PV valve should be at the top of your list for automatic pressure/vacuum regulation. This valve intuitively allows for the required outward and inward vapor flow when loading and offloading cargo. Do you want quiet valve automation solutions? Consider the 6” High-Velocity PV Valve with 30% fewer parts and 16% angled housing to eliminate cargo condensation.  This weight-operated valve operates without hindrance from springs or friction. This makes it ideal for extremely low-flow rates. Pressure Relief Valves The ERL Pressure Relief Valve is unique in that it incorporates a built-in lifting eye. It’s available in 4” x 6” and 6” x 8” configurations, ideal for high-flow vertical turbine pumps. Vapor Control Valves Vapor control valves allow for manual gauging of gasoline levels and the safe release of displaced vapors. There are four types of B-type vapor control valves to consider for your tank barge, namely: Original B-type Micro “B” 2-inch (50) full-bore ball valves MMC (Asia) F50 2-inch (50) full-bore ball valves The cost-effective Mini Micro “B” 1 ½-inch (38) All ERL Marine valves have flanges for easy installation and precise positioning. Solenoid Valves Solenoid valves are process valves that serve to regulate the flow of a liquid or air in hydraulic and pneumatic power systems. They’re electrically operated and available in three varieties as follows: Normally closed solenoid valves Normally open solenoid valves Bi-stable solenoid valves Solenoid valves are fast-acting, automated shut-off valves, and essential if you use a pigging system to clear cargo.  Gate Valves Gate valves are among the simplest and most widely used valves in the shipping industry. They operate on an open or closed system revolving around a manually operated spindle. This rotating spindle lifts a barrier in and out of the pipes as required.  There are two types of gate valves, namely rising stem and non-rising stem types.  Globe Valves Globe valves have a plug that lifts up and down to limit or shut off the flow at a split-level juncture of two pipes. You can operate them manually or with an automatic actuator assembly.  At ERL Inc., we’re passionate about developing and manufacturing the best valves available today. Our one-stop shopping experience ensures product compatibility, standardized quality, and convenience for you.  Inquire About Stock Levels You must focus your search on valve manufacturers who offer everything you need to keep your barges’ venting and pumping systems operating at their best, especially under high pressure. It’s even more important to work with a supplier who carries sufficient stock to help you out in an emergency. You can’t afford to wait weeks for parts when you have barges on the water.  Your Reputation Hinges on Their Reputation Your barges are only as good as their pumps, valves, and storage systems. Catastrophic failure in these areas will damage your reputation and harm your business.  You bear the responsibility for your equipment failure, not your supplier. So, make sure you can count on them to deliver products you can rely on.  Browse industry websites for reviews to help you find the best suppliers and check out the Better Business Bureau for company ratings. You can also ask for referrals from your peers in the shipping industry. Hearing about other people’s experiences with valve manufacturers can guide you toward establishing a long-term partnership with a supplier.  Make sure you choose a supplier with the necessary licenses to operate in your state. They must also meet all relevant safety and environmental standards. Any failing on their part will reflect poorly on you. Affiliations to reputed organizations like the American Waterways Operators assure you the manufacturer has committed to staying informed about the latest developments and legal requirements in their field.   Work With Experienced Industrial Valves Manufacturers Buying parts for a tank barge isn’t as simple as getting parts for your car. One wrong decision can result in safety issues or turn your barge into an environmental hazard. It’s critical to choose the correct valves for each application onboard your tank barge. So, you must work with an experienced valve supplier who has extensive knowledge of the latest valve products for industrial applications. ERL Inc.  has been at the forefront of valve manufacturing for over 50 years. We are the leading manufacturer of industrial valves for tanker barges in the United States. Our products feature in over 10,000 barge compartments owned by 300 customers. Have you recently encountered a unique challenge or opportunity in your business? We can custom-design a solution for your needs. Thanks to this, we already have 30 patents in our name. Safety Is a Priority  Safety is a major issue for technicians inspecting valve installations, particularly in the marine environment. Valve failure can result in serious injury or death from prolonged exposure to noxious vapors.  Health and safety regulations change frequently, so you must ensure the valve products you use comply with or exceed current state and federal regulations. It’s vital to work with a valve manufacturer who understands these regulations and has a solid record of commitment to safety.  They have the know-how and experience to guide you with the rules regarding how many valves you need and where to locate them, too. Ask to see safety certifications for relevant valves before you buy them.  Knowing your barges comply with all the relevant safety standards means you can focus on growing your business. You never needRead More >

22 Apr
Barge Maintenance (Marine)

Barge Inspection

Did you know that  one 10K barge has the capacity to hold 1500 tons? This is the equivalent of nearly 63,000 bushels or  over 500,000 gallons of material. This is an incredible feat of transportation. To keep all of the barges worldwide in check, barge inspection visits must take place.  They happen with regularity to keep all parties involved safe, including the environment. If you’re in control of a merchant ship operation or deck barge, boat inspection should be at the forefront of your mind. Passing ship inspection leads to improved ship safety and overall greater efficiency that helps to puff up your bottom line. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about a barge inspection. What Is a Barge Inspection? All equipment on a standard barge operating out of the United States will be subject to inspection by the United States Coast Guard or a certified Marine surveyor once per year. These Marine surveyors will need to have at least five years of experience in commercial marine vessels before obtaining the position. This means that all of the eyes looking at your ship are well-qualified. It’s important that you meet the Coast Guard recommendations and guidelines for passing inspection so that you don’t have any  worries during your transportation operations. If any inspection that takes place on the ship will need to be documented, and a copy of the report must be in a public area onboard the ship. The inspection will include an evaluation of structural conditions on the ship. It should also include any equipment used for storage, navigation, or other purposes. It’s best practice for internal audits to periodically inspect a fleet of ships. However, barge inspection by an external party provides the official documentation needed to avoid fines or worse. If any marine vessel is found to have unsafe elements of the inspection,  it will be taken out of service. You will not be allowed to use the vessel until the problems have been corrected. Basic Preparedness Before the inspection, the barge deck should be well organized with all equipment and materials not being used stored away. Every employee aboard the ship should know where all the safety equipment is onboard the barge. This means that safety equipment stock checks should occur regularly. This way, necessary equipment is available to those on board in a time of need. If there is any damage to safety equipment, it needs replacement promptly with new equipment or a temporary alternative. Employees should also know every location of the openings and hatches on deck. This helps to prevent accidents on deck down the road. The ship should maintain a disaster preparedness plan so that any harm to workers  is mitigated in the event of a dangerous situation. This could include a hurricane, flood, tropical storm, or other form of inclement weather. Also, employees need to know exactly when the conditions necessitate the barge to relocate to a safer area. This depends on the tide or river gauge readings in the area of navigation.  Most barges do not include a self-propelled system. There should be a plan to move the vessel using a separate self-propelled vessel like a tugboat. This means that a pull boat or tugboat should always be available in the area of the barge in case it needs a relocation. Additionally, crew members need to complete all required safety trainings. These should occur on a regular basis to keep their certifications up-to-date. These courses should cover barge safety and specific safety elements about their positions or roles on the barge. Equipment Requirements There are certain types of equipment that needs to be available aboard a barge to pass an inspection report. Fenders help to prevent damage and sparking. They also provide a safe area for workers who could become involved in a pinching situation that’s caused by floating equipment. Axes or emergency cutting tools need sharpening and must be provided at otherwise inaccessible positions throughout the ship or its towing vessels. Similarly, signal devices need to be provided on all vessels to give signals needed to maintain proper navigation on the local waterways. Emergency control systems need protection against accidental operation. However, they need to be also accessible in the case of an emergency. These include safety valves, alarms, and fire protection. Electric lights need to be explosion-proof. This is especially true for lights used around gasoline or on oil barges. Anywhere there is a fire or explosion hazard, explosion-proof lights should take precedence. General alarm systems need to include easy access for any passenger or crewman. They need to be able to access areas of the ship in which one person may be separated or out of sight from any other person. A sufficient number of signaling devices must be present on the deck. They must interconnect strategically so that no individual is left stranded. Passing a Barge Inspection At the end of the day, passing a barge inspection simply requires knowledge in advance and a high degree of preparation. When you understand the types of dangerous situations that can occur on a barge, you know what steps you need to take to prepare. Develop a checklist and prepare equipment and alarm systems. You also want to train employees for the worst possible events. If you can do these two tasks, you will be well prepared for ship inspection. If you’re interested in learning more about marine equipment and safety protocols, please contact us today.

17 Mar
Mechanical Seals

What Are Mechanical Seals?

Did you know that mechanical seals have been in existence for more than 100 years? George J. Cook created the mechanical seal in 1923 under Patent #1545080. A mechanical seal is a piece of equipment that provides a seal on rotating equipment at a shaft’s entry or exit point. It’s typically used to help stop the leakage of one high-pressure fluid into a lower-pressure liquid.  Mechanical seals are employed in virtually every industrial operation. Automobiles, ships, rockets, industrial pumps, compressors, home pools, and dishwashers are many applications. Do you know why mechanical seals are used to keep fluids in a vessel contained? Do you want to see how these seals function? Then, continue reading to learn the fundamentals of mechanical sealing. What Are Mechanical Seals? A mechanical seal contains fluid within a vessel by a rotating shaft passing through a fixed housing. Or, also, by the housing revolving around the shaft. For example, mechanical seals are typically used in pumps. The challenge in sealing a pump is to enable a rotating shaft to gain entry into the ‘wet’ area of the pump. At the same time preventing high quantities of pressurized fluid from escaping. You need a seal between both the pump housing and the shaft to contain the process pressure and withstand the shaft’s rotational friction. There are several kinds of mechanical seals to choose from. These depend on the type of pump and the processing method. Each seal option has a distinct design and characteristics suitable for a particular application. Mechanical Seal Components But what makes up a mechanical seal? The majority of mechanical seals are composed of five pieces: Revolving primary face which closes against the static main sealing element The static main face is fastened to the pump’s stationary housing and seals against the revolving primary sealing element Mechanical loading components can include single, multiple, wave springs or metal bellows The secondary seal adjusts for any shaft motion that may harm the seal faces Drive mechanisms move the rotating main seal face These are essentially the five parts of all mechanical seals. What Are the Types of Mechanical Seals? You can have seals made to order to meet a broad range of applications. However, some seals fit the needs of specific applications. You can classify most seals into one of the following main types of component mechanical seals. Mechanical Wave Spring Seals You use mechanical wave spring seals in the medicinal, dairy, breweries, and food processing industries. You use stationaries with anti-rotation pins in high viscosity media, and you mount them with grub screws. Some are designed to work in shallow, constrained seal housings. Water Pump Seals Water pump seals work in wet conditions. Applications using water pump seals such as: Irrigation systems Heating systems Swimming pools Bath spas and outdoor spas To make sure that water pump seals work efficiently, you need to make sure they’re made of high-quality materials like rubber or metal. Mechanical Metal Bellows Seals  The mechanical metal bellows seals are compact, adaptable, and exceptionally reliable in various applications. Recommended for solids-containing media and are commonly used in pumps, mixers, and compressors, among other applications. Mechanical Diaphragm Seals You use diaphragm seals in many industrial activities, like compressors, agitators, pumps, mixers, and other things with rotating equipment with a shaft. This is because the diaphragm in the rotating head rotary seal is on the shaft, so it doesn’t matter how the shaft turns. Balanced Diaphragm Seals  These seals are similar in function to diaphragm seals, but they are additionally hydraulically balanced to minimize friction and heat at the sealing surface. Mechanical Conical Seals This is a very versatile mechanical seal. They are sturdy and durable and come in a variety of materials. However, these seals require rotation and come with left or right-hand springs. Mechanical Parallel Seals Part of the heavy-duty series. They can be offered with left- or right-handed wound springs and various face to seal procedures. They are used in water pumps, particularly in marine pumps, textiles, and refrigeration compressors. Multi-Spring or Double Mechanical Seals These seals are commonly utilized in the chemical sector for difficult activities because of their proven effectiveness—for example, corrosive processing fluids. The mechanical seals must be of the highest quality. It is also essential to choose the correct seal based on the purpose of the product. Why Are Mechanical Seals Important? A mechanical seal is very important in pumps or other machines. Mechanical seals are meant to keep the fluid, whether it be water or oil, used by a device from spilling out into:  The electrical system, which could cause it to break down The environment  Improved mechanical seals will prevent liquid leakage and increase machine efficiency, resulting in energy savings and less environmental contamination. Furthermore, in some cases, rotary machines handle content that, if leaked, can result in a dangerous accident and sometimes result in environmental damage. As a result, mechanical seals must be highly reliable through manufacturing supported by solid seal technology engineering expertise. A Minor Leak Can Sink a Large Ship! Understanding the many mechanical seals and their components is only the start. When determining the seal type to use, it is vital to consider the purpose, installation, and operation along with leakage restrictions of the system. This critical decision has an impact on the whole system’s dependability. A properly selected seal for the job will help minimize environmental contamination while also saving money through increased system performance, longer lifespan, and improved machine safety. Are you looking for a marine mechanical seal or other products? Then why not download our marine product catalog? Our engineers work closely with our clients to produce products that address unique needs or challenges.

Valve Repair

VR Repair | ERL Marine | Law Valve of Texas

VR Repair

Pump Repair | ERL Marine | Law Valve of Texas

Pump Repair

Field Services | ERL Marine | Law Valve of Texas

Field Services

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