M/V Hermes Leader: UV Steriliser Replaced, 0 Bacteria

Home 9 Case Studies and Results 9 M/V Hermes Leader: UV Steriliser Replaced, 0 Bacteria
Key results
0 bacteria detected
3 verified lab tests
0 UV sterilisers needed

Shipboard potable water bacteria and calorifier scale

Shipboard potable water bacteria control on M/V Hermes Leader depended entirely on a UV steriliser, with no scale protection in the piping or the calorifier. The operator wanted safe water across the accommodation, wanted performance validated by laboratory tests, and wanted to stop carrying a UV unit that only did one job. During a port call at Busan, South Korea, in January 2015 two HM45 units were fitted to the cold water outlet and the hot water return to the calorifier. Laboratory testing confirmed bacteria at zero, the UV steriliser was replaced, and the calorifier and pipework gained scale protection.

The Challenges

  • Shipboard potable water bacteria control depended entirely on a UV steriliser
  • There was no scale protection in the piping or the calorifier
  • Safe water had to be ensured across the accommodation
  • Performance had to be validated with laboratory tests
  • The change had to be made during a port call

The Solution

  • Units installed: Two HM45 units
  • Installation point: cold water outlet and hot water return to the calorifier
  • Installed: January 2015 at Busan, South Korea
  • Previous treatment: UV steriliser for bacteria control

The units were fitted during the port call at Busan, on the cold water outlet and on the hot water return to the calorifier, so both sides of the system were treated. The signal maintains bacteria-free drinking water and disrupts the conditions that bond scale to surfaces. Laboratory testing then confirmed shipboard potable water bacteria at zero, and the UV steriliser was retired.

Key Outcomes

R

No bacteria detected in follow-up tests

R

HM45 units replaced the UV steriliser

R

Lab testing met drinking water standards

R

Calorifier and pipework gained scale protection

Independent Verification

All results in this study were measured and verified by third-party facilities managers and technical staff.

Summary

Bacteria stayed at zero in laboratory testing, and safe water was confirmed across the accommodation. For vessels, potable water safety is a compliance matter as much as a comfort one. Achieving it with a device that also protects the calorifier reduces the equipment list rather than adding to it. The same two-unit arrangement has since been used on sister vessels in the fleet.

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