R.W. Fernstrum System / Package Showcase
OMEGA Reinforced Laser Plate Banks for Cargo Hold Heating
Structurally reinforced stainless laser-plate heat-exchanger banks that replace failing pipe coils in barge and tanker cargo holds — built to survive sloshing loads in part-filled tanks while heating crude oil, caustic soda and other cargoes.
Description
Reinforced OMEGA Laser Plate Banks are immersion heat-exchanger assemblies engineered for cargo hold and cargo tank heating on barges and tankers. They are designed to replace pipe-coil heating systems and to withstand the dynamic loads of marine transport.
Engineering challenges solved
- Sloshing forces in partially filled holds caused by wave action and acceleration
- Wide range of cargo densities and viscosities — from crude oil to caustic soda and other industrial liquids
- Corrosive cargoes requiring durable stainless construction
Design
- Structural ribbing and bracket systems
- Optimised plate wall thickness
- Load-distributing frames
- Dimpled, laser-welded plate surface for uniform flow and heat distribution even under variable flow and fill levels
- Designed, built and installed within a dry-dock turnaround
Results (barge retrofit case study)
- Withstood repeated transport cycles at partial fill without fatigue or deformation
- Reduced risk of damage underway and minimal maintenance
- Enabled carriage of multiple liquids with different densities and hold volumes
- Long service life from stainless construction
Supplied by R.W. Fernstrum & Company with Omega Thermo Products.
Specifications
| Type | Reinforced immersion plate bank (cargo heating) |
|---|---|
| Construction | Laser-welded stainless pillow plates with structural ribbing, brackets and load-distributing frames |
| Application | Barge / tanker cargo hold and tank heating; pipe-coil replacement |
| Cargoes | Crude oil, caustic soda, other industrial liquids |
| Manufacturer | Omega Thermo Products |
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