Northeast Technical Debuts New Tanker Cargo Tank Inspection Device
Northeast Technical Services, in conjunction with BP Oil Co. (USA) Marine Technical Group, has designed, tested and manufactured a new cargo tank inspection device called Maricam. Maricam, suitable for use on all types of tankers, permits a detailed inspection of areas which are traditionally difficult, if not impossible, to inspect.
The product reportedly easily inspects areas which were only accessible by staging, rafting or "tank walking"—without entering the tank. Maricam incorporates some of the latest technology in live action, low light computer chip video cameras, a custom-designed400mm, 20x zoom lens and an adjustable, high-intensity halogen light source. The Maricam is reportedly capable of seeing, with detail, cracks, fractures and broken welds, from as far away as 50 feet (15.2 m). The Maricam is deployed through any standard Butterworth tank cleaning hole. The tank must be gas free, and the system requires two trained personnel to operate. An average ship with 70 to 80 Butterworth holes can reportedly be surveyed in three to four days. For more information on the Maricam, Circle 30 on Reader Service Card
