In March we started an interesting project for Captain Keith Colburn of the F/V Wizard: two 85 ton RSW systems in a cargo container. This portable system can be hoisted onto the deck to provide chilled water during the summer tendering season and then removed for crabbing in the fall. These two very different duties put a unique stress on the ship’s refrigeration system. While tendering, the Wizard needs an efficient refrigerated seawater (RSW) system, but when crabbing she needs little more than a clear deck for all the crab pots, as the holds are filled with non-refrigerated water.

This unit uses Bitzer open-drive screw compressors and 100 hp motors. It also has proprietary TeknoLogic automation and controls for ease of use. As long as the boat has an internet connection, engineers and technicians can see exactly what is going on with every part of the system and diagnose problems from anywhere in the world.

A chiller, condenser, and high pressure receiver are secured to each side of the container. Oil separators plus compressors and motors are at one end while controls are at the other. All the equipment is fully piped, meaning all connections are made to the flanged connectors on the exterior.

This unit will be loaded onto the F/V Wizard later this week. We will finish installing the controls, make final adjustments, and do full testing before the ship leaves port. An in-depth article with more photos will  appear in the August issue of Fishermen’s News, so be sure to check it out if you want more information on this fascinating project.

This week we started on a large, unique project: two complete RSW systems inside a 24 ft cargo shipping container. This is designed for simplicity. The container can be lifted onto the deck by a crane, secured, and the water and power are hooked up. The controls will be in the container. By putting the refrigeration system on the deck, it frees up precious space below deck. Then when the ship changes from fishing to crabbing, the container is removed, allowing the full deck space for crab pots.

Based on a new cargo container, it will be retrofitted with a man door on the side. A steel I-beam (shown above) runs the length of the space along the center of the roof. This supports a wheeled trolley to bring the heavy equipment inside, because there is no way to use a forklift. Doors and soft patches (access hatches) allow access to all sides of each piece of equipment for servicing.

The refrigerant will be ammonia. At Teknotherm we support all types of refrigerant but we are the ammonia specialists. With the increasingly broad bans on so many refrigerants, ammonia will be one of the few left standing in a few years. Because it is not ozone-depleting nor does it contribute to global warming, and is an excellent refrigerant, it is really the best choice out there.

When finished this unit will consist of two 80 ton refrigerated seawater systems using Bitzer screw compressors and 100 hp motors, with a complete ventilation and ammonia leak sensor system. And of course it will use our proprietary TeknoLogic automation and controls for ease of use. Our engineers and technicians can see exactly what is going on with every part of the system and diagnose any problems from the comfort of our Seattle office, no matter where in the world the boat is, as long as the boat has an internet connection.

This is a beautiful solution for the 155 footer’s seasonal refrigeration needs. In the coming weeks I will post in-progress photos of this fascinating and unique project.

Working on an interesting project. We received a two-circuit or non-redundant RSW system that just wasn’t doing what the ship’s engineer wanted. They had two chillers but only one condenser, one compressor, one receiver, and one ineffective control system. Having only single components powering two separate chillers can cause the system to under-perform, and if one of these single pieces needs service the entire RSW system goes down. Not good in the middle of fishing season.

Our goal is to create two complete separate systems running from a single control panel. The equipment was brought to our shop- the above photo shows the three main components, obviously in need of some attention. If you are running a boat with a similar two-circuit system, you might consider upgrading so a minor breakdowns doesn’t leave you stuck in port at the peak of the season. Contact us today to find out more.

We just finished fabricating the new condenser unit, shown in the second photo. We stripped down and sandblasted the existing equipment. After changing some fittings and doing some other work we will send all the units out for painting. Then it will be on to installation, wiring the controls, and start up. These new systems will be more efficient, work independently of each other, and will keep this captain’s catch chilled to perfection.

We have an RSW Chiller and Condenser being put together for a new Customer and a SS DX Chiller just getting started.  Also a double stack RSW Chiller waiting for Shells to start fabrication.  Always great to see a busy shop.