One of the major concerns in the shipping industry is the damage sea water can cause to cargo, which not only threatens vessel safety but also leads to expensive insurance claims. To prevent this, hatch covers must be regularly inspected and maintained to detect leaks and ensure the integrity of the cargo hold.

Several inspection methods have been used over time. The simplest is a visual inspection using a torch, checking for rust, damage, or residue. Whilst quick and easy, it’s limited by what the eye can see. This can be used in conjunction with chalk testing, where chalk powder is applied to the gasket, highlighting potential leaks wherever the chalk rubs away. Water hose testing involves spraying high-pressure water over the hatch cover. Although widely used, the hold must be empty to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the cargo, making it time-consuming and impractical. Vacuum box testing is more accurate, creating a vacuum inside the hold to measure leaks by loss of vacuum. It is, however, expensive and requires the hold to be empty. Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a quick and highly accurate leak detection test and is where Cygnus comes in!

Cygnus’ Pin-Point Accurate, Ultrasonic Leak Detection System

Cygnus has applied its marine industry knowledge and ultrasonic expertise to a different angle; a fast, effective and economical solution for evaluating cargo hatch covers and watertight seals to determine water leaks and weather tightness.

The Cygnus Hatch Sure Ultrasonic Leak Detector allows inspections without removing cargo, saving time and reducing costs. It uses a powerful battery-powered transmitter with 19 ultrasound emitters (40 kHz), deliberately arranged to produce an omni-directional sound field, uniformly distributed throughout the space. The receiver simultaneously displays sound energy levels, helping users pinpoint leak locations quickly and accurately Six selectable power levels allow testing in various-sized areas, including confined spaces.

This technology can detect seal compression issues and cracks invisible to the eye. With Cygnus Hatch Sure enables frequent testing, quick repairs, and re-testing to verify effectiveness, and over time a recorded history of the integrity of the hold. With this knowledge, repairs can be scheduled in advance and targeted, as opposed to sourcing excess materials ‘just in case’. Crucially, ships can be inspected in port before departure to ensure seaworthiness.

More Cygnus Hatch Sure Features

Cygnus Hatch Sure is environmentally friendly, ABS type approved and accepted by P&I clubs. Designed for one-person operation, it eliminates the need for inspection teams. Inspections can be conducted without clearing the space, ideal for sizeable storage facilities where seal integrity is paramount, but shifting contents is inefficient. Its lightweight design includes a rucksack-style carry case and hands-free straps, making it easy to transport and use. Minimal training is required to test watertight doors, closing appliances, and storage facilities effectively. Speed, convenience, and accuracy are central to its design.