Salvage patches redesigned
Torn hull pictured from inside showing watertight Miko fabric patch
A fourth generation of Miko Salvage Patches has been introduced following upgrades to the design of the Norwegian company’s 'hat-shaped patch'.
Miko Marine says that its range of salvage patches has been responsible for preventing the loss of ships on numerous occasions. The new design relates to patches that are like a shallow bag with a brim. The patch can be used to cover hull damage to a vessel so that any protruding torn metal is accommodated within the capacity of the patch’s bag. The patch then creates a watertight seal by having its ‘brim’ held tight by aluminium strips riveted by divers to ensure that a rubber seal on the brim is compressed tightly against the hull. The redesign features the use of hook and loop fastening to hold the strips in place while they are being riveted.
The new design rounds the corners to create a more accommodating shape with fewer opportunities for abrasion and puncture. Although the company say this has never been a problem due to the durability of the fabric, the new design reflects experience and the continuous programme of development.
Each patch is manufactured from a fabric reinforced by Kevlar and Aramid. Typically used in bullet-proof vests, these fibres enable the patch to resist penetration by sharp-edged pieces of damaged hull. Miko claims this allows the patch to be used with confidence in demanding sea conditions – for example when a patch was used to cover a gash in a ship’s hull 3m below the waterline. According to the company, at that depth water pressure is the equivalent to 15 tonnes yet a knife-sharp protrusion of the torn hull failed to penetrate the fabric.
Packs of Miko Salvage Patches are now standard emergency equipment with Norwegian Coastal Administration ships and establishments, having been used repeatedly to prevent sinkings. A notable recent example occurred in 2010 when a fishing boat was safely grounded while on the point of capsize following a collision at a port in northern Norway. The engine room was flooded but a Miko patch was used to seal the hole. As a result the vessel was pumped dry and almost all of its fish catch was saved before being towed 15 miles, without incident, to another port for repair.
Patches featuring the new design will now be supplied in all new Miko Salvage Kits. These may include the company’s magnetic patches for use on hull damage without protrusions. The products are claimed to be carried by a wide variety of vessel types including all ships in the French navy.Images for this article - click to enlarge
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