Project Overview
The TTS Engineering Marine Department completed the replacement of corroded stainless steel exhaust stack pipework as part of an improvement project onboard a vessel.
The existing exhaust pipes had suffered corrosion and required replacement to restore the system. The work involved removing the existing sections and manufacturing new stainless steel pipework to match the original arrangement.
The team worked to a two-week programme, with completion required before the vessel’s scheduled departure. This placed a clear focus on planning, fabrication quality and efficient installation.
Project Objective
The main objective was to replace the existing corroded stainless steel exhaust stack pipework with newly fabricated sections.
The new sections needed to match the existing system and connect correctly to the vessel’s structure. The team also needed to reinstall the existing interconnecting support system as part of the work.
Testing formed an important part of the project. The team planned to hydrostatically test the new pipe sections before installation and complete a final system test after fitting.
The project needed to meet all these requirements within the planned programme and before the vessel departed.
Project Detail
Isolation & Removal
The team first isolated the existing exhaust system to allow the work to proceed safely.
They then removed the corroded stainless steel pipe sections from the vessel, ready for replacement.
Template & Fabrication
The existing pipework provided the basis for creating templates for the replacement sections.
Using these templates, the team fabricated new pipe sections to reproduce the required arrangement and ensure they would integrate with the existing system.
Stainless Steel TIG Welding
The team used TIG welding during fabrication of the new exhaust pipe sections. The project also required stick welding equipment for elements of the installation work.
The work involved a combination of hand tools, power tools, welding equipment and scaffolding to provide safe access to the work area.
External Welding Challenge
One of the main challenges involved welding sections of the new pipework externally and in position. This allowed the team to connect the replacement pipework to the vessel’s structure.
External conditions presented an additional challenge for welding. Wind can interfere with the controlled environment required during the process.
To overcome this, the team established a temporary welding enclosure around the work area. This prevented wind ingress and provided more stable conditions for the welding operation.
Installation & Supports
Following fabrication, the team fitted the new exhaust pipe sections and completed the required in-position welding.
They then reinstalled the existing interconnecting support system to complete the pipework arrangement.
Testing & Verification
Quality verification formed an important part of the project.
The team hydrostatically tested the newly fabricated pipe sections as part of the planned work. Following installation, they also completed a final system test to verify the completed exhaust system.
Project Outcome
The TTS Engineering Marine Department completed the exhaust stack pipework replacement as planned and within the required project programme.
The project replaced the corroded stainless steel sections with newly fabricated pipework and reinstated the associated support arrangement.
This project demonstrates TTS Engineering’s capability in marine stainless steel pipework fabrication, TIG welding, in-position installation and system testing. It also highlights the team’s ability to overcome challenging site conditions while working within a vessel’s planned schedule.
