HVAC Duct Cleaning

HVAC Duct Cleaning (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)

WHY HVAC SYSTEMS DUCT CLEANING?
Accommodation fresh and exhaut air, Laundry and Galley HVAC systems accumulate large amounts of dust, grease, oil and smoke residue resulting in many risks such as:

Fire and safety hazards
Health and sickness risks for employees
Alteration of HVAC networks performances and efficiency.

DUCT CLEANING REGULATION
Classification authorities’ guidelines likely emphasize the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems, including cleaning of ducts, filters, coils, and other components. Regular maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, mold, and other contaminants that can compromise air quality and system performance. Best industry practice states that Galley & Laundry hood and exhaust duct cleaning shall be undertaken once a year (considering those two areas are the highest risk fire areas inside accommodations). Fresh and exhaust air shall be considered for maintenance every two years, depending on condition and specific requirements related to air quality, occupational health, and safety standards imposed by rig owner, national authorities or international organizations.

Amendments to SOLAS Regulations II-2/3 and dll-2/9.7 stipulates that vents shall be provided with hatches for inspection & cleaning close to exhaust fans, lower part of ducting and near hood for galley. Also, automatic and remotely operated fire dampers shall be fitted.

WHERE TO PERFORM HVAC DUCT CLEANING
The main objective is to complete cleaning while limiting inconveniences and disturbances for living crew. It requires detailed planning and strong co-ordination with catering and maintenance crew.

Cleaning works can be undertaken onshore, whilst rooms, galley and laundry are not operational or in use. Jobs can also be carried out offshore during operating conditions with limited inconveniences such as cold meals for few days inside galley area and cabin shifting in sleeping quarters.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and a quotation.

HOW TO PERFORM HVAC DUCT CLEANING
Although many methods and equipment are available on the market, SPTsa use the following methods.

For Galley hood and ducting: Mechanical (use of rotating brushes, scrapers), manual (Hand Scrubbing & Scraping and chemical (to break down and dissolve grease and grime) , with hot-water cleaning using high-temperature steam to loosen and dissolve grease and grime from surfaces. For general living quarters fresh air and exhaust ducting networks: Mechanical Brushing (Mechanical brushing systems utilize rotating brushes with flexible shafts attached to power tools to scrub the interior surfaces of ductwork and dislodge accumulated debris) and Vacuum Assisted Cleaning (High-powered vacuum equipment along with brushes to dislodge. This method creates negative pressure within the ductwork, helping to contain loosened contaminants and prevent their dispersal into the living quarters).

Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and a quotation.