Leading cable and pipe seal manufacturer Roxtec is launching a new tank  boundary sealing solution for the maritime sector, after it was used for  the first time in the refit of a British naval vessel.

The unique Roxtec TB seal has been created for tank boundary divisions and other high-pressure applications, following extensive R&D work by  its technical team.

The innovative Roxtec TB seal is equipped with Multidiameter, the  manufacturer’s invention for flexibility based on removable rubber  layers. It has two halves with removable layers making it adaptable to  cables and pipes of different sizes.

It has been used for the first time during the installation of an Ice  Load Monitoring System onboard the Royal Navy’s only icebreaker, HMS  Protector.

It was the only sealing solution that was certified to meet the high  requirements of Roxtec customer Kvasir Group when it came to both  water-tightness and gas-tightness.

The new Roxtec TB seal has been tested for high pressure through a  method the company has developed with classification society DNV.

Jeff Clark, Operations Director at Kvasir Group, which carried out the  modifications and upgrades on HMS Protector at UK Docks Teesside, said:  “We needed to pass single and multiple sensor cables through
penetrations in tank boundary walls.”

Roxtec has a long-standing relationship with Kvasir Group and the  companies worked closely together to meet that challenge.

Jeff said: “Roxtec helped us with seals and sleeves especially suited  and certified for tank boundaries, and also by creating bespoke cores  for the seals.”

A major reason why Kvasir chose the Roxtec TB solution is the fact it is  certified for both application and sealing requirements.

Roxtec representatives performed visual inspections after the cable seal  installation work to ensure quality and safety, and supporting  information was shared with classification society DNV.

Jordan McNelly, Roxtec Marine and Offshore Manager North, said: “As this  was an installation of new equipment and also a new technical  requirement, Kvasir Group approached us to discuss the challenge they
faced.

“We were able to respond quickly, and our technical and commercial  support team was able to deliver a bespoke solution for them utilising  the new seals we have developed.”

He added: “When sealing around cables and pipes where traditional  solutions are not certified for use, it is critical to be able to ensure  verified protection against water pressure, gas, and fire.

“Our new Roxtec TB seals have been several years in development. The  tests that have been carried out confirm that they ensure tightness up  to 6.6 bar for water and 1.2 bar for gas in tank installations.

“In steel decks or bulkheads, the numbers reach 11 bar for catastrophic  water pressure and 2 bar for gas pressure. The seals are fire rated to  A-60 as well as dust-tight and vibration-proof.

“The new seals also enable users to secure protection with very few  items and without any special tools. The seal can be installed around an  existing cable or pipe, which is another plus point for customers. We
believe they meet a growing need in the maritime sector.”

UK Docks Marine Services North, has been providing long-term support for  the navy’s only icebreaker HMS Protector since April 2019. UK Docks  appointed Kvasir to conduct modifications and upgrades with works being  undertaken in UK Docks Teesside drydocks location.

Roxtec meanwhile will be showcasing its maritime products as an  exhibitor at the Society of Maritime Industries Annual Conference in  Birmingham on September 10 and 11.