Hyde Products, Inc. of Cleveland formulates and markets Zimmite® Mud Remover, a proven product that has been used by vessel owners and operators to remove tens of thousands of tons of mud, saving literally millions of dollars. Use of Zimmite is useful during the tank cleaning process to remove built-up mud before applying any coating. Continuous use of the product via an automatic injection system is said to keep ballast tanks clean and free of corrosive mud. This is especially important when using any float-coat material that relies on clean steel for adherence.
The Zimmite Automatic Injection System consists of a holding tank for the mud remover, pumps to inject the Zimmite into the ballast system, and an electrical control panel for the pumps. The holding tank may range in size from 100 to 300 gallons. All are equipped with a sight glass for a visual indication of tank level, a low-level alarm that lights on the control panel, fill and drain ports, and a cover to keep out foreign material.
Generally, two high-pressure diaphragm pumps are used in the Zimmite system. They can be mounted separately or directly on top of the holding tank. Zimmite tank suctions are used to draw the Zimmite into the pumping system. The control panel consists of two push-button, lighted switches and one yellow warning light. Each switch controls one port or starboard feed pump (as marked). A light switch indicates proper operation. The yellow light is the low-level warning indicator.
System operation is simple. When the ballasting procedure begins, the operator starts one or both pumps, based on full treatment or just one side. The yellow warning light comes on when the level in the tank drops below 25 gallons. However, the pumps will run when this warning light is on; there should be enough chemical to complete the ballasting.
For more information and free literature on Zimmite, Write 27 on Reader Service Card