Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have complied the most frequently asked questions concerning ITCH v.1. The questions have been separated by equipment
Should you have further queries please do not hesitate to make contact by emailing: support@shipshave.no
ITCH Robot
How to prevent getting ITCH in the propeller?
Prior to first use, the towing line should be measured out and cut to avoid the propeller area.
What if the towing line breaks?
The ITCH towing line is a high strength 4mm diameter Dyneema line. In normal operation breakage should not occur. To prevent overpull, the winch is equipped with a load switch which turns off the winch if the load exceeds approximately 150kg. The towline is white with a blue core. Users should monitor the towline for color changes through the outer layer and replace or cut back the rope as required.
Breakage near the ITCH
Provided the towing line is properly cut to length and adjusted, breakage near the ITCH should only result in a loss of ITCH.
Breakage far fore
For the towing line to reach the propeller area the ITCH will have to be far aft and the line break far fore. The likelihood of the towing line breaking far fore is limited.
Can the ITCH clean the flat bottom?
ITCH v.1 cannot accommodate cleaning of flat bottom.
Can the ITCH clean the bulb area?
ITCH v.1 cannot accommodate cleaning of the foremost area of the hull.
Can the ITCH clean the propeller area/rudder?
ITCH v.1 cannot accommodate cleaning of propeller area/rudder.
How much time does the operation consume?
The speed on the winch can be adjusted between 2,6-26 meters per minute according to the draft of the vessel. The time for one cleaning pass on a side of a vessel can be estimated from the winch speed.
Which percentage of the hull does the ITCH cover?
This is dependent on the shape of the hull and fore ship, ambient conditions and speed of the vessel.
What if the ITCH is lost?
Please contact us at support@shipshave.no for assistance.
How long do the batteries last in ITCH?
Approximately 10 hours dependent on the ambient temperature.
How often do the brushes require to be replaced?
The wear of the brushes is a result of multiple factors and needs to be evaluated based on the performance documented by the camera. Some factors which affect the brush lifetime are:
- Frequency of use
- Speed of the vessel
- Water temperature
- Storage
What if there is breakage of ITCH’s exterior?
Please contact us at support@shipshave.no for assistance.
Is the ITCH ATEX certified?
ITCH v.1 with an electric winch is not ATEX certified.
Is the ITCH IP-rated?
The ITCH Robot is fully sealed and can be submerged continuously up to 20 meters. Charging of the ITCH Robot is not IP rated and must be performed in a suitable area.
What frequency should the ITCH be used?
The frequency of use is a result of multiple factors and needs to be evaluated by the operators in situ:
- Antifouling system
- Operational area
- Operation pattern
- Ambient conditions
- Speed of the vessel
Paint suppliers
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How long does it take to charge ITCH?
Approximately 3.5 hours from discharged to charged.
Can the ITCH remove barnacles?
Soft brushes cannot remove barnacles. Shipshave continues to develop new methods for removing more aggressive fouling. Please send an email to support@shipshave.no for the latest information and options.
How long is the towing line?
Shipshave delivers a towing line matching the vessel’s LOA.
Can ITCH be use when the vessel is still in the water?
No, the ITCH requires minimum 10 knots through the water for the brushes to exercise enough force towards the hull.
Can the solution be used on more than 1 vessel?
The installation should be treated as a first time use when setting up the solution. Shipshave is exempted from warranty claims if the solution is shifted between vessels.
Can the ITCH be run at night?
Yes, however without proper lighting in the camera’s field of view, the process cannot be documented.
How much speed do I gain?
Due to the vast variety of vessels, operational areas, antifouling systems and subsequently amount of fouling Shipshave cannot quantify such amounts.
How much fuel do I save?
Due to the vast variety of vessels, operational areas, antifouling systems and subsequently amount of fouling Shipshave cannot quantify such amounts.
How much CO2/SOx emission is expected reduced
Due to the vast variety of vessels, operational areas, antifouling systems and subsequently amount of fouling Shipshave cannot quantify such amounts.
Does the vessel have to maintain steady course during operation?
No, but steady speed to maintain stable pressure against the hull.
Does Shipshave offer complementary equipment?
Yes, please send an inquiry to support@shipshave.no
What voltage does the ITCH charger require?
The charger requires voltage between 90 – 264Vac 50/60Hz. It is provided with a 1.5 meter cable with a CEE 7/16 europlug connection. If needed, alternate cables can be used to power the charger. The charger housing connector is an IEC 60320 C7 2-pin style.
Winch
Is the winch ATEX certified?
No.
Is the winch IP-rated?
The Winch is IP 56 rated.
Why cannot the vessel’s mooring winches be used?
Mooring winches cannot accommodate the refined automated controls required to operate ITCH. The operation requires a precise low speed winch to ensure overlapping vertical motion. Additionally the Winch must be matched to the towing line strength with proper load limit shutoff.
What is the SWL on the winch?
150kg.
At what pull force does the winch stop?
150kg
How much pulling force does the towing line withstand?
1000kg
When should the towing line be replaced?
If the operator has identified damage to the towing line where the damaged section of the line cannot be omitted.
Can we extend the towing line by tying on a rope?
Place an order for a new rope with Shipshave, thereby avoiding possible slip of the knot.
Do we need a winch?
Yes. The force generated by the ITCH hydrodynamics and low friction 4mm towing line is too great to safely handle even at low speeds. The force increases with speed.
Camera
Is the camera ATEX certified?
No.
Is the camera IP-rated?
The camera is waterproof to 250M depth.
How many hours can the camera operate?
With 1080P video settings, the camera can operate for approximately 3-4 hours. The exact time is lower in cold water and longer in warmer waters. This can be increased or decreased based on camera resolution settings. Review the Paralenz documention for more details.
How long does it take to charge the camera?
1-2 hours.
Does the camera have to be used?
To document the operation, images may be required. Shipshave is exempted from warranty claims without camera documenting proper use of the equipment.
ITCH Application
How do we change between meters/feet?
The User Software allows for this change.
How do we change between 12/24hrs?
The User Software allows for this change.
Where is new firmware available?
Please visit www.shipshave.no
Where can I download a User Guide?
It can be downloaded here