Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-781 (NES 781)

Issue 1 Publication Date 01 April 2000

Process And Procedure Requirements

For The Protection Of
Sea-Water Systems Using
Sodium Dimethyldithiocarbamate

Incorporating NES 781 Category 3

Issue 3 Publication Date September 1990

AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No

Date

Text Affected

REVISION NOTE
This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.
HISTORICAL RECORD
This standard supersedes the following:
Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 781 Issue 3 dated September 1990.

Signature and Date

Ministry of Defence

Naval Engineering Standard

NES 781

Issue 3 (Reformatted)

September 1990

PROCESS AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEAWATER SYSTEMS
USING SODIUM DIMETHYLDITHIOCARBAMATE

This NES Supersedes

NES 781 ISSUE 2

Record of Amendments
AMDT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INSERTED BY

DATE

NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 781

ISSUE 3 (REFORMATTED)
PROCESS AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEAWATER SYSTEMS
USING SODIUM DIMETHYLDITHIOCARBAMATE

The issue and use of this Standard

is authorized for use in MOD contracts
by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and
the Naval Support Command

ECROWN COPYRIGHT
Published by:
Director of Naval Architecture
Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence
Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
i

ii

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

SCOPE
1.

This NES covers the process and procedure to be used to prevent excessive corrosion of ships
sea water system and heat exchangers due to use of sulphide polluted sea-water during
construction.

iii

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

iv

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

FOREWORD
Sponsorship
1.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) is sponsored by the Procurement Executive, Ministry
of Defence, Chief Naval Architect (CNA), Section NA 132.

2.

It is to be applied as required by any Ministry of Defence contract for the protection of sea
water systems using sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate.

3.

If it is found to be technically unsuitable for any particular requirement the Sponsor is to be

informed in writing of the circumstances, with a copy to the Chief Naval Architect Section
NA 145.

4.

Any user of this NES either within MoD or in industry may propose an amendment to it.
Proposals for amendments which are:
a.

not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be made to the Sponsor of the NES;

b.

directly applicable to a particular contract are to be dealt with using existing procedures
or as specified in the contract.

5.

No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of a formal amendment.

6.

Unless otherwise stated, reference in this NES to approval, approved, authorised or similar
terms, means by the Ministry of Defence.

7.

Any significant amendments that may be made to this NES at a later date will be indicated
by a vertical sideline. Deletions will be indicated by 000 appearing at the end of the line
interval.

8.

This NES had been reissued because of amendments to the text and the update of Sea Systems
nomenclature.

Conditions of Release
General
9.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) has been prepared for the use of the Crown and of
its contractors in the execution of contracts for the Crown. The Crown hereby excludes all
liability (other than liability for death or personal injury) whatsoever and howsoever arising
(including but without limitation, negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or agents)
for any loss or damage however caused where the NES is used for any other purpose.

10.

This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or
third party rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission
of the MOD.

11.

The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this NES without consulting
or informing any holder.

MOD Tender or Contract Process

12.

This NES is the property of the Crown and unless otherwise authorized in writing by the MOD
must be returned on completion of the contract, or submission of the tender, in connection
with which it is issued.

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

13.

When this NES is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to ensure that
he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of
the local MOD(PE) Quality Assurance Representative or the Authority named in the tender
or contract.

14.

When NES are incorporated into MOD contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contracts and any other statutory requirements.
Compliance with an NES does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Related Documents
15.

In the tender and procurement processes the related documents listed in each section and
Annex A can be obtained as follows:
a.

British Standards

British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL

b.

Defence Standards

Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Stan 1, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street,
Glasgow G2 8EX

c.

Naval Engineering Standards

CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llanelli,

Dyfed SA14 8YP

d.

Other documents

Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

16.

All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant
MOD Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring
Directorate and the Tender or Contract Sponsor.

17.

Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant
documentation, including specifications, standards and drawings.

Health and Safety

Warning
18.

This NES may call for the use of processes, substances and/or procedures that may be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and in
no way absolves either the supplier or the user from statutory obligations relating to health
and safety at any stage of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those
quoted may not necessarily be exhaustive.

vi

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

CONTENTS
Page No

TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions of Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MOD Tender or Contract Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v
v
v
v
v
vi
vi
vi

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vii

SECTION

1.

METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1

SECTION

2.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIGURE 2.1 DIAGRAMMATIC ARRANGEMENT
OF DOSING RIG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1
2.2

SECTION

3.

PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1

SECTION

4.

REQUIREMENT FOR REDOSING WITH SDD . .

4.1

ANNEX

A.

RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.1

ANNEX

B.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . .

B.1

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

vii

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

viii

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

1.

METHOD
a.

The process consists of admitting a 0.05% by volume solution of sodium

dimethyldithiocarbamate (SDD) in fresh water before any river or polluted
water is admitted to the system. It forms a chelate film on the surface of the
system and so protects the metal surface from the corrosive effects of sulphide
pollution in estuarine river waters. Retreatment at intervals is required.

b.

Sulphide pollution in river estuary waters causes a brittle sulphide layer to form
on the sea-water piping and components. This brittle layer can cause stress
corrosion cracking of certain copper alloys such as brasses.

1.1

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

1.2

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

2.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
a.

A rig is required to introduce the inhibitor into the Surface Ships sea-water
system. The basic requirements of the rig are as shown diagrammatically in
FIGURE 2.1. It is then recommended that pipework of the rig be 91/10
cupro-nickel and if possible the components should also be made of copper alloy,
as steel components will be corroded.

b.

The rig comprises:

c.

(1)

One Fresh Water flow meter A to operate in the region of 50500 litres
per minute (or constant flow valve).

(2)

One air pump to deliver approximately 2.4 bar at shut valve condition (or
existing air line).

(3)

One inhibitor flow meter B operating in the region of 0.5 1.5 litres per
minute.

(4)

One tank of 120 litres capacity (approximately) fitted with air relief valve,
air supply point and facilities for filling with inhibitor. The tank is to have
a working pressure of 2.4 bar.

(5)

Pipework and valves to approximate sizes shown.

The following are also required (see BR 3925, Chapter 12):

(1)

Corrosion Meter, built by Waverley Electronics Ltd.

(2)

Sensing probes for heat exchangers. Material of probes to be matched to

material of system under test; for surface ships usually 90/10
cupro-nickel.

2.1

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

FIGURE 2.1 DIAGRAMMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF DOSING RIG

2.2

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

3.

PROCEDURE
a.

The plant is to be erected adjacent to the sea-water service upper deck hydrant
or any other suitable point which will allow the whole of the system to be
flooded.

b.

Introduce SDD at 40% solution into the tank.

c.

Dilute the SDD with fresh water to give a final 10% solution by volume.

d.

Connect the plant to the shore water main and to the deck hydrant or other
suitable point.

e.

Flush the system with shore water for at least 15 minutes. Overboard discharges
from the system are to be closed until pressure is on the system to avoid reverse
flow. Ensure that all systems have been vented.

f.

Open air pressure to the inhibitor tank and set flow to the required rate to give
a 0.05% solution of SDD and fresh water.

g.

After flows have settled, check for the presence of SDD at each heat exchanger
by taking a sample of the circulating water in a test tube and adding a few drops
of test indicator, if SDD is present a dense brown discoloration will form. The
test indicator is to be prepared by dissolving about 10g of cupric chloride in
distilled water, adding a few drops of dilute ammonia (5M) solution and making
up to one litre in a clean container.

h.

Take off 100ml of circulating water for laboratory analysis.

i.

When all heat exchangers have SDD indication, close discharge valves, shut
down plant and allow to stand for at least 24 hours before admitting river water.
There is no risk of corrosion due to leaving the ships system for prolonged
periods filled with SDD treated water unless there are ferrous metals in the
system.

3.1

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

3.2

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

4.

REQUIREMENT FOR REDOSING WITH SDD

a.

The requirement for redosing the sea-water system is to be checked by daily

readings of corrosion rates determined on test probes in each heat exchanger
water box.

b.

After dosing with SDD, corrosion rate readings should be less than 1.0A/mV
for a 90/10 cupro-nickel system and when this rises to 1.5A/mV, the system
requires redosing with a 0.02% solution of SDD using the procedure in Section
3.

c.

Corrosion rate readings should be less than 0.5A/mV for a 70/30 cupro-nickel
system and when this rises to 1.0A/mV, the system requires redosing with a
0.02% solution of SDD.

d.

A description of the corrosion meter and the sensing probes together with
operating data is given in BR 3925, Chapter 12.

4.1

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

4.2

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A.1

Reference is made to:

Referred
to in
Clause
BR 3925

Aids to MaintenanceNon-destructive Methods and

Equipment

A.1

2.c., 4.d.

ANNEX A.

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A.

A.2

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
B.1

There are no Definitions and Abbreviations for this NES.

B.1

ANNEX B.

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B.

B.2

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

A
Air pump, 2.1
Analysis, 3.1

B
Brittle Sulphide, 1.1

C
Corrosion meter, 2.1, 4.1
Corrosion rates, 4.1
Cracking, 1.1

F
Flow meter (FM), 2.1
Flow meter (Inhibitor), 2.1

P
Pipework and valves, 2.1
Pollution sulphide, 1.1
Protection, 1.1

R
Redosing, 4.1
Retreatment, 1.1
Rig, 2.1

S
Sensing probes, 2.1
Stress corrosion, 1.1

T
Tank, 2.1
Tests, 3.1

V
Volume of solution, 1.1, 3.1

INDEX.1

INDEX

NES 781
Issue 3 (Reformatted)

INDEX

INDEX.2

Inside Rear Cover

 Crown Copyright 2000

Copying Only as Agreed with DStan

Defence Standards are Published by and Obtainable from:

Defence Procurement Agency
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File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/02/781.
Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with
a Defence Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Revision of Defence Standards
Defence Standards are revised as necessary by up issue or amendment. It is important that
users of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or
amendment. Information on all Defence Standards is contained in Def Stan 00-00 Standards
for Defence Part 3 , Index of Standards for Defence Procurement Section 4 Index of Defence
Standards and Defence Specifications published annually and supplemented regularly by
Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person who, when making use of a Defence
Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to notify the Directorate of
Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and
appropriate action taken.