The engineer responsible for the shift should operate the systems and machines that have been prepared in the correct order as presented in the table below. Before putting into operation, all operating values should reach to the normal levels and there should be no alarm on the control panels. If any control panel has an alarm, the OOW should immediately press acknowledge (ACK) button to indicate that he/she has seen the alarm. OOW never presses on the "Reset" button without repairing and testing the fault that caused the alarm. If presses, the alarm will come back even if the automation system temporarily clears the alarm, as the error is still existing. The systems and machines whose alarms have been cleared are monitored by QQW, and the necessary adjustments are made with the relevant control elements. OOW is always prepared for how to act in sudden negative situations, and implements the necessary actions without delay. Therefore, ERS should have an easy to-use algorithm and design.

 

Operation of the systems and machines

Key points

Requirements

Preperation

To complete

Experience

History of the system or machine

Safety

Rules and regulations

Procedures

Written documents

Algorithm

Process flow charts

Alarms

Acknowledge, repair, reset

Control

Set values, operating values

Monitoring

Being aware of the operation of the system or machine.

 

Although it is not easy to monitor all static and dynamic conditions and values on a ship whose machinery and systems are connected to an automation system, a well-designed Engine Room Simulator should be able to provide the necessary support to the Watch Engineer in order to monitor easily and control sensitively the operating parameters of the running systems and machines. A well-designed ERS enables OOW in managing the systems and machines, shown as samples in the table and figures below, rather than dealing with the malfunctions. OOW, responsible for the shift observes the operating parameters of the systems or machines in operation, analyzes the suspected values and interprets them if necessary. If the analysis indicate an existence of any abnormality, OOW finds the reasons with knowledge and experience and decides and implements the corrective actions to rectify the abnormal situation. A properly designed Engine Room Simulator with proper algorithm, will enable OOW to make accurate and fast decisions. In this respect ERS is a very important and effective training tool in training the Marine Engineers and minimize the ship accidents.

 

Sustainable control of the systems and machines 

Key points

Requirement

Knowledge

Theoretical Fundementals

Experience

Familiarization with existing systems and machines

Monitoring

Effective and meaningful observation

Analyzing

Ability to make mental analysis in pairwise correlations

Defining

Proper knowledge in comparison of the relations 

Decision making

Proper knowledge and consistency on the definitions

Action

Application of the right decisions and making necessary final tests

 

  

Compressed air system

 

The Compressed Air system is designed to generate and supply compressed air for ship systems by compressed starting and service air system and, control air system. To ensure the functionality of the components in the compressed air system, the compressed air has to be dry and clean from solid particles and oil. The Starting air system produces and supplies compressed air for starting ME and DEs. All engines are started by means of compressed air with a nominal pressure of 3 MPa (30 bar). The start is performed by direct injection of air into the cylinders through the starting air valves in the cylinder heads. The master starting valve is built on the engine and can be operated both manually and electrically. In automatic operating mode, when the pressure in the main receivers drops. 

 

 

Control panel of a typical ship compresses air system

 

Last modified: Wednesday, 3 May 2023, 1:20 PM