Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Boiler Control System

Boiler Control System
The boiler control panel provides operation, control and interlock devices
required for the safe running of the boiler. This control panel directs the
performance of all functions required for automatic operation of the boiler and
provides a central control point for manual operation. The control system also
features a network of alarms which give warning if an abnormality occurs
during boiler operation.
In the event of a serious abnormality occurring, which would make it unsafe
for the boiler to continue in operation, the boiler automatic control system
shuts down the boiler in an emergency mode, by immediately shutting down
the fuel oil supply to the boiler.
Control Panels
ECR Console Remote Indication Panel
This indication panel is installed in the engine control room and it mimics the
monitoring systems and main controls found at the boiler and boiler side
control panel.
The ECR console has the following items:
Drum level indicator
Steam drum pressure indicator
Smoke indicator
Emergency stop switch
Burner run lamp
Lamp test switch
Boiler Side Boiler Control Panel
This control panel is installed at the boiler side. It contains the system power
supply unit, the sequence control for operation of the burner, the automatic
boiler controller and various necessary relay units.
The following alarms are mounted on the control panel :
Electrical AC power source failure
Burner start sequencer inactive
Manual trip
FD fan trip
Pilot pump abnormal
Drum level low-low
Atomising pressure low
Ignition fail
Flame fail
Flame eye abnormal
Burner piston valve abnormal
FO pressure low-low
Control air pressure low
Burner Control System
The boiler control panel (BCP) operates in a number of functions associated
with the boiler including the boiler management system (BMS), automatic
combustion control (ACC), and feedwater control (FWC). There are two
boilers and they are controlled on a master/slave basis with one of the boilers
being designated the master by the control system and the other the slave.
Under normal circumstances the master boiler would operate to supply the
ship's steam requirements but if it cannot meet demand the slave boiler is
started and comes under the control of the boiler control system. The boilers
may also operate in conjunction with the economiser; usually this means that
the economiser is operating at sea and one of the boilers is selected to act as
the water supplier and the steam collector for the economiser. The boiler
would operate if the economiser could not maintain steam pressure for any
reason.
The boiler control system controls the remote, manual and automatic
operations of one single-throat burner which is provided in the roof of the
boiler. This unit contains a programmable sequence control, which operates the
furnace purge, pilot burner and the automatic operation of the burner piston
valve. This is done by linking up with the boiler protective system and the
ACC. In addition, it transmits the automatic adjustment commands of
combustion air quantity and fuel oil quantity to the ACC for the start/stop of
the burner. Combustion control is at the heart of boiler operation because if
anything goes wrong with the boiler, its water supply or the combustion
system, fuel must be shut-off and that will prevent any problem becoming
more severe.
There are three boiler operating modes, one is the 18k mode (steam supply at
18kg-cm2), the second is the 7k mode (steam supply at 7kg/cm2) and the third
is the IGS mode (inert gas system in operation).
In port during cargo discharge the 18k mode would be selected but, at sea only
the 7k mode would normally be required with the oil fired boiler installation
providing support for the waste heat economiser. In some cases, intermittent
oil firing on the boiler may be needed to maintain steam pressure and the boiler
control panel would organise that. Selection of 18k mode or 7k mode is
executed by the changeover switch and selection of a particular mode auto-
matically changes the set point on the pressure indicator control (PIC).
Procedure for the Preparation of Boiler Control System
a) Turn on the power switches of the boiler control panel.
b) Check the action of each pilot lamp and buzzer using the buzzer
and lamp test switch on the control panel.
c) Supply air to all the control devices.
d) Reset the boiler interlock alarm.
e) Check that all alarm lamps are out.
Operating Method
There are three burner operating modes, AUTO (Automatic), MAN (Manual)
and HARD MAN (Hard Manual) mode. The burner is usually operated in the
AUTO mode and the MAN modes are only used in an emergency when the
AUTO mode cannot function. The HARD MAN mode allows for reposition-
ing of the burner switches and the MAN mode is for operating on manual.
Selection of Operating Modes
HARD MAN Mode
When operating in this mode, the operator must always be at the boiler and
able to monitor the situation and provide manual intervention at the control.
The following interlocks are effective:
Drum water level low-low
Flame monitor (pilot burner and main burner)
Operating Procedure
a) Check that the boiler and burner are in operating condition.
b) Start the fuel oil pump and the forced draught fan in the MAN
mode.
c) Turn the burner switch from the OFF position to the HARD MAN
position.
d) Set the fuel pressure controller and the air controller to the MAN
mode.
e) Purge the furnace. To do this the air controller should be manually
operated and the forced draught fan inlet vane should be fully
opened. The furnace must be purged for at least 3 minutes.
f) Check that the fuel temperature is within the required range.
g) Manually operate the air controller and the fuel oil pressure
controller and set the forced draught fan inlet vane and the fuel oil
control valve to the ignition open position.
h) Open the sub-door for the HARD MAN operating switches. Set
the pilot burner switch to the MANU ON position and ignite the
pilot burner. If the pilot burner has not ignited after 15 seconds the
pilot burner switch should be reset to AUTO and the process
started over again from item e) above, 'Purge the furnace'.
i) With the pilot burner burning correctly the main burner is ignited.
The fuel oil valve switch is set to MANU ON and the main burner
should ignite. If the main burner does not ignite after a period of
10 seconds the fuel oil valve switch should be reset to AUTO and
the procedure started over again from item 'e', above 'Purge the
furnace'.
j) With the main burner operating correctly the pilot burner switch
is reset to AUTO.
(Note ! When extinguishing the main burner the fuel oil valve switch must be
returned to AUTO.)
When burner purging is required, the burner purging switch must be used and
this must be set to MANU ON.
Fuel Oil Temperature Bypass
The fuel oil temperature by-pass switch is inside the sub-door. In this bypass
mode the starting interlock for fuel oil temperature low alarm is bypassed. It is
used when starting the boiler in the cold condition when steam is unavailable
for heating. When using 'A' grade heavy oil, the switch is set to BYPASS.
AUTO Mode
This is the mode which will normally be used. All operations, including the
commands for ignition and extinction, are operated automatically.
a) Set the fuel oil pumps, the forced draught fan and the controllers
to the AUTO mode.
b) Turn the burner switch from the OFF to the AUTO position.
When stopping this switch must be returned to the OFF position.
The following sequence of events must be accomplished for main burner
ignition.
a) When the burner switch is moved to the AUTO position the
program timer starts.
b) After a delay of 5 seconds the forced draught fan starts and the
atomising steam valve opens.
c) After a further 20 seconds the forced draught inlet vane starts to
move to the fully open position in order to purge the furnace. It
takes approximately 30 seconds to become fully open.
d) The purge timer (2P) commences when the burner switch is
moved to the AUTO position and the time set on this timer is 60
seconds. After the 60 seconds has elapsed, the forced draught fan
inlet vane starts closing gradually to the ignition position. At this
point the furnace will have been effectively purged.
e) The pilot burner is ignited 35 seconds after item 'd'.
f) When the flame of the pilot burner is detected by the flame eyes,
the electrical igniter stops sparking.
g) The main fuel oil valve opens 5 seconds after the pilot burner is
ignited.
h) The pilot burner is extinguished 15 seconds after it has been
ignited (item 'e').
i) The program timer stops at the lock-in position (graduation 85)
5 seconds after the pilot burner is extinguished.
j) If there is an ignition failure or a flame failure the burner control
goes into an extinction sequence.
k) The extinction sequence commences when the burner CUT
INTERLOCKS have actuated (following item 'j' above) or if the
burner switch is turned from the AUTO to the OFF position.
1) The program timer starts from the lock-in position.
m) The pilot burner is ignited 2 seconds after item 1) above.
n) The burner purge valve opens and the burner is purged for about
6 seconds. The burner is purged when the interlock is normal and
the pilot burner lights up.
o) The post purge period commences and the forced draught fan inlet
vane starts to open to its fully open position when the burner
completes it purge cycle.
p) After the set time (60 seconds) on the post-purge timer is
completed, the forced draught fan inlet vane starts closing to the
ignition position which takes about 30 seconds.
q) The forced draught fan stops after 30 minutes.
(Note ! If flame failure occurs during normal operation, it is important that the
cause of the failure is investigated before any attempt is made to restart the
boiler.)
Automatic Combustion Control
This system automatically regulates the fuel and air supply to the furnace in
order to maintain a preset steam pressure in the boiler. Regulation of the fuel
supply is accomplished by means of the air operated fuel control valve whilst
the air supply is controlled by means of the inlet vane of the forced draught fan.
Fuel supply is automatically cut off in the event of forced draught fan failure
or due to high or low water level in the boiler drum. The ACC system is
electro-pneumatically operated.
The automatic combustion control (ACC) system employed is of
a fuel oil pressure/air pressure measuring type.
The ACC is held at predetermined ignition position until the
burner is ignited.
After the burner is ignited the combustion rate is fixed at the
ignition position until the boiler pressure reaches the predeter-
mined pressure of 5 kg.cm2. This period is called 'steaming'.
When the steaming period is completed, the ACC system goes to
AUTO RUNNING and the combustion rate can be adjusted by the
system.
During the steaming period the combustion rate can be changed
by operating the fuel oil pressure controller in the MANU mode.
The air/fuel ratio can be changed by up to + 20% by altering the
air ratio dial. This dial would normally be set at the position 1.
MAN Mode.
This mode is selected to allow for manual starting of the boiler in order to see
that all stages are completed correctly. It is used when the boiler would
normally be operated automatically as a means of checking the start-up
procedure. The procedure is the same as for HARD MAN start but no switches
behind the HARD MAN sub-door are changed.
Feedwater Control.
This controller is of the two element type; both have proportional and integral
(P+I) control. It measures the steam flow rate and also the water level in the
boiler and adjusts the feedwater supply in line with changes in these values.
The P+I operation is performed when comparing signals from two separate
systems. One of the signals is generated by the difference between the water
level set and that detected in the steam drum of the boiler. The other is from
comparison between the detected steam flow rate from a steam flow
transmitter and the operating signal to the feedwater control valve. In ECON
(economiser) mode the water level change due to the ship's rolling and
pitching is accounted for by consideration of the moving average level in the
steam drum.

Master-Slave System.
The two boilers are independent units, but the control system is designed so
that they operate as a dedicated pair with one being the master boiler and the
other the slave. This means that the master boiler supplies the ship's steam
requirements until the demand exceeds its capacity and then the slave boiler
commences operation. The slave boiler will have been kept in a state of
readiness for such a situation and would have been at the same temperature as
the master boiler in order to avoid delays in wanning through.
a) The master boiler is controlled by actuation of the ON/OFF
switch and the pressure indicator so that the steam pressure of an
individual boiler will retain its set point. The actuation is executed
in the same way as the normal one boiler system.
b) When steam demand on the master boiler exceeds 80% of its
capacity, the slave boiler is switched on. It is switched off when
the steam demand is 30% of the total capacity of the two boilers.
The combustion rate for the slave boiler is the same as for the
master boiler, as the master boiler is exercising overall control.
c) In addition to the ON/OFF actuation of the slave boiler from the
master-slave controller, the slave boiler can also perform its own
ON-OFF actuation of combustion due to the pressure in the boiler.
The slave boiler retains overriding control of combustion due to
the pressure within the boiler and that pressure is the slave
boiler's own set pressure and is independent of the pressure
setting for the master boiler.
d) The low limiter actuates for 15 minutes after the slave boiler has
been started in order to prevent the ON/OFF hunting phenomenon
at the slave boiler.
e) The pressure in the slave boiler needs to exceed 11 kg-cm2 in
order for the master-slave configuration to operate.
f) In addition to the master-slave operation it is possible to select the
PARA mode where both boilers can be turned off independently.
In this case the boilers would be operating together each under its
own independent control and not as a master-slave pair.
Safety and Control System.
Incorporated in the safety and control system are operating functions, or sub-
systems, which react automatically to a change in condition outside of the pre-
set range. Failure of most sub-systems produces a visual alarm on the main
control panel and may also produce an audible alarm. In the majority of cases,
failure of a sub-system requires manual resetting of the cut-out before the sub-
system can be restarted. This provides protection for personnel on the ship and
for the boiler installation, as the reason for a sub-system failure can involve
more than that particular sub-system.


Inert Gas Topping-up Mode.
The inert gas system (IGS) topping-up mode is used in order to allow the boiler
to operate on a minimum load so that the IGS may function correctly. A
minimum boiler load of 25% is required so that the flue gases will contain no
more than 5% oxygen; the flue gas flow at minimum rate will be 10,300m3/h
at a temperature of 5°C. The following items will be interlocked, and hence not
operable, in this mode.
Boiler minimum load is limited to 30% or greater if dumping of steam
is operating.
The IGS running lamp is illuminated
Bypass of the FO burner auto stop
Steam supply valve to soot blowers is interlocked to FULL CLOSE

Boiler Alarm and Trips.
Description.

Emergency Mode.
The boilers may be operated in emergency mode when the burner sequencer is
inoperative.
a) Start the FD fan then fully open the FD fan inlet vane and perform
the furnace purge for 3 minutes.
b) Ensure that the FO temperature is at the specified level,
equivalent to 15cSt.
c) Set the FO control valve and FD fan inlet at IGNITION OPEN
positions respectively.
d) Light off the pilot burner with care and do not exceed 15 seconds
ignition time.


e) Ensure that the pilot burner has ignited and open the FO piston
valve to allow oil to the main burner.
f) Do not keep the FO piston valve open for longer than 10 seconds.
g) If the main burner fails to ignite, the furnace must be purged prior
to a repeat attempt at ignition.
(Note ! During an emergency operation a careful watch must be kept on the
boiler at all times.)
FO Temperature Bypass
When burning HFO during emergency mode this bypass must be operated.
Steam press. 7kg-cm2 mode (start-stop) 6.5 kg-cm2 - 9.5 kg-cm2
Slave boiler start enabled 11.0 kg-cm2
Slave boiler (start-stop) 12.6 kg-cm2 - 4.6 kg-cm2

 
 
Sootblowers
Auxiliary Boiler Sootblowers
No. of sets :

Two fitted to each boiler

Sootblowing has to be carried out at regular intervals to ensure that the heat
transfer surfaces are kept clear of deposits, as these retard heat transfer and can
constitute a fire hazard.
Two sootblowers are fitted to each boiler and should be operated daily when
boilers are in use, bearing in mind the position of the vessel and any local
legislation concerning pollution and clean air. They should be operated when
leaving port prior to shutting down the boiler. The sootblowers are fitted with
an air purge connection, the air being supplied from the discharge of the forced
draught fan. This purge or sealing air keeps the nozzles clear during boiler
operation and provides a seal at the air sealed wall boxes to prevent the escape
of boiler exhaust gas into the machinery space. Non-return valves prevent
steam from entering the air lines.
The sootblowers are only to be operated when the available steam pressure
exceeds 8 kg/cm2. An isolating valve, located in the steam line between the
sootblower steam supply valve (T25V) and the sootblower distribution line,
will only be opened by its associated pressure switch if the steam pressure
exceeds 8 kg/cm2.
Before operation, request permission from the bridge and notify the bridge on
completion.
Procedure for the Operation of the Auxiliary Boiler Sootblowers
a) The boiler should be on a minimum of 50% of full load and the
forced draught fan operating at a high rate during the sootblowing
period. The steam pressure must exceed 8 kg/cm2.
b) With the drain open slightly (No.l boiler valve T29V and No.2
boiler valve T28V), open the steam stop valve (T25V) to the
sootblower header.
c) When the pipeline is warmed sufficiently, shut the drain valve and
open the stop valve fully.
d) Operate the sootblower by turning the handwheel in a clockwise
direction. The sootblower cleans the boiler heating surfaces by
impacting steam from a row of nozzles set along the length of the
sootblower element. A cam and trigger arrangement, incorporat-
ed in the sootblower head, regulates the steam arc issuing from
the nozzles as the sootblower element rotates. This ensures
optimum cleaning of the tubes.
e) Operate the top sootblower first, followed by the bottom one. The
top blower should be operated again. The system is then shut
down and the drain valve opened.
WARNING
Do not operate the auxiliary boiler sootblowers during inert gas operations.

 
 

Emergency Operation and Putting Boiler out of Service

Emergency Operation
Low Water Level
A low water level, 140mm or more below the normal working level, will activate the visual and audible alarms (illumination of the alarm lamp on the control panel and sounding of the alarm buzzer).
Should the water level fall to 250mm or more below the normal working level, the fuel oil emergency trip valve will close, shutting off fuel from the boiler.
The feedwater valve and steam stop valve should be fully closed, the burner shut down completely and the forced draught fan stopped after purging the furnace.
Never attempt to supply feedwater to the boiler until the boiler has cooled sufficiently, as there is a danger of bringing comparatively cold feed into contact with hot surfaces.

When the boiler water level has been restored the boiler may be flashed up using the normal procedure.
Flame Failure
In case of flame failure, close the oil inlet valve and reduce air pressure to prevent over cooling the furnace.
Purge the furnace thoroughly before relighting the burner.
Always use the pilot burner for ignition, never attempt to relight the burner from the hot furnace refractory.
Evaporating Tube Failure
Serious tube failure where water level cannot be maintained.
a)  Shut off the oil supply to the boiler and if the tube failure results from low boiler water level, shut off the feed supply, close the feedwater valve and steam stop valve.
b)  If the tube failure results from a cause other than low water level, the fuel supply should be shut off but the feedwater supply should
be maintained in order to assist in the cooling down process.
When the boiler has cooled sufficiently, close the feed valve and steam stop valve and open the steam drum vent.
c)  In either case of tube failure, maintain the forced draught fan so that the air draft assists in carrying away the escaping steam.
Care must be taken to avoid damage to the refractory by an excessive air supply.
d)  Do not blow down the boiler unless the tube failure is so severe that personnel could be endangered.
When the boiler has cooled, the blowdown may be used to empty the boiler.
e)  When the boiler has cooled enough, an inspection should be carried out to assess the situation and carry out necessary repairs.
f)   If tube failure is not serious and the water level can readily be maintained, the boiler can be shut down in the normal manner.

The forced draft air supply should be maintained to carry away vapours generated by the leaking water and the water level
maintained during the cooling down period.
When boiler pressure has fallen to 2 kg/cm2, the steam drum vent valve boiler may be opened and the boiler blown down.
Putting the Boiler Out of Service
When putting a boiler out of service, the wet lay-up method is preferable, as it requires less preparation and it can be quickly returned to service.
These steps are taken if the ship is to be taken out of service for some time and are not part of normal operational routine.
Wet Lay-up
When the boiler is in the cooling down process following shutdown, appropriate quantities of boiler chemicals should be injected into the drum
using the boiler chemical injection device.
To ensure adequate protection of the boiler, follow the guidelines given by the chemical supplier.
The quantity of the chemicals required will depend upon the condition of the boiler water and a water test should be carried out prior to shutting down.
After dosing the boiler water should register pH of 12, (alkalinity 300 to 400 ppm) phosphoric acid about 50 ppm, and sodium sulphite 80 to 100 ppm.
The high alkalinity will ensure adequate protection of the boiler.
When returning the boiler to service the chemical concentrations should be returned to normal levels and this means blowing down the boiler and filling with untreated make-up feed.
a)  When the pressure is approaching atmospheric pressure, open the steam drum air vent valve.
b)  When the pressure is off the boiler, supply distilled water until it issues from the vent valve, then close the vent valve.
c)  Put a hydrostatic pressure of 3.5 to 5kg/cm2 on the boiler.
Hold this pressure until the boiler has cooled to ambient temperature.
Bleed the boiler using the vent valve to be sure all the air is out.

Maintain a hydrostatic pressure of 2 to 3.5 kg/cm2 on the boiler.
Take a periodic boiler water sample and replenish any depleted chemicals.

Maintaining Boiler in Warm Condition
At sea, with one boiler being circulated through the waste heat economiser, the standby boiler should be maintained in a warm condition by supplying steam to the heating element in the bottom drum.
This is done by closing the heating coil drain valve and opening the inlet and outlet valves.
The boiler pressure should be maintained at 0.5 kg/cm2 or above.
When the heating element is not in use, the inlet/outlet valves are closed and the drain left open.
In port with the economiser shut down, the standby boiler is maintained at 2kg/cm2 or above by switching the burner on and off. Do not use the bottom drum heater.
Dry Lay-up
This should only be undertaken if a wet lay-up cannot be performed.
a)  Whilst the boiler remains warm, drain it of all water and ensure that all headers are dry.
b)  Remove the end piece of the waterwall lower header to check that no water remains.
c)  Provide some dry heat, electric heaters preferably, in the furnace to promote internal drying.
d)  When the boiler is completely dry, put some quick lime or calcium chloride in a shallow dish for placement in the drum and
header then close the end plate and manhole doors.
Check the moisture absorbent chemicals every week initially and replenish as required.
e) Cover the funnel outlet and close the air inlet to the furnace.

Marine Boiler Operation Construction


Boilers and Steam Systems
General Description
The steam generating plant consists of two auxiliary boilers and one exhaust
gas economises Steam is required at sea for fuel, domestic water and cargo
slop tank heating purposes. In port steam is used additionally for driving the
power turbines of the cargo pumps and No. 1 water ballast pump. The steam
demand of the plant, in port, is served by the boilers. At sea, steam demand is
met by circulating boiler water from one of the auxiliary boilers through the
exhaust gas economiser, by one of the boiler water circulating pumps. The
auxiliary boiler acts as a receiver for the steam generated by the economiser.
The economiser is arranged in the main engine exhaust gas uptake to take
waste heat from the main engine exhaust. An auxiliary boiler may be required
at sea in low temperature areas, as well as reduced power operation of the main
engine, such as during manoeuvring or slow steaming on passage when there
will be insufficient waste heat to generate the required steam.
Auxiliary Boiler
No. of sets: 2
Maker: Hyundai Heavy Industries Ltd
Model: HMT-50
Type: Top fired rectangular water tube marine boiler
Evaporation: 50,000 kg/h
Steam Condition: 18 kg/cm2 saturated steam.
Fuel Oil: HFO up to 700 cSt at 50°C
Safety Valve Setting: 20 kg/cm2
Fuel Oil Consumption: 3,850 kg/h at 100% evaporation
Boiler Associated Equipment
Equipment
Combustion Control Electronic/Air Operated
Feedwater Regulator Electronic/Air Operated
Remote Water Level Gauge
Drum Level Safety System
Steam Jet Oil Burner
Water Level Gauge - Reflex Type
Safety Valve - Full Bore Type
Chemical Dosing Unit
FDFan
FO Pump
FO Heater
Description
General Construction
The boiler is of the two drum rectangular type, with a membrane furnace water
wall connecting steam and water drums.
The furnace consists of gas-tight membrane walls, the downcomer pipes are located outside of the furnace.
The fuel burner unit and associated combustion air inlet, is located in the roof of the furnace with the burner firing downwards using a steam assisted pressure jet burner.
At the furnace bottom, a refractory protects the furnace bottom from the combustion flame.
Combustion gases flow downwards and through the lower part of the division tube wall and the lower section of the generating tube
bank which connect the steam and water drums.
The gases then flow upwards on a return path through the upper part of the generating tube bank to the flue gas box at the top of the boiler.
Radiant heat generates steam in the membrane furnace water wall tubes.
The membrane wall has access doors to allow for furnace inspection and cleaning.
The boiler structure is rigid enough to withstand rolling, pitching and shock loading of the ship operating in a seaway.
The boiler is supported at the water drum and the water wall lower headers, and there are no rigid connections at any other points in order to allow for thermal expansion.
Furnace
Closely spaced water wall tubes of 76.2mm outside diameter, form the membrane walls at the side, roof, except for burner opening, rear, and front of the furnace.
This construction is in order to increase the radiant heat absorption in the furnace and to make it strong enough to withstand vibration.
The furnace is made completely gas-tight by the welded water wall construction.
Situated at the top and bottom of the front and rear walls are water wall headers.
Water enters the bottom headers and rises through the tubes to the top headers due to natural convection.
As the water rises, it is heated until its saturation temperature is reached and it then begins evaporating.
This water- steam mixture is passed to the steam drum via the top headers.
Front and rear water wall tubes connect to steam and water headers at the top and bottom respectively; one end of each top header connects with the steam drum and one end of each bottom header connects with the water drum.
The roof, side and bottom water wall tubes are directly connected to the water and steam drums.
The steam generating bank of tubes, connecting steam and water drums, is located within the furnace.
Boiler Casing
As the furnace of the boiler is made completely gas-tight by the adoption of welded membrane water wall construction, no casing or refractory is required to contain the combustion gases.
Mineral wool insulation is provided on the outer surface of the furnace water walls and this is covered by corrugated galvanised sheets to reduced heat transfer.
The maximum temperature on the casing surface will not exceed 60°C.
Steam Drum and Fittings
The steam and water drums are fabricated using boiler steel plate of all welded construction.
The steam drum has a horizontal perforated baffle plate covering the entire water surface in order to prevent droplets of water rising to the upper part of the steam drum.
A steam separator is provided to completely remove the moisture.
The feedwater pipe enters the steam drum at the rear of the boiler and is attached to an internal perforated feed pipe which extends to the front of the steam drum.
This ensures that there is complete mixing of incoming feed with the existing boiler water and an equalising of temperatures.
The chemical feedwater treatment pipe attaches to the internal feedwater pipe and this also ensures that there is complete mixing of the chemicals before the water reaches the downcomers.
The open ended surface blow off internal pipe extends to the surface of the steam drum to ensure that only floating solids on the water
surface are discharged through this scum blowdown line.
The boiler blowdown connection is fitted to the lower part of the water drum.
Sootblower - Rotary Type
Operating Procedures
Procedure for Preparing the Boiler for Service
The following steps should be taken before attempting to flash up the boiler.
a)  All foreign materials must be removed from internal pressure parts.
b)  All gas side-heating surfaces must be clean and all refractory be in good condition.
c)  The furnace bottom and the burner wind box must been cleaned of oil and other debris.
d)  All personnel not involved must remain clear of the boiler.
e)  All manhole covers must be securely tightened.
f)   Inspect safety valves and ensure that gags have been removed and easing levers are in good condition.
g)  Open root valves for all instruments and controls connected to the boiler and check that they work as intended.
h) Open the vent valve of the steam drum.
i) Open all pressure gauge valves and check to ensure that all valves on the pressure gauge piping are open.
j) Check and close all blow-off valves and drain valves.
k) Fill the boiler until water level appears 25 to 50mm high in the gauge glasses.
Allow for swell in level after firing.
1) Check the operation of gauge glasses.
Remote reading instruments will not work correctly until the boiler is under pressure and so they must not be relied upon.
Raising Pressure With No Steam Available from the Other Boiler or Economiser
With the boiler water at the correct level and other checks made as above:
a) Set up the fuel system for diesel oil and circulate the fuel until all heavy fuel has been discharged from the fuel lines.
Ideally the fuel system should have been flushed through with diesel oil prior to the previous shutdown.
b)  Set the burner for air atomising, using an air pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and fuel pressure of 3 kg/cm2.
Purge the furnace with the forced draught fan for one minute with vanes fully open.
c)  Reduce the air pressure at the windbox to between 10 and 20mm WG and close recirculating valve.
d)  Light the burner using the pilot burner and adjust air and fuel pressure to ensure stabilised combustion by using the furnace
observation port and smoke indicator.
e)  When raising the pressure, keep the burner firing for 5 minutes and out of service for 15 minutes repeatedly at the lowest fuel oil
pressure (2.5kg/cm2) for one hour.
Again, repeatedly light and shut down the burner to raise pressure as recommended on the pressure raising curve supplied by the manufacturer. A guideline would be to aim for lkg/cm2 after 2 hours firing, 5kg/cm2 after 2.75 hours firing and 12 kg/cm2 after 3.25 hours firing.
f)   When the drum pressure has risen to about 2 kg/cm2, close the drum vent valve.
g)  Drain and warm through all steam supply lines to ancillary equipment before putting the boiler on load.
h) Supply steam to one of the HFO service tanks.
When the tank is of sufficient temperature to be pumped by the HFO pump, supply steam to the HFO heater and prepare to change over from DO to HFO firing.
The HFO must be thoroughly circulated through the system to ensure it is at the correct temperature for good combustion.
When firing on HFO, check the combustion and adjust the fuel and air as required, then continue pressure raising.
(Note ! Caution must be exercised when operating with diesel oil due to its lower flash point. Diesel oil must not be heated above 40°C and there is a greater risk of leakage compared with HFO.)
i) At working pressure, switch to automatic operation.

Raising Pressure with Steam Available from the Other Boiler or Economiser
a)  Start the forced draught fan, open the inlet vanes and purge the furnace.
b)  Ensure that the HFO system is correctly heated then start the HFO burning pump and circulate oil through the heater and burner
manifold, open the recirculating valve and discharge the cold HFO in the line.
(Note ! At normal sea going condition, the boiler fuel system should be continually circulating heated HFO.)
c)  Reduce the air pressure at the windbox to between 10 and 20mmWG.
d)  Close the recirculating valve.
e)  Light the burner and adjust the air and fuel pressure to ensure stabilised combustion, using the furnace observation port and
smoke indicator.
Boiler pressure must be raised gradually over a period of hours in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
The recommendations are the same as in item e) in the section; Raising Pressure With No Steam Available
f)   When the drum pressure has risen to about 2 kg/cm2, close the drum vent valve.
g)  Drain and warm through all steam supply lines to ancillary equipment before putting the boiler on load.
Shutting Down
a)  Operate sootblowers before shutting down the boiler whenever possible.
b)  Shut down the burner.
c)  Continue operation of the forced draught fan for a short while after shutting down, keeping an air pressure of 150mm WG at burner inlet and purge the furnace of combustible gases.
d)  Maintain the water level visible at about 50mm in the gauge glass and when the boiler is closed raise the water level 70mm to 120mm above the normal water level.
e)  Open the drum vent valve when the boiler pressure reaches about 2 kg/cm2.
f)   Change the fuel system to diesel oil and circulate back to the tank.
(Note ! If steam is to remain available from the other boiler or economiser, the boiler HFO system should remain in use and there is no need to change to diesel oil.)
g)  When fuel oil has been purged, shut down the fuel system.
After the boiler has been shut down for 4 hours the forced draught fan may be used to assist cooling down should immediate access be required. However, to avoid the risk of damage to refractory, allow the boiler to cool down under natural means if possible.
! CAUTION
Do not attempt to cool down the boiler by blowing down or by filling with cold water.

Know your ship. It's simple

Fouling and Fires in the Scavenge Air Spaces
The principle cause of fouling is blow-by of combustion products, unburnt fuel and cylinder lubricant between piston and cylinder into the scavenge air
spaces. The fouling will be greater if there is incomplete combustion of the fuel injected (exhaust smoke).
Causes of Poor Combustion:
The fuel injectors are not working correctly; incorrect fuel atomisation.
The fuel is at too low a temperature; resulting in high fuel viscosity and poor fuel atomisation.
Poorly adjusted injection pump timing; late injection results in after burning of fuel.
Operation with a temporary shortage of air during extreme variations in engine loading and with the charge air pressure dependent fuel limiter in the governor set too high.
Engine overloading; too much fuel for the available air.
Insufficient supply of air due to restricted engine room ventilation.
Fouling of the air intake filters and diffuser on the air side of the turbocharger.
Fouling of the air cooler, the air flaps in the charge air receiver and of the scavenge ports; these restrict air flow to the cylinders.
Fouling of the exhaust gas boiler; this increases the back pressure on the turbocharger turbines causing reduction in performance
and reduced air delivery.
Causes of Blow-by of Combustion Products:
Worn, sticking or broken piston rings.
Excessive liner wear or abnormal wear such as 'clover-leafing' which can also result in ring collapse and loss of piston ring to liner seal.
Individual cylinder lubricating quills are not working.


Damage to the running surface of the cylinder liners.
If one or more of these operating conditions prevails, residues, mainly consisting of incompletely burnt fuel and cylinder lubricating oil will
accumulate at the following points:
Between piston rings and piston ring grooves; this can result in the jamming of piston rings causing breakage or blow-past.
On the piston skirts. In the scavenge ports; this can affect the performance of the scavenging process resulting in incomplete
removal of combustion products from the cylinder and subsequent defective combustion.
On the bottom of the cylinder jacket (piston underside).
Causes of the Fires
The blow-by of hot combustion gases and sparks which have bypassed the piston rings between piston and cylinder liner running surface, enter the space
on the piston underside. Any residues present can ignite.
If there is after-burning of fuel in the cylinder due to late injection or poor fuel atomisation, the cylinder pressure, when the scavenge ports are uncovered, may be higher than the scavenge air pressure and hot combustion gases may enter the scavenge space.
A defective piston rod gland may allow oil from the crankcase to enter the scavenge space. The piston rod gland drains should be checked frequently for
signs of crankcase system oil as this indicates defective gland sealing rings.

Indications of a Fire
Sounding of the respective temperature alarms if the engine has the necessary monitoring instrumentation installed.
A considerable rise in the exhaust gas temperatures of the cylinder concerned and a general rise in charge air temperature.
The turbocharger may start surging.


Scavenge Space Fire Fighting Measures
The safety of shipboard personnel should be paramount whenever dealing with fires anywhere aboard ship.
Inform the bridge of the situation
Reduce engine power
Cut out the fuel injection pump of the cylinder concerned
Increase lubrication to the respective cylinder
(Note! If a serious fire occurs, shut down the engine after obtaining permission from the bridge and operate the fixed fire extinguishing system.)
A fire should have died down after 5 to 15 minutes. This can be verified by checking the exhaust gas temperatures and the temperatures of the doors to the piston bottoms.
Caution should be exercised whilst the fire is burning to ensure that it does not cause a fire in the engine room. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that
leakage of oil onto the hot scavenge space sides does not happen.
After it has been confirmed that the fire has been extinguished the engine must be stopped as soon as possible and the cause of the fire established. The
scavenge space must be allowed to cool completely before access doors are opened to allow inspection.
Checks should be made on the cylinder running surfaces, piston rings, fuel injectors, valve groups in the scavenge space, piston rod gland and liner seals.
Tie rod tension should be checked if the fire has been severe.
After a careful check, or if necessary repair, the engine can be put back on load with cut-in fuel injection pump and automatic cylinder lubrication.
Should a stoppage of the engine not be feasible and the fire has died down, the fuel injection pump can again be cut in, the load increased slowly and the
cylinder lubrication brought back again to the normal output. Avoid prolonged running with the considerably increased cylinder lubrication.
Preventive Measures
As can be seen from the causes, good engine maintenance goes a long way to safeguarding against fires in the scavenge air spaces. The following measures have a particularly favourable influence:
Use of correctly spraying fuel injectors and keeping the air and gas passages clean.
Optimum adjustment of the fuel cams and of the fuel injection pump timing.
When running continuously at reduced load, check the cylinder lubricating oil feed rate and readjust if necessary. Ensure that fuel atomisation and combustion is correct for the reduced load condition.
The permanent drain of residue from the piston underside must always be checked. To prevent accumulation of dirt, the drain cock on the collector main must be opened for a short time each day.
Prevention of Crankcase Explosions
The oil mist in the crankcase is inflammable over a very narrow range of mixture. Weaker or richer mixtures do not ignite. There must always be an
extraneous cause to set off ignition, such as hot engine components. Only under these circumstances and the presence of a critical mixture ratio of oil
mist and air can an explosion occur. A 'hot spot' is the common feature of all crankcase explosions and this can be due to metal-to-metal contact at a wiped bearing, rubbing guide, defective piston rod gland, damaged thrust, un-lubricated gear wheel, etc. or even due to a prolonged scavenge fire. The 'hot spot' provides the heat source to evaporate oil, which condenses to form mist-like droplets which will ignite readily, and ignite the mist. If the mist concentration in the crankcase reaches a critical level an explosion can occur.
Engines are equipped with an oil mist detector, which constantly monitors intensity of oil mist in the crankcase and triggers an alarm if the mist exceeds
the density limit.
Measures to be Taken When Oil Mist Has Occurred
a)  Do not stand near crankcase doors or relief valves or in corridors near doors to the engine room casing.
b)  Reduce speed to slowdown level immediately, if not already carried out automatically. Explain the situation and ask the bridge
for permission to stop.
c)  When the engine STOP order is received, stop the engine. Close the fuel oil supply. Maintain engine cooling and lubrication as the supply of lubricant will assist the cooling of the hot spot.
d)  Switch-off the auxiliary blowers.
e)  Open the skylight(s) and/or stores hatch.
f)   Leave the engine room as a fire can still occur even with the engine stopped because the mist will circulate in the crankcase and can come into contact with the hot spot.
g)  Lock the casing doors and keep away from them,


h) Prepare the fire-fighting equipment.
i) Do not open the crankcase until at least 20 minutes after stopping the engine. Ideally leave the engine for as long as possible before opening the crankcase doors as this will ensure that the hot spot has cooled below the ignition temperature and so any mist which persists will not ignite from this source. It is important that no naked lights exist in the vicinity of the crankcase when the doors are opened in order to prevent ignition of any residual mist from that source.
j) Stop the lubricating oil pump. Take off-open all the doors on one side of the crankcase. Cut off the starting air, and engage the turning gear.
Main Engine Graviner Oil Mist Detector

k) Locate the hot spot. Feel over, by hand, all the sliding surfaces (bearings, thrust bearing, piston rods, stuffing boxes, crossheads, lubricant supply toggle lever pipes, gears, vibration dampers, moment compensators, etc.)- Look for squeezed-out bearing metal and discolouration caused by heat (blistered paint, burnt oil, oxidised steel). Keep possible bearing metal found at the bottom of the oil tray for later analysing. Prevent further hot spots by
preferably making a permanent repair. Ensure that the respective sliding surfaces are in good condition. Take special care to check that the circulating oil supply is in order. The engine should not be restarted until the cause of the hot spot has been located and rectified.
1) Start the circulating oil pump and turn the engine by means of the turning gear. Check the oil flow from all bearings, spray pipes and spray nozzles in the crankcase, camshaft drive gear wheel case and thrust bearing. Check for possible leakages from pistons or piston rods.
m) Start the engine. After running for about 30 minutes stop and feel over surfaces for signs of abnormal temperature rise. Especially feel over the sliding surfaces which caused the overheating. There is a possibility that the oil mist is due to atomisation of the circulating oil, caused by a jet of air/gas, e.g. by combination of the following: Stuffing box leakages (not air tight). Blow-by through a cracked piston crown or piston rod (with direct connection to crankcase via the cooling oil outlet pipe). An oil mist could also develop as a result of heat from a scavenge fire being transmitted down the piston rod or via the stuffing box. Hot air jets or flames could also have passed through the stuffing box
into the crankcase.
WARNING
Special Engine Room Dangers
Keep clear of spaces below loaded cranes.
The opening of cocks may cause discharge of hot liquids or gases.
The dismantling of parts may cause the release of springs.
The removal of fuel valves or other valves in the cylinder cover may cause oil to run onto the piston crown. If the piston is hot an explosion may blow out the valve.
When testing fuel valves do not touch the spray holes as the jets may pierce the skin.
Beware of high-pressure oil leaks when using hydraulic equipment, wear protective clothing.
Arrange indicator cocks with pressure relief holes directed away from personnel, wear goggles when using indicator equipment.
Do not weld in the engine room if the crankcase is opened before fully cooled.
Turning gear must be engaged before working on or inside the engine as the wake from other ships in port or waves at sea may cause the propeller to turn. Also, isolate the starting air supply.
Use warning notices at the turning gear starter and other control stations to warn personnel that people are working on the engine.
Use gloves when removing O-rings and other rubber/plastic based sealing materials, which have been subjected to abnormally high
working temperatures as they may have a caustic effect.
Do not allow oil patches to remain on floors as personnel can easily slip resulting in injury.
Oil spills, and particularly oily rags, anywhere present a fire hazard.
Do not remove fire extinguishers from designated positions and ensure that any fire extinguishers which have been used are replenished immediately.
Only use lifting equipment which has current certification.

Main Engine Manoeuvring Control

Courtesy By NORCONTROL Automation AS



Engine Telegraph System (ETS)
Manufacturer: NORCONTROL Automation AS
Model: AutoChief - 4


Description
The ETS performs two basic functions, these are:
1. To allow an operator to initiate engine change commands from the
designated control location directly to the engine via the remote
control system. These changes can also be communicated, via the
ETS pushbuttons and telegraph handle, to an operator who will
implement these commands in the control room or the engine
room.

International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code)


The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) has now replaced the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) w.e.f 01st January 2011, which was first adopted as a recommendatory code in 1965 and has been updated at regular intervals since then.
The aim of the mandatory IMSBC Code is to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes by providing information on the dangers associated with the shipment of certain types of cargo and instructions on the appropriate procedures to be adopted.