Hydraulics & Pneumatics July/August 2022

The equipment criteria Within the practical shipboard constraints of minimum power consumption and restricted installation space, it is vital for shipyards and shipowners to ensure that the performance and build quality of a marine compressed air system can meet the operational criteria for reliability, energy efficiency, stability, safety, and regulatory compliance. Reliability: That has to be the watchword for all essential shipboard systems. Marine compressors must be fully optimised for shipborne use and be designed and constructed for continuous operational capability within engine room environments of up to 50 degrees C ambient. That means robust, tried and tested components and ancillaries that combine the benefits of long service intervals and energy-efficient whole life performance. Stability at sea: The compressors’ component configuration should be designed to provide a low centre of gravity that minimises equipment stress even in severe running conditions. It must comply with the Lloyd’s Register Rules and Regulations of operating conditions for main and auxiliary machinery that: ‘installed equipment can operate normally in rough seas at an angle of inclination athwartships of 15 degrees static/22.5 degrees dynamic and 5 degrees fore-and-aft static/7.5 degrees dynamic’. Electrical safety: Under the Lloyds’ regulations concerning location and construction of electrical installations, all electrical equipment is to be constructed or selected and installed such that live parts cannot be inadvertently touched, do not cause injury when handled or touched in the normal manner; and are unaffected by any water, steam or oil and oil vapour to which it is likely to be exposed. Accessibility and compact dimensions: This is a major issue in equipment siting. However large a vessel may be, the engine room space is always at a premium. That is why the best option is to match required performance to equipment designed with fully integrated components, such as air dryers, thereby offering the smallest footprint. A compact compressor’s dimensions should allow installation access through standard ship-sized doors and thus avoid hot work necessary to accommodate the unit. For the same reason, air connections and ancillaries such as condensate drains should be located at one side of each unit to allow maximum proximity to bulkheads and provide easy access for routine maintenance procedures. Compliance: It is importance to establish that the materials, construction, and environmental impact of shipboard compressor equipment conforms to the rules, inspections, and certification procedures of the major recognised classification organisations. Lloyd's Register and American Bureau of Shipping, DNV, RINA, RMRS are just some of the major companies in the classification society business whose focus is to ensure owners and shipyards conform to the safety, security and quality standards set by the shipping industry. It is the responsibility of the equipment manufacturers and suppliers to comply with all major classifications and Environmental Protection notations such as EP, clean design; comfort INDUSTRY RECOGNISED COURSES FROM THE BFPA NOT KNOWING IS NOT AN OPTION The BFPA have for many years been passionate about raising standards within the fluid power market and industry as a whole, with this objective in mind we have created a suite of valuable training courses now available. HOSE ASSEMBLY SKILLS COURSE The skills course will take the candidate through the many techniques and considerations essential for the safe production of a quality hose assembly and ultimately leading to installation. This two day course involves both the theoretical and practical elements in working with hose and connectors. SMALL BORE TUBING INTEGRITY COURSE Delegates are offered a valuable understanding of the complexity surrounding small bore tubing and compression fittings. The course covers generic manufacturers twin ferrule compression fittings, thread awareness, tube and pipe differences and the preparation process, tube manipulation (bending) principles, common installation and routing techniques. FOUNDATION SAFETY COURSE This course has been developed to provide an introduction into hose, connectors and the safe assembly of these components for industry use. During the day the attendee will gain a knowledge and understanding of safe hose assembly and if applied will only enhance the safety within the hydraulic industry and the attendee. HOSE INTEGRITY, INSPECTION & MANAGEMENT The key themes covered during the one-day course include: hose life expectancy; risk analysis; competence by way of a robust competence assurance system; identify, inspect & record; hose register – recording of a hose assembly prior to it going into service; and visual hose assembly (installation) inspection check list. HYDROSTATIC PROOF PRESSURE TESTING The course will help give the delegate a greater understanding of the dangers associated with pressure testing. During the one day course the delegate will learn how to safely test hose and connector assemblies by taking into account a safe system of work best practice procedure (HSE GS4 document) along with relevant pressure test standards commonly used within industry. For more information about any of our courses or to check availability please visit: www.bfpa.co.uk/training Please call 01608 647900 or email enquiries@bfpa.co.uk