🔵 How to Diagnose a Bow Thruster Control System in Maritime Vessel by MASEC 🔵
1️⃣ Initial Diagnosis: The service technicians began with ananalysis and initial diagnosis during operational trials performed by the ship's crew. Technicians identified discrepancies in the bow thruster's performance when the potentiometer was turned to the right. The ship, which shouldhave moved to the right, experienced an excessive load, and the blade angle was at a maximum of 75%, causing the electric motor to overload.
2️⃣ Parameter Comparison: In the presence of the superintendent, the service technicians compared the bridge readings with the angle transmitter. They used a local measure of the rudder and an electronic meter on the angle transmitter module.
3️⃣ Relay Analysis: The technicians noticed that the soft starter control panel was off. After studying the technical documentation, they proceeded to measure the relays in the control cabinet of the bow thruster system. They found 10 damaged relays, which were replaced with the proper models. The soft starter control panel was partially restored to operation, though damage to the function buttons and control diodes required ordering a new panel.
4️⃣ Program Verification: During subsequent visits, the technicians analyzed the programs in the Siemens S7-200 PLC and the ABB PSTB370-600-70 Soft Starter. They found that the program in the Siemens S7-200 only pertained to auxiliary equipment of the bow thruster and not its main function. Verification of the ABB soft starter parameters showed no discrepancies, so a new control panel was installed and its operation checked.
5️⃣ Underwater Inspection: After obtaining approvals from the client, the harbor master, and the port authority, an underwater inspection was performed using an ROV (BlueROV2). It recorded vibrations and noises on the rightside of the bow thruster during blade movement.
6️⃣ Summary: After completing the analysis, blade movement mechanism mechanical damage of the bow thruster was diagnosed.
7️⃣ Diagnosis: An inspection of the bow thruster is required at the next dry dock. There is a high likelihood of mechanical damage within the blade position change mechanism, which could have severe consequences in the future.
#Marine #Engineering #ROV #ShipRepair #Maintenance
Trainee Aircraft Maintenance Engineering •|• Aviation Enthusiastic •|• Ex-Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qaism •|• Ex-Instrumentation & Control valve technician.
5moGreat job, keep posting safety related 👏