Engine Room rounds if taken in proper manner, will save lot of time and also will be helpful in keeping all the machineries and parameter under control. Here is the 2nd article in that series.
Engine Room Rounds Guide-Part 2
1) Now comes your generators. Well there are few things that you need to check like any sign of external leaking. Open cover for any one unit and see if there is any leakage from the units. Check for any sign of unusual noise. Check the fuel filter and lube filter. Check the oil level of the sump. Check the RPM of the turbocharger. Generators those who are not running, check the pre lube pump is running fine. Check the level of sump.
2) Check bearing temperature of generators.
Note: As main engine is extended till many platforms. So as you pass each platform, it is wise to check the main engine also. Top platform, you general have the high pressure pipes and cylinder head assembly. Check for leaks and anything unusual. Then below that you have the platform where the turbochargers are there, and then comes the scavenge air platforms. The last air platforms is usually the one where the crankcase doors are there. Touch them slightly to see if they are overheated. That shows sign any signs possible crankcase fire. Check the sight glass for the turbocharger lubrication. Good flow shows that the lubrication is proper. Fuel pump (each unit), heck for leaks.
3) Now you reach to the bottom level The bottom platform of the engine room mostly houses the pumps. Just above it, you will find the purifier platform as well. Purifiers are of most importance on any ship. When taking rounds in the purifier room, you basically have to look for the following:
a) Checking for any unusual vibration or sounds coming from the purifier room.
b) Check the pressures like suction and discharge.
c) Check the sludge line. If more oil and water is going through it, then you need to overhaul the purifier.
d) Check all the motors for the heating and unusual sounds.
Now comes to the bottom most platforms. Well here you have all the pumps that are required for the ships like sea water cooling pump, ballast pumps, general service pumps, and fresh water cooling pumps, general service and fire pump. Bilge pump, sludge pump, etc. Here are some of the things to look after on this platform.
1) Check the level of the bilges. If it is high, then you need to pump it to the bilge holding tank.
2) Check for any signs of leakage of the water.
3) Check the motors for any sound and heating.
4) See the current level for the ICCP and MGPS system. Also check the vent for the sea chest. If water is coming out of it, that means, the vent is not working properly.
5) The differential pressure gauges for various systems, like lube oil etc needs to be checked too.
6) Check the area for the lubrication pump of the main engine.
7) At the same time, you can have a look at the sump level of the main
engine as well.
engine as well.
Apart from these, there are other things as well, that you need to take care off.
1) Steering Gear Rooms,
2) Air Handling Unit, also called as the air conditioning plant.
In the steering gear room you need to have a look at the oil level, greasing and any unusual noise. Air handling is quite the important machinery onboard and needs to be taken care properly, otherwise you have to sleep outside. So, check the gauges of the AHU for inlet and outlet temperature. If it is not in desirable range, then you might have to change the setting in the plant.
