Elements and Performance Criteria
- Outline basic actions and functions of automation equipment in marine contexts
- Basic concept of an automatic control system is explained using a simple block diagram, correct Australian Standard symbols and layout
- Components and operation of automatic control systems are outlined
- Relative advantages and disadvantages of different mediums used in shipboard automatic control systems are explained
- Explain action of nozzle flapper mechanism in pneumatic instruments
- Explain operating principles and application of sensing and transmitting elements
- Different methods of measuring level in an unpressurised tank and in a closed pressurised vessel are sketched and outlined
- Applications at sea, advantages and disadvantages and temperature ranges of filled system thermometers are outlined
- Operating principles of resistance temperature detector and thermocouple are outlined
- Different methods for measuring flow on board ships that are suited to remote indication and automatic control are identified
- Different methods for measuring pressure on board a ship that are suited to remote indication and automatic control are identified
- Explain function of controller element and associated hand/auto changeover station in an analogue control loop
- Difference between ‘off-on’ control action and fully modulating proportional control action is explained
- ‘Offset’ and how it may be removed is explained
- Basic principles of operation of a simple pneumatic controller are outlined
- Action and function of hand/auto change over station in an automatic control loop is explained, using suitable schematic diagrams
- Explain basic operating principles of electronic circuits and components
- Explain use of solid state diodes and transistors to control monitoring and alarm systems
- Explain ‘fail safe’ philosophy and its implications for design and operation of main types of actuators available for operating final correcting elements
- Purpose and function of a typical valve actuator and positioner are confirmed
- Constructional differences between typical ‘air-to-open’ and ‘air-to-close’ actuators are confirmed
- Why ‘fail safe’ may mean valves could either close, open, or remain where they are, upon failure of their associated automatic (or servo remote) operating system, is clarified
- Pneumatic piston actuator/positioner assembly used to move final correcting elements pneumatically is outlined
- Operating principles of electrical actuators are outlined
- Operation of a hydraulic steering gear actuator is compared and contrasted with valve actuator and positioner assemblies
- Specify requirements for a pneumatic control system air supply
- Standard specifications for cleanliness, moisture and oil content of a typical control air system are outlined
- Importance of ensuring that standards for cleanliness, moisture and oil content are maintained throughout operation of control air system is explained
- Typical system that is able to supply compressed air that meets required standards for cleanliness, moisture and oil content is outlined
- Explain mechanisms for control of physical parameters in a ship’s machinery space
- Typical control loops associated with centralised cooling systems that serve the cooling water system are sketched
- Function of typical loops required for control of temperature, pressure and viscosity of fuel supplies to main and auxiliary engines are outlined and sketched
- Typical pressure and temperature control loops associated with main and auxiliary engine lubricating oil services are sketched
- Function of components of typical control loops for the automatic control of boilers are outlined and sketched
- Location and reasons for alarms associated with remote and/or automatic machinery operation to be separate from control function are explained
- Tests and procedures required to meet unmanned machinery space (UMS) requirements are specified and different types of associated alarm and monitoring systems are evaluated
- Power output and control of a main propulsion diesel engine (slow speed two-stroke) and an electrical generator prime mover (high or medium speed four-stroke) are compared and contrasted
- Explain schematically total bridge control of a commercial vessel
- Engine manufacturer schematic diagram is interpreted and how Total Bridge control may be achieved to manoeuvre and control the engine is explained
- Safety interlocks in sequence of operation depicted in schematic diagram are identified and why they are required is explained
- Location of engine control positions, apart from the bridge, is identified from schematic diagram
- Why bridge control is preferred option for manoeuvring main engine in modern commercial vessels is explained
- Explain ‘fail safe’ philosophy and its implications for design and operation of main types of actuators available for operating final correcting elements
- Purpose and function of a typical valve actuator and positioner are confirmed
- Constructional differences between typical ‘air-to-open’ and ‘air-to-close’ actuators are confirmed
- Why ‘fail safe’ may mean valves could either close, open, or remain where they are, upon failure of their associated automatic (or servo remote) operating system, is clarified
- Pneumatic piston actuator/positioner assembly used to move final correcting elements pneumatically is outlined
- Operating principles of electrical actuators are outlined
- Operation of a hydraulic steering gear actuator is compared and contrasted with valve actuator and positioner assemblies
- Explain mechanisms for control of physical parameters in a ship’s machinery space
- Typical control loops associated with centralised cooling systems that serve the cooling water system are sketched
- Function of typical loops required for control of temperature, pressure and viscosity of fuel supplies to main and auxiliary engines are outlined and sketched
- Typical pressure and temperature control loops associated with main and auxiliary engine lubricating oil services are sketched
- Function of components of typical control loops for the automatic control of boilers are outlined and sketched
- Location and reasons for alarms associated with remote and/or automatic machinery operation to be separate from control function are explained
- Tests and procedures required to meet unmanned machinery space (UMS) requirements are specified and different types of associated alarm and monitoring systems are evaluated
- Power output and control of a main propulsion diesel engine (slow speed two-stroke) and an electrical generator prime mover (high or medium speed four-stroke) are compared and contrasted