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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Interpret an energy balance diagram for a shipboard steam plant
   • Ideal theoretical thermodynamic cycle for the operation of a steam plant is outlined
2. Why actual expansion of steam through a turbine differs from ideal cycle is explained
3. Typical heat losses around a steam plant are identified
4. Effect of air pre-heating, feed heating and economisation upon energy balance of steam plant’s thermodynamic cycle are explained
5. Typical heat (and/or mass) balance diagram for a ship’s steam plant is interpreted
6. Explain construction and operation of marine high-pressure water boilers
   • Advantages of water tube boiler over fire tube boiler for shipboard applications are outlined
7. Construction and operation of a ‘D’ type membrane furnace boiler with superheater, economiser and air pre-heater is explained
8. External fittings required by classification society rules on any large boiler are identified
9. Internal fittings of a boiler’s main steam drum are identified
10. How automation is applied to boiler control is clarified
11. Start-up, operation and shutdown of a main propulsion steam boiler are outlined
12. Explain construction and operation of a main propulsion steam plant
    • How common forms of blading and rotor construction are manufactured is clarified
13. How casings of common marine steam turbines are fitted out is clarified
14. Principles of thermodynamics are applied to explain expansion of steam in a typical marine turbine
15. Importance of start-up and warming-through procedures for a steam turbine set is conveyed
16. Checks required during routine turbine operation are explained
17. Safety devices for a steam turbine set are identified and normal emergency shutdown (ESD) procedures are identified
18. Operation of turbines under normal and emergency conditions is outlined
19. Explain auxiliary machinery required to support operation of main propulsion steam turbines and boilers
    • Construction and operation of different types of auxiliary machinery needed to support main propulsion steam turbines and boilers is outlined
20. Construction and operation of steam and electric motor prime movers required for driving auxiliary machinery are outlined
21. Explain configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems used in steam-powered vessels
    • Configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems is outlined
22. Typical pressure reducing and pressure control valves suitable for steam service are outlined and illustrated
23. Explain operation principles of close feed systems used by boiler/turbine sets
    • Difference between an open and a closed feed system is clarified
24. Closed feed system is outlined
25. Pressure feed heaters are outlined
26. Chemical injection equipment suitable for use on any ship’s main feed system is explained
27. Explain feed and boiler water treatment
    • Recommended limits of characteristics for boiler water and recommended intervals at which tests are undertaken are clarified
28. Reasons for treating boiler water are outlined
29. Different types of hardness in water, consequences if left untreated, and ways of minimising their effect are explained
30. How corrosion within a boiler is minimised by treating boiler water is explained
31. Causes and ways of avoiding carry-over and caustic embrittlement are explained
32. Safety requirements for handling feed water and boiler water treatment chemicals are explained
33. Explain transmission of power from the steam turbine main engine to the propeller
    • Why reduction gearing is required between steam turbines and propeller is clarified
34. Generation of tooth form is outlined
35. Double helical gearing and difference between single and double reduction gearing are explained
36. Applications of epicyclic gearing are explained
37. Function of flexible couplings in a turbine/gearing set is clarified
38. Components of a driveline from main wheel connection, aft, to propeller are listed
39. Methods and mechanisms for lubricating a driveline are detailed
40. Explain procedures for preventing and responding to fires and explosions specific to steam propulsion plant
    • Causes, symptoms and means of preventing and extinguishing fires associated with steam propulsion plant are detailed
41. Protective devices associated with boilers to minimise risk of fires, explosions and water shortages are identified
42. Routine inspection and maintenance requirements to prevent fires, explosions and water shortages are outlined

Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include: accessing diagnostic information related to marine steam turbines applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices assessing own work outcomes and maintaining knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices identifying and applying relevant solutions to problems that can occur when operating steam propulsion plant and associated systems on a steam vessel identifying and interpreting diagnostic information, and performing mathematical calculations related to operating, repairing and maintaining marine steam turbines identifying methods, procedures and materials needed for operating, maintaining and repairing marine steam turbines providing accurate and reliable information providing appropriate level of detail in responses reading and interpreting manuals, technical specifications, safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets (MSDS) and manufacturer guides related to operating, maintaining and repairing marine steam turbines.

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of: auxiliary machinery, including: lube oil supply pump and system main boiler forced draught fan main condensate extraction pump and air ejector main condenser main cooling water circulating pump main feed pump main fuel oil supply pump and system basic principles of operation of main steam propulsion and auxiliary systems on a steam vessel, including: construction and operation of main and auxiliary steam turbines methods of turbine control, including safety devices procedures for emergency operation of a steam turbine Rankine cycle symptoms, causes, effects, and actions to be taken with defects of auxiliary steam turbines effective verbal, written and visual communication strategies established engineering practice and procedures for operating shipboard steam propulsion plant and associated systems in warm-through, manoeuvring, start-up, normal running, and emergency shutdown (ESD) situations fires, including: blow back economiser explosions low water level uptake fundamental principles of steam propulsion systems and boilers hazards and problems that can occur when operating steam propulsion plant and associated systems, and appropriate preventative and remedial action marine steam turbines, including: impulse reaction methods of lubricating the principal components of a marine steam propulsion turbine and its associated gearing, and evaluating common faults, including common lubrication faults, symptoms, causes, and actions to be taken with such faults operational characteristics and performance specifications for different types of steam propulsion plant and associated systems on a steam vessel of unlimited propulsion power procedures for reading, interpretation of readings and indications of the performance of steam propulsion plant and associated systems safety devices, including: axial movement gland temperature lube oil pressure lube oil temperature remote stops safety valves vacuum condenser pressure vibration steam distribution systems, including: auxiliary exhaust steam range auxiliary superheated steam range bled steam systems superheated main steam range types, properties, tests, applications and treatment of fuels, lubricants, and solvents/chemicals used onboard a steam vessel, including a basic understanding of the working principles, construction, maintenance and safe operation of centrifuges, filters, and other treatment devices typical operating precautions for steam propulsion plant and associated systems to ensure operational performance is in compliance with bridge orders, technical specifications, survey requirements and established safety and anti-pollution rules and regulations units of measurement warming-through procedures, including: ensuring air vent is open minimising thermal shock shutting down warming up according to manufacturer instructions WHS/OHS legislation and policies.

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