Introduction to Pneumatic Systems & Automation

A. INTRODUCTION 

From main engine starting air valves, pneumatic piston cylinders and countless other actuators and valves, pneumatic systems are used in many shipboard applications for decades.

The overall aim is to assist the Engineer Officers understand the basic principles of compressed air automation control systems, by providing theoretical and practical instructions.

Starting from the production and supply of compressed air on a vessel to produce mechanical work or for controlling purposes, the design of a pneumatic system and the various types of speed, flow, directional and force valves are presented. The course is then focused on the maneuvering system of a MAN B&W MC main engine and a number of well-known ship applications such as the Valve Remote Control System, Cargo AUS, etc.

B. LEARNING OBJECTIVES  

The Trainees, on completing the course, will be able to:

  • Compare the pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical systems and describe the basic components of a pneumatic-based automation control system.
  • Fully understand the operation of ships’ pneumatic systems and automation control
  • Take the necessary safety measures when working with pneumatic

 

 

Daily Schedule

DAY 1

  • 09:30 – 10:00: Aims & Learning Objectives
  • 10:00 – 11:00: Why Do We Have Pneumatics Systems? Pneumatics Historics
  • 11:00 – 11:15: Coffee Break
  • 11:15 – 12:30: Pneumatic Systems Design and Components
  • 12:30 – 13:00: Advantages, Limitations, Design of a Pneumatic System.
    Difference Between Pneumatic & Hydraulic Systems
  • 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch Break
  • 14:00 – 15:30: Types of Pneumatic Valves
  • 15:30 – 15.45: Coffee Break
  • 15:45 – 16:30: Steering Gear Automation, M/E ΜΑΝ Β&W FIVA Valve & M/E Starting System
  • 16:30 – 17:00: Fail Safe Automation & AUS

DAY 2

  • 09:30 – 10:00: Explanation of Pneumatic Valves on the Simulator Panel
  • 10:00 – 11:00: Adjustment of Various Pneumatic Valves
  • 11:00 – 11:15: Coffee Break
  • 11:15 – 12:30: Adjustment of Various Pneumatic Valves (continued)
  • 12:30 – 13:00: Adjustment of Various Pneumatic Valves (continued)
  • 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch Break
  • 14:00 – 15:30: Explanation of Main Engine Air Starting System
  • 15:30 – 15.45: Coffee Break
  • 15:45 – 16:30: Adjustment of “Nakakita” Pneumatic Valve
  • 16:30 – 17:00: Adjustment of Aux Boiler Water Level Controller & “AUS” System