Alarm Measuring System on the ship

1. The electronic and alarm measuring systems are designed for centralized supervision of processes on board ships.

2. Such systems are designed to meet the special requirements in marine applications.

3. The design of the alarm systems comprises a limited number of standard modules, and offers an economical and flexible solution for all system sizes — from small alarm systems with a few channels, to complex systems with data logging and alarm print-out functions.

4. The signals from analog and digital transducers are processed in the system and allow for simple and clear monitoring of process activities. The occurrance of abnormal conditions initiates audible and visual alarm signals.

5. Temperatures, pressures, levels, etc. are sensed by the analog transducers and are represented on a digital display.

6. Some further important advantages of the electronic alarm system are:

• All transducer signals are individually processed, i.e. by one circuit board per measuring and alarm channel. If one of the channels should fail, the rest of the system will remain uneffected.
• Data for each channel, time delay, alarm group, scale and number of decimals, are set by programming on each circuit board.
• If necessary the system layout can be modified by the customer, by moving the transducer connections, the corresponding circuit board and the transparent legend plate, without the need for taking the program-ming into consideration.
• Each channel can be equipped with separate lamps for alarm indication on mimic diagrams and analog instruments, for continuous presentation of the measured values.

An Alarm Measuring System (AMS) or Alarm Monitoring System (AMS) on a ship is a critical component for ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. These systems are designed to monitor various parameters and alert the crew to any abnormal conditions or potential issues. Here's an overview of what these systems typically involve:

Components and Functions

1. Sensors and Detectors

   • Temperature Sensors: Monitor engine temperature, exhaust temperature, and other critical components.
   • Pressure Sensors: Measure oil pressure, fuel pressure, and other hydraulic systems.
   • Level Sensors: Track levels of fuel, water, lubricating oil, and ballast tanks.
   • Gas Detectors: Detect hazardous gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other flammable or toxic gases.
   • Fire and Smoke Detectors: Provide early warning of fire or smoke presence.
   • Vibration Sensors: Monitor the condition of machinery and rotating equipment.

2. Control Unit

   • Data Collection: Gathers data from various sensors and detectors.
   • Processing: Analyzes the data to detect any deviations from normal operating conditions.
   • Alarm Generation: Triggers alarms when parameters exceed predefined thresholds.

3. Alarm Display and Interface

   • Visual Indicators: Lights and displays showing the status of monitored parameters.
   • Audible Alarms: Buzzers or sirens to alert crew members to urgent issues.
   • User Interface: Control panels or touchscreens for crew interaction, allowing them to acknowledge and silence alarms, and to view detailed information about the alarm condition.

4. Communication and Integration

   • Networking: Integration with the ship’s broader communication and control systems, enabling data sharing and centralized monitoring.
   • Remote Monitoring: Capability to send data to shore-based facilities for remote monitoring and support.

Importance and Benefits

• Safety: Early detection of abnormal conditions prevents accidents and ensures the safety of the crew and ship.
• Preventive Maintenance: Continuous monitoring helps in the early identification of potential problems, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing the risk of equipment failure.
• Operational Efficiency: By keeping all systems under constant watch, AMS helps in optimizing the performance and efficiency of ship operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets the requirements of maritime safety regulations and standards set by organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Typical Alarms Monitored

• Engine and Machinery Alarms: High temperature, low oil pressure, high vibration, etc.
• Electrical System Alarms: Overload, short circuit, low battery, etc.
• Navigation Alarms: Collision risk, grounding risk, lost position, etc.
• Environmental Alarms: High water level in bilge, oil leakage, high exhaust emissions, etc.
• Security Alarms: Unauthorized access, security breaches, etc.

Integration with Other Systems

The AMS often integrates with other onboard systems such as:

• Automatic Identification System (AIS): For tracking ship movements.
• Voyage Data Recorder (VDR): For recording data from various sensors and systems.
• Engine Control Room (ECR) Systems: For central control and monitoring of the engine and other critical systems.
• Bridge Systems: For navigation and communication.

Maintenance and Testing

Regular maintenance and testing of the AMS are crucial to ensure reliability. This includes:

• Routine Inspections: Checking sensors, alarms, and control units for proper operation.
• Functional Testing: Simulating alarm conditions to verify the system's response.
• Calibration: Ensuring sensors are accurately measuring parameters.
• Software Updates: Keeping the control unit's software up to date for improved performance and security.

The Alarm Measuring System on a ship is a comprehensive network of sensors, control units, and alarms designed to monitor the ship's critical systems, ensure safety, enhance operational efficiency, and comply with regulatory requirements.