Electrical tasks is a critical part of shipbuilding and ship maintenance, as it ensures the safety, performance, and functionality of the vessel. These tasks include various procedures, such as installing grills and cables, installing electrical equipment, making connections and conducting electrical tests.
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Electrical services
Installation of Rack and Cables
Installing gratings and cables is one of the most basic and important tasks on a ship. The gratings are the ‘channels’ through which electrical cables pass and aim to protect from mechanical stresses and external factors, such as moisture and corrosion. Proper installation of grates should take into account
• their durability,
• the distribution of the weight of the cables, and
• easy access for future maintenance.
On the other hand, the cables installed on the ship form the basis of its electrical infrastructure. Thus, it is necessary to:
• meet strict standards for marine resilience,
• are properly insulated
• are placed in such a way as to reduce the chances of wear and short circuit
• They have the correct marking to be easy to locate in case of maintenance or repair.
Installation of Electrical Equipment
The installation of electrical equipment, such as switchboards, generators, motors, and lighting systems, requires great care and specialized knowledge. Electrical work on ships does not allow errors, as an incorrect installation can lead to serious breakdowns or even endanger the safety of the ship and crew.
The equipment must:
• be installed in accordance with maritime law standards
• be connected to the respective systems of the ship with attention to their proper operation
• be certified for use in marine environments
• withstand the conditions prevailing on a ship.
Connections
Connections to a ship are an integral part of electrical work, as they ensure the correct and safe operation of electrical circuits. The process of connecting cables requires attention to detail, knowledge of standards and strict adherence to procedures.
Several stages are included, from cable preparation to final testing:
• Cable Preparation: Cables should be cut to the appropriate length and carefully stripped to reveal the cable core without damage.
• Terminal Selection: Depending on the type of connection, the appropriate terminals are selected. The terminals must be suitable for the cable size and offer a secure connection.
• Connection and Fastening: The terminals are placed on the conductors and tightened or welded to ensure proper contact. Then the conductors are connected to the corresponding terminals and tightened tightly to avoid any loosening.
• Connections’ control: After completing the connection, a check is made to ensure that the connection is correct and secure. Special tools are used to verify the resistance and continuity of the circuit.
Electrical Tests
Electrical tests are the final stage of electrical installation and are necessary to ensure the proper operation of the systems. These tests include:
• Insulation resistance checks
• tests for resistance to short circuits
• Verification of the correct operation of circuits and devices.
It is necessary to do all tests using appropriate equipment and record the results. Certifying that systems are working properly and safe to use is critical before the ship is put into service.
Electrical work on ships is a complex and demanding process that requires specialized knowledge, attention to detail and strict adherence to safety standards. From the installation of gratings and cables to the installation of electrical equipment and the conduct of tests, every step must be done accurately by experienced and familiar technicians.
Engineering
Engineering work on ships is fundamental to ensuring the structural integrity, safe operation and long-term durability of the vessel. These tasks involve various processes, the main ones being welding and piping installation. Each of these tasks requires specialized knowledge and experience, as the quality of work directly affects the overall performance and safety of the ship.
Welds
Welding is one of the most critical engineering processes in a ship. It is used to join metal pieces, such as frames, hull parts, and other structural or mechanical structures. The welds must be of high quality to withstand the enormous forces and pressures that the ship receives at sea. Poor execution can lead to cracks or detachments, which could be catastrophic in a marine environment. For this reason, each weld must be inspected and tested by Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), such as ultrasound or X-ray, to ensure its integrity.
There are several welding techniques used in shipbuilding, depending on the materials and requirements of construction:
Arc welding: This is the most widespread welding technique, where an electric arc is used to heat and melt the metals to be joined. It is suitable for heavy metal parts, such as hull parts.
Gas Welding: It is commonly used for thinner metal parts and in jobs that require greater precision. This welding involves the use of combustible gas to generate the heat required.
MIG/MAG (Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas) welding: This is a welding method where an inert or active gas is used to protect the weld area from oxidation, while a metal wire is continuously fed to create the weld. It is suitable for thin and medium thickness plates.
Pipe Installation
The installation of piping is also a basic engineering task on a ship, as the piping carries critical fluids such as fuel, water, oils, and other operational fluids required for the smooth operation of the ship’s engines and other systems.
The pipe installation process includes:
• Preparation: Cutting and shaping of pipes in the appropriate lengths and cross-sections, according to the plans of the system.
• Installation and Support: The pipes are placed in the intended positions and supported with appropriate clamps and sockets to avoid vibration and mechanical stress.
• Connections and Welds: The pipes are connected to each other and to the other components of the system through flanges, fittings or welds, depending on the requirements. These connections must be completely watertight to prevent leakage.
• Test and Inspection: After installation, the piping system undergoes pressure tests and is inspected to ensure proper operation and absence of leaks.
Mechanical work on a ship requires a high level of know-how and precision. The correct execution of these tasks is vital, as any failure can have serious consequences. By using appropriate materials, techniques and control methods, the mechanical installations ensure that the ship will be able to cope with the demands and challenges of the marine environment.