Feature 6 | SAFETY
Heinzmann launches new range of safety systems
German engine and turbine monitoring systems firm Heinzmann is set to introduce a new product range including oil mist detection, arc protection and hydraulic cranking at the SMM trade show, Hamburg, in September 2010.
T
he three new components are launching into the market at a time when there is an emphasis on further
developing safety procedures within the offshore industry. Te Heinzmann oil mist detection system is
based on oil mist being visually detected in the engine. For this, an oil mist sensor is fitted with each crank chamber and each additional area to be monitored within the engine, such as the gear housing. A warning signal is generated due to a predetermined oil mist concentration and forwarded to a central evaluation unit via a rapid, redundant and reliable controller area network (CAN) bus. Tis evaluation unit then forwards a corresponding message to the bridge or control room. Tis message specifies the exact location at which oil mist has developed and at which there is an imminent risk of damage/failure that could lead to an explosion. Up to 16 independent sensors can be connected to an evaluation unit. Tis enables an engine with 24 cylinders in a V arrangement – 12 crank chambers, for example – plus the front and rear gear housings and the crankcase ventilation, to be reliably monitored for the development of oil mist. Heinzmann’s oil mist detection system
is characterised by its ability to operate in harmony with the engine without any additional and complex pipework, without the need for any contamination-sensitive extraction systems and with almost no need for maintenance. In addition to the diesel engine variant, an explosion-protected, APEX-certified variant for gas or dual-fuel engines is also available. Oil mist can form in two ways, either by
being generated through minute leaks in oil lines which, under pressure, give off a very fine atomised spray, or, by the oil hitting a hot surface and subsequently boiling. Danger occurs when high-pressure type
leaks of oil mist are formed with a particle size of between 3–10microns that builds up to a hazardous concentration of mist in the
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Heinzmann’s D1000 Arc Protection System seen here on an offshore platform (Credit: Heinzmann GmbH & Co KG).
atmosphere. At levels of saturation conditions are truly hazardous, and if no action is taken a fire can start. Te ignition temperature for this type of oil mist can be extremely low depending on the fuel that is being atomised. Another way oil mist can be generated
occurs when drops of oil hit a hot spot or surface and boils. When oil mist is produced by boiling the particle size is then about 3–10 microns. Tis mist is visible and is known as blue smoke. Te larger and hotter the hot area is the quicker oil mist is produced. At this stage a temperature as low as 150°C can cause ignition.
Arc Protection Arc protection is required in the event of an arc flash – a type of electrical explosion that results from a low impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system.
Heinzmann’s D1000 Arc Protection
provides an effective solution to protect valuable electric installations against damages caused by accidentally generated electric arcs. The Arc Protection System can be used to protect distribution switchboards, transformers or control cabinets. It is suitable for any application from 380VAC upwards, and is preferably used in marine and offshore installations. It provides an effective insurance against a switchboard burnout, particularly for vessels with diesel-electric propulsion. An undetected arc generation can render the propulsion inoperable, as has occurred on several occasions in the past. Te D1000 Arc Protection provides fast
detection of the developing arc and will trip the electricity supply in less than 1ms to prevent serious damage. The primary detection system works on light or combined with a three-phase current measurement. Te D1000
Offshore Marine Technology 3rd Quarter 2010
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