BILGE, BALLAST AND SYSTEMS

At the end of this topic you are expected to: explain the purpose of a bilge pumping system Sketch a diagrammatic arrangement of a bilge pumping system including the connection to other pumps Explain why non-return valves are fitted to bilge pipes in watertight compartments which contain the open ends of the pipe Describe and demonstrate the purpose, siting and common principal connection of an emergency bilge connection

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

 Describe the principal features of an emergency bilge pump Explain the purpose of a ballast pumping system and sketch a diagrammatic arrangement of the system Describe a domestic fresh water hydrofore pumping system with reference to how water pressure is maintained, how the pump is started and stopped and the water is heated Explain using a single line sketch how a fire pump main including the cross connection with other pumps is supplied with water

 State the minimum number of independently drivers fire pump as mandated by international law Explain the purpose of the isolating valve in the machinery space fire pump main delivery Describe an engine room central cooling system Enumerate the principle of operation of a biological sewage treatment plant Explain a coliform count in sewage system and sewage retention system Explain briefly the purpose and operation of an incinerator for the disposal of sludge and refuse Describe and draw the vent arrangement for fuel tanks

Purposes of a bilge pumping system and why non-return valves are fitted to bilge pipes in watertight compartments which contain the open end of the pipe
1. A piping system and pumping plant should be provided to pump out and drain any adjacent to damage watertight compartments (including tween decks) under all reasonable damage conditions. 2. Vessel shall have at least four independent power pumps connected to the main line. Ballast, sanitary, etc. is acceptable and also, engine driven pump 3. One such pump should be of the remote-controlled submersible type or the power pumps and controls should be so placed so that one pump is always available under all reasonable damage conditions. Where possible, each pump should be located in separate watertight compartment.

4. Pumps should be of the self-priming type unless efficient priming devices are provided. The capacity of the pumps should give a water speed in the main line if not less than 2 m/s, and the capacity may be determined from a given empirical formula. 5. Each pump should have a direct suction to the space in which it is situated, such suction should be at least the same bore as the bilge main. Not more than 2 suctions are required and in the machinery space such suctions should be arranged one each side. 6. Main engine circulating pumps shall have a direct suction (with non-return valves), draining the lowest level in the machinery space; such suction at least 2/3 of the diameter of the main sea inlet. In motor ships, this should apply but direct suction on other suitable pumps of equivalent capacity is acceptable. 7. Bilge pipes should not be led through oil tanks or D.B. tanks. Joints should be flanged and pipes should be independent to the bilge systems only.

8. Collision bulkheads should not be pierced below the margin line by more than one pipe. Such pipe should be fitted with a screw down valve operated from above the bulkhead deck, valve chest being screwed to the forward side of collision bulkhead (divided peaks may have 2 pipes). 9. Valves and cocks not forming part of pipe system are not to be secured to watertight bulkhead. Pipes, cables, etc. passing through such a bulkhead are to be provided with watertight fittings to retain the integrity of the bulkhead. Connection attached to such bulkheads is to be made by screwed or welded studs, not by tap bolts passing through clearance holes. 10. The bilge piping system is to be separate from cargo and oil fuel systems, spindle to all master valves, bilge injection, etc. should be clearly marked and accessible at all times. 11. The of bilge suction lines in mm is to be determined from given empirical formula. No bilge main under 65mm bore and no branch under 50mm or need to be over 100mm bore.

12. Bilge valves should be of non-return type. Valves, blanks, lock-ups, etc. must be provided to prevent connection between sea and bilges or bilges and water ballast, etc. at the same time. 13. Emergency bilge pumping system, if provided, should be separate from the main system. Bilge pipes to be provided with mud boxes. Suction pipe ends should be enclosed in easily removable strum boxes; the holes should be approx. 10 mm and their combined area not less than twice the area of the suction pipe. 14. Sounding pipes where provided, are to be as straight as possible, easily accessible, normally provided with closing plugs, machinery space pipes should have self-closing cocks.

Purpose, Siting and Common Principal Connections of an Emergency Bilge Suction

The function of emergency bilge pump is to drain compartments adjacent to a damages (holed) compartment. The pump is capable of working when completely submerged. The pump is a standard centrifugal pump with reciprocating or rotary air pumps. The motor is enclosed in an air bell so that even with the compartment full of water, the compressed air in the bell prevents water-gaining access to the motor. The motor is usually DC operated by a separate remote controlled electric circuit which is part of the vessels emergency essential electric circuit. The pump is designed to operate for long periods without attention and is also suitable for use as an emergency fire pump. This design is particularly suited for use in large passenger vessels giving outputs of about 60kg/s.

Bilge System
the bilge is the lowest part of any space into which all water/oil drains in the Engine Room, its the tank top

Bilge System
its essential purpose is to clear water from the ships dry compartments during an emergency clears water and oil which accumulates in machinery space bilges as a result of leakage or draining, and when washing down cargo holds

Bilge Main
the bilge main in the Engine Room has connections from dry cargo holds, tunnel and machinery spaces

Bilge System Regulations

the number of power operated bilge pumps (usually 3 to 4) that are required in the machinery spaces is governed by the size and type of ship a bilge ejector is acceptable as a substitute provided that it is capable of providing flow rate of at least 120m/s

Bilge System Regulations

fire pumps, excluding any emergency fire pump fitted, must be capable of delivering a total quantity of water at a defined head not less than 2/3 of the total bilge pumping capacity defined head ranges from 2.4 bar (cargo ships below 1000 grt) to 3.2 bar (passenger ships 4000 grt and above)

Bilge System Regulations

pumps installed for bilge pumping duties must be self-priming or be able to be primed bilge pumps may be used for other duties such as general service, ballast and fire fighting

Bilge System Regulations

statutory bilge pumps may not be used for continuous operation on other services such as cooling, although bilge injections can be fitted on such pumps and are a requirement on main or stand-by circulating pumps

Bilge and Ballast Piping

common suction and discharge chests permit one pump to be used for bilge and ballast duties the ballast piping has screw lift valves so as to be able to both fill and empty purpose-constructed tanks with sea water

Bilge and Ballast Piping

the bilge system is designed to remove water or oily water from dry spaces throughout the vessel and is fitted with screw-down non-return valves to prevent any flooding back to the compartment served

Bilge and Ballast Piping

the essential safety role of the bilge system means that bilge pumps must be capable of discharging directly overboard

Bilge and Ballast Piping

when clearing the water and oil which accumulates in the machinery space bilges, the discharge overboard must be via the oil/water separator and usually with the use of the special bilge pump maximum oil concentration of oil to be discharged overboard is 15ppm

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