Answer MEP Question 13

Q. Enumerate the maintenance routines carried out for the proper functioning of the following systems:

A. Water hyper mist system

B. Smoke detection system

C. Quick closing valves

D. Fire hydrants and hoses.

A. Water hyper mist system

- Referenced in IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1516.

- Control panel lamp test on all panels, Check the stand-by pressure and the standby pump, Usually, the standby pressure is maintained between 25-40Bar which is maintained by a pneumatic pump to ensure the pump is able to raise the pressure within normal time and not running prolonged (Indicates system leak).

- Test run the unit by draining the water pressure to ensure both main and standby high-pressure pumps are able to run and raise the pressure up to working pressure.

- Choose any one of the section and ensure the equipment is covered, activate the sensors and

ensure the water is sprayed, choose another head for the next month.

3-Monthly tests

- Isolate the pumps, check and ensure all activating sensors are working by simulating a fire, smoke or heat.

- Choose at least one spray in each circuit / location and ensure the spray pattern is good and the system is in good working order.

6-Monthly tests

- Replace lubricant of the high pressure pump units.

- Ensure all pressure switches are cleaned and working fine.

Annual maintenance

- Review all weekly and monthly checks.

- All protected components are visually inspected for proper condition.

- Check for any changes that may affect the system such as obstruction by ventilation ducts, pipes, etc.,

- Check drive chains and flexible coupling.

- Check the breather cap filter.

- Inspect the water tank's condition and wash it.

- Check the operation of the water level switches.

- Test the pump unit alarms.

- Test the system batteries and chargers.

- Test all antifreeze systems for adequate freeze protection.

- Control and section valves to be inspected for proper function.

- A full flow test for all machinery spaces system, including dry Piping and nozzles.

- Check and clean the water filter(s).

- Check the pump unit main and redundancy starting methods.

- Check that required spare sprinklers are available according to regulations.

5-Yearly

- Sectional valves overhauled.

- Foundation rubbers are renewed.

10-Yearly maintenance

- Perform a hydrostatic test and internal examination for gas and water pressure cylinders according to flag Administration guidelines.

B. Smoke detection system

- Referenced in SOLAS II-2 / regulation 7 Detection and Alarm / paragraph 3.2

- The function of fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be periodically tested to the

satisfaction of the Administration by means of equipment producing hot air at the appropriate

temperature, or smoke or aerosol particles having the appropriate range of density or particle size, or other phenomena associated with incipient fires to which the detector is designed to respond.

- Test a sample of detectors and manual call points so that all devices have been tested within five years. For very large systems the sample size should be determined by the Administration

- Use the master list to determining how many devices are present in each loop test 20% of devices (detectors and manual call point) of each loop.

C. Quick closing valves

- The quick closing valves and their release mechanisms are added to the vessel's critical equipment list within the Safety Management System.

- An inspection and maintenance regime is included in the vessels planned maintenance system.

- Technical manuals, drawings and spare parts lists for the valves and system components are available on board.

- The valves, as far as is safe and practicable, are tested periodically to ensure they unction a intended with valves, or groups of valves, closing when activated remotely.

- Instructions and markings at remote release locations are easily understood and legible.

- Class is informed if a defect which cannot be easily rectified is found within the quick closing system which might affect the safety of the vessel.

Weekly Maintenance:

- Visually inspect all valves and ensure the valves are clear to operate, In case of spring loaded valves ensure the springs are loaded and ready to close, ensure the activating mechanism is clear.

- Ensure no leaks are observed from the sealing.

Monthly maintenance ;

- All QCV shall be tested from the remote location.

- Ensure all valves are satisfactorily closed without any additional support.

Yearly maintenance

- Ensure QCV glands are checked and replaced.

- Check the springs ensure no cracks or damages to the spring.

D. Fire hydrants and hoses.

- Referenced in IMO circular MSC.1/circ.1432,

- carried out in accordance with ship safety management plan.

Weekly testing and Inspections:

- Visual inspection of all fire hydrants and check if the hoses and nozzles are present in proper location and the tag is present.

- Check at least 2 hydrants charged and the nozzle sprayed.

Monthly testing and Inspections:

- Verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in servicable condition;

- Operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate pressure and flow. fuel 

- Emergency fire pump supply adequate, and heating system in satisfactory condition, if applicable.

- Exercise and grease the valves.

- An inspection tag shall be signed in each hydrant point and signed by the person in charge of

testing.

Quarterly testing and inspections

* Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles Verify international shore connection(s) is in serviceable condition.

Annual testing and Inspection

- Annual inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment.

- Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles.

- Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition.

- Flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity.

- Test emergency fire pump with isolation valves closed.

- Test all hydrant valves for proper operation.

- Pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure so that all fire hoses are tested within five years;

- Verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

- Examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; nozzle size/type correct, maintained and working.