Troubleshooter
Hydraulic valve
Nowadays I revise my old service reports and I remember my experiences on board commercial and offshore vessels as hydraulic troubleshooter.
One job that I want to mention is a commissioning job, an interesting one from which I learn new ways of troubleshooting and worked with a new equipment gives a high level of expertise
Commissioning of Mooring Doors
From the beginning was installation issues. First, replaced several 24V DC coils with 220V DC coils and installed new electric connectors – with built-in rectifiers. Second, removed restrictors from bore side port and fit into the rod side port, for all door actuator cylinders.
Before the system is commissioned following procedures requirements
Set maximum system pressure to 160 Bar as per equipment instruction. Equipment comprise also a cleats circuit in order to achieve correct locking and unlocking sequence of the mooring. Adjusted hydraulic valve the counterbalance in the cleating circuit. Adjusted position of magnetic limit switches for cleats and door.
Start checking doors function
Started the system and checked the operation of the mooring doors. I found that the doors are moving in one direction.
I struggled to find the problem. At first I checked the hydraulic system and adjusted the hydraulic valves. I adjusted and readjusted the valves with the same result. The doors didn’t close.
Next phase, I checked the electrical system. And after verified the wires one by one, finally I got it. Found wires are connected wrong and cable markings are wrong also. Rectified the wiring and check the operation. Found satisfactory.
Checked the indications lamp in the electrical panel and found ok.
- Awareness that commissioning jobs can be tricky and be prepared;
- Expose to work with more type of equipment gives a high level of expertise;
- Check and eliminate the easy things first;
- When a machine malfunctions the primary objective is to be able to identify which of its functions is no longer works. Then will be evident which component is faulty.
