Tech Support

 

Hypro Marine - Electro/Hydraulic Steering Systems - Fly-by-wire    

Question:  

It look very simple from the electronic schematic but how it gain the hydraulic power if it did not run a pipe from the engine PTO to power the steering, do you included the helm pump too? Please send me more detail and a question is the system can be disengage from the engine ?
 
Answer: 

The ECS (Electronic Command Steering) system motor is a DC powered and it only runs when the wheel turns. Therefore, there is no connection to the engine

The only hydraulic pipes are connected between the power pack and the steering cylinder ( i.e. the pipes are very short), and there is very little oil required in the system.

 

 

Note:


* The system can be equipped with main pump, back up pump, and autopilot pump.
* The benefit of Hypro system is the reservoir assembly kit is including filter, cooler, manifold and autopilot solenoid control valve, easy installation, plug and use.
* Systems are multi-station capable and because they operate with a pre-charge pressure, the helm pumps are all fully sealed, not vented
* Systems offer nominally 3 turns lock to lock highly responsive fingertip effort steering with a 2.0 cu.in (33cc) helm which automatically revert to manual wheel steering if there is loss of power to the pump.


Benefits:

  1. One station harness break, you still have second station.
  2. Both harness break, then you can operate via Autopilot
  3. All these three harness break, then you can switch the valve to manual in power pack, and manual switch the rudder from lazaratte.
  4. you can install back up harness  run a spare harness on both stations. If one breaks, unplug the bad harness, and plug the spare harness.
  5. Or the other way is to install a joystick and rudder indicator gauge as back up system. in case of the pump failed, you can switch the wheel to joystick and control the rudder by left or right from back up pump.

 

 

The big advantage over hydraulic is that if you damage only one hose out of the three that run to each helm pump on a hydraulic system then you lose all steering at all stations whereas  damaging one harness to one helm does not affect the other.

 

Fire Suppression System for Australia Surveyor Vessel (Class Vessel Rule) 

 

Based on Australian Transport Council - National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part C Design and Construction Section 4 Fire Safety - Chapter 4.9 & 4.9.8 -

 

  1. Survey vessels in Australia must be Manual Operated Only  - "NO" automatic operation permissible.
  2. Each Machinery Space must be provided with a Fire Detection System acceptable to the relevant authorities.
  3. Manual Release Evacuation Alarm needs to activate prior to discharge, this is generally done by enclosing the release into a Stainless Steel Cover with Magnetic Reed switch or door switch for cylinder room etc.
  4. Audible Visual Alarm Units required within the Machinery Space for Fire & Extinguishant Release.
  5. Commissioning certificate is required to be completed by authorized person with local qualifications to sign the system as complying.
  6. Portable Fire Extinguishers must have Australian Approvals and be sized to suit relevant authorities.
  7. Automatic Engine Shutdown or Over-Ride Systems are not allowed and must NOT be installed.
  8. Manual Release Cable must be protected from damage from Fire etc, This needs to be enclosed into Fire Sleeve or other Fire rated protection.
  9. Vessels under 25 meters 82' can have the Cylinders located within the Machinery Space all vessels over this size require the cylinders to be located out of the Machinery Space and preferably in a cylinder storage room vented and drained overboard.
  10. Dispensation may be sought for the requirement for the cylinders to be located external of the risk on larger vessels. However this is generally only given to existing vessels, Not vessels under construction and is subject to the surveyor or relevant authorities.
  11. Machinery Spaces are to be Fire rated to the relevant standard if the Machinery Space is located under a superstructure or adjacent to cabins etc.

 

Note: If the engine room is not fire rated to Australia Survey Standards, then a complete detection system will be required, if the engine