FAQs
If you have any questions about our systems take a look at the frequently asked questions below. If you still can't find what you want to know then email us on webenquiries@martek-marine.com and we'll be delighted to answer your query.
Water Ingress Detection & Alarm System for Bulk Carriers > WIDS > Bulksafe > Martek Marine >
Q: What is the IP rating of the junction/termination boxes?V
IP66
Q: How long does it take to install and commission the system?V
Bulksafe (I) Bulk carriers average 16 point – 2 weeks installation and commissioning + 2 days travel 16 days total. Bulksafe (II) Single hold carriers 1 day installation and commissioning + 2 days travel 3 days total.
Q: Is the system intrinsically safe?V
The system operates in an intrinsically safe circuit through the supplied Zenner safety barriers.
Q: Can the sensors be cleaned?V
The MMS900 level switches are capable of being functionally tested and cleaned in-situ without having to enter the cargo hold by means of a water pipe connection, which also serves as a means of concurrently cleaning and back-flushing the filter element before loading.
Q: How often do you need to change the filter?V
We strongly recommend that the filters be cleaned thoroughly every 3 months and changed every 12 months.
Q: Can we run the sensor cables direct to the control panel?V
Bulksafe (I) Bulk carriers: Not Practical / Bulksafe (II) Single hold carriers: Yes
Q: Is the system Type Approved?V
The system is type approved by the following class societies: NKK/ABS/LR/DNV/BV/BV/RR/RINA & Indian register.
Q: Is your system ex-stock?V
Bulksafe (I) Bulk carriers – 1 week delivery from order / Bulksafe (II) Single hold carriers ex – stock.
Ballast Tank Gas Detection > Void Space Gas Detection > MM5001 Gas Sampling System > Martek Marine >
Q: How many sample lines are available per cabinet?V
In total 48 sampling locations can be sampled from one MM5001 Gas Monitoring & Alarm System.
Q: Can we analyse other gases?V
Gases such as Oxygen, Hydrogen Sulphide are stored within the pre set gas types tables.
Q: Is there an audible alarm?V
Audible alarms are announced by the panel mounted sounder.
Q: What is displayed on the touch screen panel?V
All information is displayed on the MM5001 touch screen HMI; the home page automatically updates to display the relevant data for the active sample location.
Q: Is it easy to set up the system?V
The menus pages within the MM5001 HMI have been designed for ease of use, and are arranged in an orderly fashion to allow configuration and operation of the system to be very user friendly.
Q: What happens when a tank is ballasted?V
If a tank is ballasted it is recommended to isolate affected locations to prevent water ingress into the system enclosure, there are two options available for ‘skipping’ channels, one is for indefinite skip, this option will isolate the sample location from the sampling sequence permanently, the other option is to skip the sample location out of the sampling sequence for a period of days, after the period of days has expired the sample line will automatically be reinstated into the sample sequence.
Q: What happens if a sample line gets blocked?V
The MM5001 is installed with a flow sensing device which will raise alarm conditions if flow fault conditions arise with certain sample lines. The flow fail sensor consists of a variable area flow meter and an inductive coil. The inductive coil is positioned to detect the position of the float within the flow meter, in the event that the flow rate through the system is reduced to the pre-set level of the inductive coil, the control barrier will detect the alarm condition and energise appropriate outputs.
An automated message will be displayed on the touch-screen human-machine interface (HMI) in the event that flow fault conditions arise prompting the user to input data relating to the affected location, the user will have the option of skipping the channel out for a number of days if the location is blocked for ballast or maintenance conditions.
Flow fail conditions are indicated by an audible alarm and a front panel flow fail LED.
Q: What diameter sample pipe do you recommend?V
The MM5001 sample tubing is recommended to have an external diameter of 8mm and an internal diameter of 6mm.
Q: What maintenance is required?V
The Maintenance procedures for the MM5001 are limited to routine flow and gas tests; it is advised that the flow rate within the system is monitored to ensure that a 2litre/minute flow is directed through the gas sensor. Gas calibration tests should also be routinely checked at a period of 1 test every 3 months. The pump diaphragms should be replaced at least every 12 months to ensure true suction.
The system should be fully calibrated every 12 months to ensure full operation of the system.
Q: How many fixed-point sensors can we connect?V
The MM5001 can monitor a total of sixteen 4-20mA sensor inputs, this means for systems configured for monitoring one type of gas for sampling locations, fifteen inputs can be utilised for external fixed point applications.
Q: How large is the cabinet?V
H 1000 x W 800 x D 400mm
Q: How do you prevent moisture getting in the lines?V
The MM5001 system is fitted with a coalescing filter to remove all moisture/condensation for the air samples; this also acts as a secondary shut off point for prevention of water ingress.
Q: What type of analyser do you use?V
The standard sensor used with in the MM5001is the MM5001 IR flammable Infra-red detector, IR detectors are recommended for use within sampling systems as they are lesser affected by temperature and pressure differentials that can affect catalytic sensors.
Q: Is it OK to sample from the top of the tank?V
It is recommended that sample lines within wet spaces are installed with snorkel valves 250mm below the deck, this is to allow for detection of the tanks for the greatest period of time when ballast routines are in operation.
Q: How do the snorkel valves work?V
The Snorkel Valve operates using a floating ball within the snorkel body, as the water levels increase the float will rise and seal the orifice of the sample line preventing water ingress into the system enclosure.