Alarm Monitoring System | Electropneumatic S.A.
Alarm Monitoring System | Architecture
System Overview
The Electropneumatic’s Professional Alarm & Monitoring System (AMS) is a trustworthy Marine Technology, developed to continuously monitor, supervise and display the operational parameters and alarms of the vessel’s main and auxiliary systems. It is a Programmable Electronic System (PES)/Computer-Based System (CBS), which presents the real-time operational status of the connected units-systems such as Propulsion Diesel Engines, Diesel Generators, Steering Gear System, Fuel or Cargo Tank Level System, etc. (System Categories I, II or III, as they are defined in IACS E22. Rev. 3). The system is designed and constructed to meet the applicable Rules of the major Maritime Classification Societies.
System Lay Out
The Electropneumatic’s Professional Alarm & Monitoring System (AMS) is built-up with the following main units:
- Main Processing Units
- Signal Acquisition Units (SAU)
- ECR HMI Panels / Bridge HMI Panel / Local HMI Panels
All the above units are build-up with state-of-the-art and asbestos‐free components (CPU’s, I/O Modules, HMI, etc.), which are constructed by well-known manufacturers, as well as they are suitable for the intended use and furnished with Marine Certificates (DNV-GL, Lloyds Register, ABS, etc.) and they shall be in the market for the next years.
Typical system arrangement is illustrated here below. Final configuration based on customer requirements.
Alarm Monitoring System | System Key Features
Visual Alarms: A flashing signal when first activated and change to a steady display upon acknowledgment. The steady display remains activated until the fault condition is rectified.
Audible Alarms: Sufficient loudness to attract the attention of duty personnel.
Independence of Visual and Audible Alarm Circuits: A fault in the visual alarm circuits does not affect the operation of the audible alarm.
System Security: Security arrangements are provided to prevent unintentional or unauthorized access to functions or alteration of configuration, programs or data by unauthorized personnel.
Start-up after Power Failure: The system’s software and hardware are designed so that upon restoration of power supply after power failure, automatic or remote monitoring capabilities can immediately be available after the pre-established computer control access (sign-in) procedure has been completed.
Program and Memory Data: To preclude the possible loss of data as a result of power disruption, programs and associated memory data considered to be essential for the operation of the system, are stored in non-volatile or volatile memory with a secure uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Acknowledgment of Alarms: Acknowledgement is from the local controls or the centralized control position station, whilst the silencing of the alarm at an associated remote-control station does not automatically mute and steady, or acknowledge, the same alarm signals at the centralized control station. Newly activated alarms are acknowledged manually by muting the audible signal and change the flashing visual display to steady display. Other alarm conditions, occurring during an alarm acknowledgment, are also alarmed and displayed. A latter alarm is not suppressed by the acknowledgment of a former alarm.
Alarms History: The function of alarm history allows the operator to view the alarms that occurred in the past for each monitoring subsystem. The database stores all alarms with date and time of intervention, acquisition and reset by operator.
User-friendly: The operational parameters – status and alarms of each connected system to the AMS, are presented to the touchscreen panel in multiple selectable screens. All available information is given in a user-friendly way and is presented either in written form or in graphics (mimics).
Power Supply: The power supply is monitored for voltage failure and protected for short circuit.
Easily expandable: The system is easily expandable when needed via added modular units.
Self-Monitoring: The system includes a self-monitoring function, and any incorrect operation, abnormal condition or a fault (power failure or sensor failure) is detected and alarmed at the touchscreen stations. The system does not react to normal transient conditions or spurious signals.
Capable of connecting to the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR).
Environmental conditions: The components of the Alarm & Monitoring System (AMS) are suitable for the intended use and can withstand the marine and electromagnetic environment without any deterioration. The processing hardware (CPU, microprocessor, etc.) designed to operate satisfactorily at an ambient temperature of 55°C preferably without forced ventilation. Where forced ventilation is necessary there is provision for an alarm warning of high temperature in the processing hardware.
Easy installation-Maintenance.
