The grab does not open. Actions of an ETO on a ship. Specifics of working with GBM, TOBU, SMAG grabs

Greetings! In the previous article on cargo cranes, we considered general issues of crane operation and repair for a ship's electrician. The topic of grabs was also touched upon with a link to a separate article.

Therefore, in this article we will "deal" with grabs and their frequent breakdowns. First, let's consider grabs with radio control. These grabs open from a remote control, which is operated by the crane operator or a worker on deck.

This article has been hanging in my drafts for about three years, I just couldn't finish it. I gathered my strength and actually ask you to read it. Especially relevant for beginners!

Work of an ETO on ships with cranes. What most often breaks on cargo cranes?

Greetings! In this article, we will look at general issues related to the work of an ETO on ships with cranes.

Recently, the number of ships with cargo cranes in the world merchant fleet has been increasing, so this article will be of interest primarily to ETOs who are just starting to work on such vessels.

A cargo ship performs, among other things, two important tasks - unloading, loading and transporting cargo. All these tasks involve an ETO, who is assigned more of a repair role than an operation one.

Temperature controller. Replacing and adjusting the temperature controller on a cargo crane

Greetings! In this article we will change the temperature controller of a cargo crane. It has failed and for this reason the crane hydraulic protection system based on oil temperature does not work.

The temperature controller (PID controller) on the crane, together with the PT100 RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) sensor, are key elements in protecting the crane hydraulics from oil overheating. 

The crane jib is luffing down under its own weight. Troubleshooting

Greetings! Another problem occurred on the cargo crane; its jib is slowly going down without affecting the manipulator (joystick). More precisely, the crane boom is lowered down and stopped, but by inertia it continues to go down without operator action under its own weight.

This problem can lead to significant damage and therefore requires immediate elimination. In the previous article, we looked at a situation where the crane hook was slow to move (abnormal speed of the crane) when operating on the corresponding joystick. 

The cargo crane does not slew. Troubleshooting

Greetings! Today we have a problem with the cargo crane, it won’t slew. In this case, there are no signals or alarms, the crane starts up, executes the commands “jib up, hook up” and “jib down, hook down,” but does not slew in any direction.

According to the instructions for the crane, you need to check the following circuit: Joystick - PLC - relay - Proportional Driver Unit - Proportional Valve.

Let's check the entire electrical circuit and figure out the reason for the improper operation of the cargo crane.

The crane hook goes up slowly. The cargo crane is not working. Troubleshooting

Greetings! The hook of the cargo crane goes up very slowly. There is no accompanying information or prompts from the automation.

In this article, let's figure out what this problem is and how to fix it. First of all, you need to understand that we are only interested in the section of the circuit that is responsible for the “hoist up” hook command (not the jib). 

PLC failure. The cargo crane does not start. Troubleshooting

In previous articles we looked at various problems with cargo cranes, this time a PLC failure error occurred and cargo crane does not start.

What to do in such situation and how to restore the operation of the cargo crane will be discussed in this article.

Motor Fault on the crane. Troubleshooting

Greetings! Today we got a "Motor Fault" error on the cargo crane and the crane doesn't want to start. In the article we will consider the main actions of ETO when searching for and eliminating this malfunction.

Motor Fault on the Crane

The problem is quite large-scale and it can be anything related primarily to electric drives of both the main and auxiliary mechanisms of the crane. There was also a short-term accompanying signal in the ECR on AMS "low insulation 440V", which further narrowed the circle of my search.

Problems with cargo cranes. Some problems with cargo cranes that occur on the ship

Cargo cranes on ships are vital for the efficient loading and unloading of cargo. However, they can encounter various issues that impact their functionality and safety. Some problems with DMC cargo cranes that occured on the ship.

Deck crane hoisting limit switches

While checking hoisting limit switches, due to incorrect setting of the hoisting limit switch on deck crane no. 1, noticed that the system differs from the ones on other sister ships. Hoisting up limit switch is no longer activated by means of a small weight that slacks the chain when the hook touches it, thus activating the micro switch, as on the previous sister ships; instead it has been put on the cam limit switch together with lowering limit. This means that the hoisting up limit is no longer fixed, to hook being about 2 meters below the boom head regardless to the boom angle; but that it is activated when the exact amount of wire rope is wound up on the drum. 

Loading cargo. Before loading a ship a cargo plan must be drawn up

Before loading a ship a cargo plan must be drawn up. This document is usually drawn up at the Chief Controller's office since this office directs cargo work in the sea-port. While abroad the Agent and the Master draw up a cargo plan. When the plan is ready the stevedore may begin loading. 

Firstly, he secures the necessary number of gangs, secondly he supplies the tackles which the dockers need in their work and at last the stevedore supervises the correct tonnage allotment for the holds. He checks up if cargoes are stowed and trimmed properly. Even stowage of cargoes secures a reliable stability of the ship loaded.