While a ship sails, it can confront many types of problems. Generally, most of the challenges that a ship faces are due to the weather conditions and the route that it is travelling through. Heavy weather and lightning are two major problems that every ship has to protect itself from. Failing to protect implies exposing the ship, passengers and goods to many risks that such situations can trigger. Therefore, it is important to gain insight into how vessels are protected against such situations, and more so when you are thinking to buy a cruise vessel for sale. To help you to understand the same, we have shared information about ship earthing systems and installations that protect ships from lighting in this blog.
Air Terminal
At the ship’s mast, the air terminal is a rising element along with electrodes. This element helps to gather the lightning, then diverts it to an are a for grounding in the electrodes. Power of voltage of these air terminals rises until 500-750kV in modern systems. The body of the air terminal is made up of steel and on the inside, it consists of multiple resistors that help to decrease the intensity. Further, the outer shield includes a rod of fiber glass for protecting the internal elements. Secured with rubber clamp and U-bolts, these are attached to the base of the mast.
The terminal stays connected to the cable that helps to carry the lightning, and thereafter, disposes safely in the water. Important parts of the unit are many.
- U-clamps
- The termination units both upper and lower
- Fiber glass rod
- Bonding conductor
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Surge Suppression Devices
Generally, what happens is that, when vessels are anchored near a shore, they are vulnerable to voltage surges when there is a thunderstorm. In case, lightning hits the utility pole the current travels down to reach the ground via the electricity cable. This current has chances to enter the vessel through the shore power line or else can pass through the water.
The surge protection unit is a self-sacrificial device that contains fuses and breakers, plus the connection to the surge box. These comprise single plus 3-phase kits in various ratings for electricity supply protection. These devices direct the voltage to the ground. Also, they decrease the voltage spikes, however, the additional current can still be potent enough to damage the electronics. This is why ‘cascaded’ surge protection fitted with multiple surge protection devices in line with important equipment is considered a good idea.
Bonding Cable
The shielding or the bonding cable acts as a connector between the air terminal and the immersing clamp that operates as ground screws. The high voltage cable is built of multiple layers of sheathing and a rating that higher than the air terminal by 1.25 times. This ensures any transient surges are safely handled and dissipated in the water and prevent internal side strikes.
Earth Discharge and Bonding
The earthing arrangements and bonding vary according to the vessel’s nature and size. For instance, the bonding screw of an oil carrying vessel differs completely from a large carrier vessel. Similarly, a simple bronze or silicon electrode screw can help in higher reduction compared to that of other designs.
The bonding connections serve as the final contact point for lightning where it dissipates in the water. Therefore, the passage via which the electricity pass finally gets destroyed with the help of grounding in the sea.
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Conclusion
When lightning strikes a vessel, anything can happen from short circuits and other hazardous consequences that can even take the lives of passengers. Therefore, a vessel must be protected from the impact of a direct lightning strike, arc flashes on the system, surge protection, flashing protection and other protections. And, this protection can be ensured with the help of the above-mentioned technologies. So, if you are planning to invest in a cruise vessel for sale, then it will be best for you if you consult with experienced ship brokers.
