Operation of the PECU will generate a large fume
EMERGENCY PIPE PATCHING
plume. In some situations, it may be necessary to
Learning Objective: Recall emergency pipe patching
provide respiratory protection or emergency
procedures.
ventilation to the operator, or even for the operator to
don an OBA. If an OBA is worn, it should be shielded
Damaged piping systems are another source of
from molten splatter. The equipment technical manual
flooding in compartments. The pipes may have small
contains specific directions for maintenance, stowage,
holes or cracks, or be totally severed. Normally, you
and cleaning of the PECU. These directions include the
will want to isolate the damage by securing the cutout
following:
valves on each side of the damaged section of piping.
Keep the oxygen feed system clean (free of oil,
However, whether the piping may be secured, and the
amount of time it can be secured, will depend on the
grease, and dirt).
service the system provides. A saltwater flushing line
Ensure the flash arrester is in place before use.
may stay secured until repairs can be made after vital
Ensure the collet nut and washer are in good
repairs have been completed. However, you will need
to make temporary repairs on some lines immediately
condition.
to put the system back into service. Firemain piping,
Remove the fuel rod before storing the PECU.
fuel oil lines, and chill water cooling lines to electronic
Never leave the torch unattended with the
spaces should be repaired as soon as possible.
oxygen feed system pressurized or the ignition
Small holes in some piping may be temporarily
system energized.
repaired if you drill the hole out, thread it, and then insert
Remove all slag, dirt, and debris from the
a machine screw. Other holes will require a different
means of patching. You may use a jubilee pipe patch, a
external surfaces before storing the PECU.
soft patch, or a metallic pipe patch. The materials for all
of these repairs are found in the pipe-patching kit.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Pipe-patching kits are available in the ship's repair
Q15.
Which of the following types of equipment
lockers. Each kit contains the following items:
are available on the ship in case a space is
A canvas bag approximately 30 inches deep and
inaccessible due to damaged doors, hatches,
12 inches in diameter
and/or scuttles?
Several small softwood plugs and wedges;
1.
Drills and circle saws
enough to plug 24 inches of split
2.
Reciprocating saws and sheet metal
Approximately 8 square feet of 1/8-inch rubber
shears
3.
Acytelene torches and hammers
gasket
4.
The Portable Hydraulic Access and
Approximately 8 square feet of canvas
Rescue System (PHARS) and the
One hundred and fifty feet of marlin
Portable Exothermic Cutting Unit
(PECU)
Three pounds of oakum or rags
Q16.
PHARS can be utilized in emergency access,
One hacksaw with a minimum of six spare
personnel rescue, or fire-fighting operations
involving spreading, cutting, pulling, and
blades
piercing light plate or sheet metal.
One hatchet or wood chisel
1.
True
One hammer; 2 pounds in weight
2.
False
A pair of scissors or a knife for cutting the
Q17.
The PECU utilizes expendable cutting rods,
materials
which operate on the exothermic torch
A banding kit
principle.
1.
True
Jubilee pipe patches; a minimum of five in
2.
False
various sizes
8-18
