Learn about the principles and operations of pipes, fittings and valves used aboard ships from this free online course.

‘Introduction to Marine Auxiliary Machinery’ is a foundational course from Alison that focuses extensively on the onboard auxiliary machinery and equipment, from pumping systems to pipes, fittings and valves. The course introduces you to the various piping systems used in pipeline layouts with control valves. You will study the different pipes and valves necessary onboard and describe the pipes’ schematic layouts as part of the onboard auxiliary equipment. You can compare a ship to a power plant with a living quarter that requires an array of pipelines. An essential aspect of piping involves the circuitry and how the piping systems function, aided by various valve types. Cognisance of these functions is indispensable for a marine engineer. This course takes a deeper look into the various piping systems onboard and the materials used for making shipboard pipes and valves. Maintenance procedures, regulatory requirements involving shipboard pipelines, repair procedure types, shipboard valves and pipeline functions are all covered in this course. We will discuss materials used in piping systems and the compatibility of valves with fluids in a machine system in detail.

One of the most common pipelines found onboard a ship is the primary seawater circulating system. This course outlines the usual arrangement in seawater circulation for lubricating oil, jacket water, air coolers and other piping systems. Then it examines a phenomenon where a central cooling system that uses distilled and treated water for direct cooling is cooled by massive amounts of seawater. Discover how this is made possible by the seawater circulating pumps and the connected pipeline system. While the cooling fluid is abundant around the ship, seawater creates several problems, the most important being its adverse corrosive property. Find how the anodised pipelines and (sometimes even rubberised pipings) and sacrificial anodes on heat exchangers protect against such seawater lead corrosion. You will recognise the possible damages associated with seawater, repair strategies and the vulnerability of pipelines to be most prone to corrosion damage.

Finally, this course explains in detail the various types of pipes, fittings and valve measurements that are used onboard pipeline systems. It describes the function of valves in a ship and how the design of all types of check valves allows flow in one direction only. The importance of a valve’s function is emphasised along with the routine maintenance of the valve. You will learn about the hazards involved with the construction, operation and repair of the pipelines and the measures that you can take to prevent accidents. You will also learn how to avoid, identify and reduce potential hazards before each operation. The course discusses the various repair concepts, including the temporary and permanent repairs procedures for pipelines. Students, researchers, marine engineers and anyone seeking to learn about marine equipment and maintenance procedures will find this course engaging. Enrol today and build your knowledge of the principles of pioneering marine auxiliary equipment and the workings of the relevant systems.