Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

Title:

Emergency Cutter

IBEEV

User Manual

Author: M Johnson

Approved: A Thomas

Issue: 3

Date: 17th October 2006

SCOPE

This manual provides detailed information required to operate and maintain the
Emergency Cutter system fitted to the IBEEV

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

Quick Reference

1.0 Introduction
 Basic description of system and equipment

2.0 System Operation – Pre-Operation Checks Initial Set Up

 Description of system checks and setup procedure required to bring the system to
a Standby condition

3.0 Activation of System under Emergency Condition

 Description of activation procedure under Emergency Conditions.

4.0 Isolation of system for Maintenance Operations

 Description of activities required to isolate system when required for system
maintenance.

5.0 System Operation – Scheduled Maintenance

 The system requires twice weekly activation to ensure all parts remain fully
functional at all times. This section describes how to undertake this requirement.

6.0 System Maintenance

 Maintenance Schedule
 Technical Data
 System Diagrams

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

Important !
Before operation all personal must be clear of all Emergency Cutters. Under no
circumstances must the system be operated while work is being undertaken on any part of
the Emergency Cutter System. Failure to observe this requirement could result in serious
personal injury.

The Emergency Cutter system fitted to the IBEEV is designed to cut all four mooring ropes
remotely without the need for personnel exit the vessel to the outside or be on deck. The
system is activated by a single remote control switch located in the forward wheel house.
Once activated the system will cut all 4 mooring ropes within 60 seconds permitting the vessel
leave its location unhampered.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Emergency Cutter system comprises of 4 individually powered cutter units
located on the deck at each 4 mooring points on the vessel.

1.2 There are four independent hydraulic power packs fitted. Two are located in the
forward store locker and the other two are located in the aft stern drive compartment.

The electrical supply to each hydraulic power pack is provided by an independent

control cabinet.

Hydraulic Power Pack

Control Unit

1.3 All 4 Emergency Cutters are energised by a single remote control switch located in the
forward wheel house.

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

1.4 Both the aft and forward hydraulic systems are linked between port and starboard so
that opposite Emergency Cutters can be operated by there opposing power packs
should an hydraulic power pack fail

2.0 System Operation – Pre-Operation Checks

Before operating the system the follow pre-operation checks must be completed

2.1 For each Emergency Cutter ensure that the blade is free to move and that the cavity
surrounding it is free of debris.

2.2 Ensure that the Cutter Bar is in place and that it is secured in position with a retaining
pin.

Retaining Pin
Cutter Bar

2.3 Ensure that all shut off valves (2off) supplying each system are in an open condition.

Shut Off Valve

Shut Off Valve

View shown in forward location

2.4 Ensure that the interconnecting shut off valve (1 forward and 1 aft) are in a closed
condition.

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

Location of Interconnecting
Shut Off Valve

View shown in aft location

2.5 Turn on the electrical supply to the units by turning the main power supply switch on
the front of the electrical control unit. 2 off in each compartment.

Main Power Supply Switch

View shown in forward location

The system is now ready and on Emergency Standby

3.0 Activation of System under Emergency Conditions

The following section describes the actions required to activate the system under an
emergency condition

3.1 The Emergency Cutter system is activated by depressing the remote Start Button
located in the forward wheel house. Push the Start Button in and hold for 2-3 seconds
before releasing. Once the system has been activated the rope will be cut within 60
seconds. Once the ropes have been cut the system will automatically de-activate and
re-set its self. Should the system require re-activation depress the Start Button again
once the system has re-set.

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

4.0 Isolation of system for Maintenance Operations

4.1 Isolate the electrical supply from each of the control system by turning the main switch
located on the front of the control cabinet to the off position.

Main Power Supply Switch

All four control system must be isolated individually before the system can be
considered safe.

5.0 System Operation – Scheduled Maintenance

Regular system activation is required to ensure that the system remains fully
operational at all times

5.1 Isolate the electrical supply as described in section 4.1

5.2 Remove the Cutter Bar from each Emergency Cutter body and set aside.

5.3 Remove the mooring rope from the Emergency Cutter body and place along side the
cutter body.

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

5.4 Repeat the above process on all four Emergency Cutters.

5.5 Turn on the electrical supply to each of the Emergency Cutter system by turning the
main switch located on the front of the control cabinet to the on position.

The system is now ready to be activated for a routine system test

5.6 To activate press the main activation switch located in the forward wheel house.
Following activation ensure each Emergency Cutter completes a full cycle and that the
hydraulic power supplies have deactivated following completion of the operation cycle.

If a hydraulic power supply fails to deactivate following activation, manually de-

activate by pressing the stop button located on the front of the appropriate control
cabinet. In this circumstance contact Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd for technical
support

Stop Button

5.7 Isolate the system as described in section 3.1

5.8 Once the Cutter Blades have fully retracted, replace the mooring rope in the
Emergency Cutter, replace the Cutter Bar and secure using the Retaining Pin.

5.9 Turn on the electrical supply to each of the Emergency Cutter system by turning the
main switch located on the front of the control cabinet to the on position.

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

6.0 System Maintenance

6.1 Maintenance Schedule Frequency

Twice a Week

12 Months

24 Months
28 Days
7 days
Item Details
Activate system through complete cycle ensuring cylinders reach
6.1.1 full pressure and operate through full stroke. See section 5 for
detailed instruction.

Record the date, time and ambient temperature for when the test
was undertaken. A blank record sheet is provided at the end of 
this manual to record this procedure.

Important. Failure to undertake this operation on a twice weekly

basis could invalidate the supplier’s warranty.

6.1.2 Important! Before commencing the following operation ensure the 

hydraulic system has been electrically isolated to ensure
accidental operation does not occur while handling the cutter
parts. Failure to follow this instruction could result in serious
injury. See section 4.1 for instruction on how isolate system

 Remove Cutter Bar and Blade from Cutter Body and check
cavity and slide for debris, ice and excessive water. Remove as
necessary and re-grease as required. Note: there should be a
10mm minimum layer of grease at the base of the cutter void to
protect against damage from ice expansion.
 Ensure Cutter Blade is free to within the slot.
 Check Cutter Blade for signs of wear, chipping and cracking.
Replace if faults are visible.
 Replace Cutter Blade and Cutter Bar and secure with Retaining
Pin.
 Repeat above process on all four Emergency Cutters

6.1.3
 Check all Hydraulic hoses and supply pipe work are free of
damage and corrosion.

 Check all fittings for signs of leaks. Retighten if necessary.
Consult supplier if in doubt.

6.1.4
 Check Hydraulic fluid is within specified parameters. Top up if
necessary. See section.. for further information

Important. Failure to undertake this operation on a monthly basis
could invalidate the supplier’s warranty.

6.1.5
 Dynamic Pressure Test. Contact system supplier for details.

Important. Failure to undertake this operation on an annual basis
could invalidate the supplier’s warranty.

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

6.1.6
 Obtain sample of system hydraulic fluid for analysis. Analysis
should conducted by an independent accredited oil laboratory.

Contact supplier for further details.

Important. Failure to undertake this operation on an annual basis

could invalidate the supplier’s warranty.

6.1.7
 Remove and replace all hydraulic fluid. Details of Hydraulic
Fluid and quantities can be found in Section 6.2

6.2 Technical Data

Hydraulic Fluid Capacity

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

6.3 System Diagrams

Wiring Diagram

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

Hydraulic System

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006
 Emergency Cutter – IBEEV – User Manual

Issue :I3 Date Issued : 17/10/06

Maintenance Schedule Record Sheet – Reference Section 6.1.1

Ambient Completed
Date Time Comment Sign
Temp Satisfactorily

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© Ocean Cable Technologies Ltd 2006