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Hydraulic Propeller Repair Underwater
01 Jan 2002
UK based Stone Manganese Marine Shipcare Ltd has teamed with Belgian underwater contractors Hydrex to develop a new propeller straightening service.
Technically called 'the cold straightening of bent propeller blade tips afloat during commercial operations', the procedures and operations currently being tested allow propellers to be restored to their former optimum condition or to a condition not affecting propeller efficiency whilst minimising cavitation effect.
The procedure enables blade bends to be hydraulically straightened underwater without the need for major cropping and, in many cases, can be considered as a permanent repair.
Formerly, it was always necessary to crop part of the damaged blade and the opposite blade (to maintain propeller hydrodynamic balance) resulting in additional permanent repair costs and loss of power and efficiency corresponding to the extent of the damage.
Provided alongside or at anchor, the new service will enable the vessel to continue its schedule virtually uninterrupted.
An SMMS service engineer joins the Hydrex dive team to supply on the spot technical advice and support.
MJ Information No: 16624
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