Big Bucks in Cool Engine Rooms

The 26.5m, 90gt 87CPBs, 65 of which are in service along the US coastline, are responsible for homeland security, drug interdiction and rescue operations.

They are powered by twin 1,500 hp MTU engines, each with twin electronic turbochargers.

‘Today’s high tech, turbocharged engines can’t use natural ventilation any more, said Allen Harker, contracting officer for the 87CPB project. ‘If you don’t give them enough air, it has a devastating effect.’

Delta “T” Systems has provided complete ventilation systems for this fleet, comprised of 61cm intake and 48cm exhaust axial fans, moisture eliminators and the P/T4 control system. Studies conducted by the USCG determined that this system can save £5m in fuel and engine overhaul costs over the anticipated 25 to 30 year life cycle of each 87CPB in the fleet.

Moisture eliminators installed in the craft eliminate damaging water and salt spray entering he engine room. Dry air easily passes through the product’s vertical channels but water droplets are trapped and drained away, preventing corrosion and engine wear.

Intake axial fans were further modified by Delta “T” Systems with a turning vane and diverters to direct cool air where it is needed. This reduced the port engine’s temperature by 15(DEGREES), creating greater fuel efficiency.

The P/T4 control system automatically senses and controls the temperature and pressure in the engine room by adjusting intake and exhaust fans according to conditions. It can be preset to maintain a specific temperature and pressure or can be manually operated for situations such as routine maintenance. A colour touch screen with built-in help screens makes it easy to operate.