Gearboxes galore at SMM
ZF Marine presence at SMM 2008 will see the company display a variety of transmissions, controllable pitch propellers and electronic controls on their stand in Hall A3 (stand no. A3.300). Outside, between halls A3 and A4, a propulsion shaft-line with ZF W43100 gearbox and CPP will be shown.
The new transmission ZF W17000, available in reduction (NR) or reverse-reduction versions, is designed for continuous duty, commercial application with engine powers up to 3,000 kW (4,000 hp) at 1,200 rpm and a ratio range from approximately 2.0 to 4.5. Several PTOs and PTIs are available as well as a ‘get home’ device and either manual or automatic trolling for slow-speed operation.
Another new transmission, the ZF 9050, represents ZF Marine’s 9000 series which is available in many different configurations; parallel offset (vertical and horizontal), down-angle and vee-drive. This gearbox range is suitable for installation in all types of fast vessels and workboats powered by engines up to 3,700 kW (5,000 hp) at 2,100 rpm.
The ratio range starts at approx. 1.5 and the deepest ratio model goes up to approximately 5.2. Depending on the application, these gearboxes are available with light alloy or cast iron housings and various accessories are offered, including PTOs, trolling valves and trailing pumps.
Transmissions of the ZF 9350 NCB variant of the new 9000 series will be used on two new pilot station vessels being built by Abeking & Rasmussen for operation in the North Sea by Bundesanstalt fur Wasserbau.
The 55m LOA Small Waterplane Area twin Hull (SWATH) vessels will serve as base ships for pilots boarding 25m pilot boats at the mouths of the rivers Elbe and Weser.
The newbuilds will have diesel electric propulsion systems whereby four gensets supply power to twin 1,200 kW motors running at 1,200 rpm and driving fixed pitch propellers via reduction transmissions. This propulsion system permits the electric motors to be positioned low down in each of the narrow hulls, allowing ample space for maintenance.
The special model ZF 9350 NCB transmission has the input shaft vertically offset below the output shaft, without a disengaging clutch. ZF marine engineers were tasked with incorporating an integrated propeller shaft brake as well as special hard elastic mountings.
The configuration, with input below output, required various changes to the monitoring, lubrication and hydraulic systems, with an electrically driven oil pump installed beneath the transmission.
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