TPi January 2019

Products & developments

New water-lubricated sterntube solutions Launched at the SMM 2018 fair, SKF’s water-lubricated sterntube range includes Simplex BlueRun polymer bearing bushes, carrier bushes, a tail shaft monitoring system and a water quality system. Using water-lubrication, SKF’s complete package offering conforms to VGP 2013 and PolarCode regulations, enabling operators to sail in special protected areas and further promote their environmental credentials.

SKF’s new Simplex BlueRun sterntube bearing bushes – TPW (thermoplastic polyurethane for water lubrication) – are available in split and non-split versions. Both options can be used for fresh and seawater, as well as for open and closed water-lubricated sterntube systems. SKF also offers carrier bushes that are fixed to the sterntube, made of bronze. They contain the water-lubricated Simplex BlueRun sterntube bearing bush, following the “bush in bush principle”. The new Simplex BlueRun water quality system filters and treats seawater, then pumps it through the sterntube bushes for lubrication, cooling and flushing purposes. This avoids overheating, and any solids that might damage the system are safely removed. Designed to be used either on a stand- alone basis or as a fully integrated part of the ship’s control and monitoring system, the SKF solution can be operated in an unmanned engine room. The Simplex BlueRun tail shaft monitoring solution provides continuous and reliable information to enable the planned replacement of bearing bushes. Two identical eddy current sensors are installed in the bearing bush. The sensors, which are connected to an evaluation unit, contactlessly measure the position of the shaft. The measurement takes place with a non-rotating shaft, so that only the wall thickness of the shaft’s bearing bush determines its position. The optimum performance of the bearing is ensured until the specific wear limit is reached. The new range can be combined with SKF’s Simplex seal systems, including the Simplex lip-type seal, Simplan face-type seal and Carboplan Surface axial face-type seal. Michael Zollenkopf, technical director shaft components at SKF, commented, “With the introduction of SKF’s Simplex

Simplex BlueRun tail shaft monitoring

BlueRun water-lubricated sterntube systems, operators can choose another environmentally friendly Simplex solution. The new bearing bush material has been tested under real conditions for more than 11,000 hours. Thus, customers will get a reliable solution for all kinds of vessels, including ships operating in coastal or special protected areas such as cruise liners, ferries, offshore supply or container vessels, or fishing boats.” SKF – Sweden www.skf.com

Simplex BlueRun water-lubricated sterntube solution

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January 2019 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL