channel thruster

channel thruster


OMEGA CHANNEL THRUSTER

 

Basic principle of the channel thruster

The basic principle of the Verhaar Omega channel thruster is actually quite simple but very effective. With the help of a horizontal propeller water is sucked up from underneath the ship.

Once inside the thruster unit, the volume of water is deflected and guided to the channels via a so-called steering drum, which sets the thrust direction. As the drum can be adjusted over 360 degrees in either direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise), thrust force and thrust direction can be quickly and accurately controlled.

 

Channel thrusters can be supplied with 2, 3 or 4 channels.

The advantage of having a third and fourth channel is that they can be used for emergency propulsion or for slowing down (emergency brake). Moreover, with a fourth channel the thrust direction can be set stepless in any position, turning your thruster unit into a 360-degree steerable azimuthing thruster. Verhaar Omega channel thrusters are available in power ratings from 100 to 1500kW and can be driven electrically, hydraulically or by means of a diesel engine.

Unique green design A Verhaar Omega channel thruster has two separate drive units, driving the propeller shaft and steering drum respectively. This unique design eliminates any possible risk of oil or grease spills. Even in the unlikely event of leakage there is no chance of oil reaching the water surface, nor water getting into the thruster gearbox.

 

Applications of the channel thruster

  • River, sea and short sea cargo ships
  • River cruise vessels
  • Double ended ferries
  • Dredgers, barges and pontoons
  • Landing craft

 

Features & strengths of the channel thruster

  • Maximum performance at minimum draft (no less than 11kg/kW)
  • Keeps on generating thrust when sailing (even when sailing ahead at full speed)
  • Eco-friendly (no risk of oil and grease spills)
  • Maintenance friendly (no risk of water ingress, minimum downtime)
  • No protruding parts underneath vessel (no risk of damage to vulnerable parts)
  • Rigid and solid construction (reducing vibration and noise)
  • Optimum design of propeller (low cavitation volume, maximum thrust, low noise)
  • Propeller turns in one direction (no reverse gear required)
  • Quick changeover of thrust direction at maximum propeller speed
    (± 6 sec. from SB to PS)
  • Forced lubrication and filtering of gearbox oil (no oil header tank required) 

 

Drives & controls Depending on your individual needs and preferences, Verhaar Omega offers a complete range of drives, controls and accessories.

  • Electric or hydraulic motors
  • Diesel engines and clutches
  • Frequency converters
  • Motor starters and control cabinets
  • Bridge, wing and local control panels
  • PLC interfacing to ship’s monitoring and control system (PMS, VDR, DP)

 

 

 

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