By machining a network right into the leading side of the prop blades, Kongsberg’s Blade Air Emissions principle considerably decreases cavitation-induced sound as well as disintegration threat
Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime has actually adjusted a prop principle utilized in marine applications to reduced vessel audio trademark as well as is supplying it to industrial delivery clients to minimize the result of undersea radiated sound on aquatic life.
By machining a network right into the leading side of the prop blades, Kongsberg’s Blade Air Emissions principle considerably decreases cavitation-induced sound as well as disintegration threat.
The principle applies to both dealt with pitch as well as controlled pitch props It utilizes the outcomes of considerable study by the Kongsberg Hydrodynamic Research Center (KHRC) in Kristinehamn, Sweden, to provide a much more quiet prop to the industrial aquatic market.
“Propellers optimized with the Blade Air Emission system have for some time been used on naval vessels to reduce and distort vessel signature,” claims Robert Gustafsson, Senior Hydrodynamicist, KHRC “Following the success of the system we can now roll out the concept to the wider shipping industry as a way to reduce propeller noise and erosion risk.”
Propellers approve cavitation to enhance vessel efficiency as well as performance, however, claims Kongsberg Maritime, by meticulously stabilizing the quantity of air distributed around the blades, Kongsberg Maritime can enhance the adverse results of cavitation without negatively impacting ship performance.
According to Gustafsson there is a balance. “With too much air, the underwater radiated noise increases, and propeller efficiency reduces. There is a sweet spot. We can optimize the propeller using this concept to achieve the optimum noise reduction without affecting propulsion performance.”
Göran Grunditz, Manager, KHRC, claimed: “We see massive advantages in the industrial globe for the Blade Air Emission modern technology. While there are monetary benefits in decreasing the expense of fixing or changing prop blades harmed by cavitation disintegration, the principle lessens considerably the undersea radiated sound from a ship’s prop, which in many cases can be 180dB.
“This is a major environmental problem and is already being considered at a regulatory level. It affects the migratory, reproduction and feeding patterns of marine life, such as dolphins, whales and other species. It also causes high levels of stress for marine life.”
“We are offering the industry a more silent propeller for the benefit of the environment and the ship operator. It’s a real game-change in propeller design.”
