Bowthruster Tunnel and Support Tube

Corrosion
Inspection of a CP Tunnel thruster was carried out during a docking period due to slight
contamination of the gearbox oil by sea water. The intention was to inspect with the
head of oil still on the unit to see if it was possible to ascertain if this was due to blade
seal leakage, or if it was necessary to remove the output shaft assembly
It was noted that of 8 anodes fitted in this space, 7 had no remaining anodic
material. The final anode was severely depleted.

Anodes fitted to the output shaft flange were found absent

The ropeguard was damaged by corrosion and the effects of cavitation and turbulence

This excessive damage was attributed to lack of protection from the anodes
exacerbated by cavitation and localised turbulence
The Support tube was pitted to a depth of 20 mm on the blade facing face.

Again this is attributed to corrosion damage exacerbated by localised

turbulence.
This damage in particular was carefully examined to ensure that there were no structural
strength or stress raiser issues
The adjacent areas to the blades on the tunnel were pitted and evidence of
grooving either side of a circumferential weld.

Although this damage is typical of tunnel thrusters the degree in comparison

to age of the vessel and normal thrusters usage with regard to zero pitch operation was
deemed excessive

Repairs
The areas were grit blasted to allow further inspection. This revealed that there was
sufficient depth of material remaining to allow repairs to be carried out.
Shown is an area on the Tunnel adjacent to the blades after blasting and
part coated with repair product

The selected method was build up using a two compound Metallic polymer
product
supplied
by
Belzona
After further cleaning and friable material removal Belzona 1111 was applied to the
damaged support tube and tunnel areas. An overlap of around 50mm was given to
ensure
that
any
edge
lifting
would
not
affect
the
main
repair.
The initial application concentrated on ensuring full contact with the base material by
forcing small quantities of product into the pits removing any air bubbles. The main layer
was then built up on top of this.

After a suitable cure period the areas were overcoated with a smooth layer
to reduce turbulence and improve the longevity of the repair.

The product used was Belzona 1341 applied by use of a brush to provide a
very smooth tenacious outer layer which also provides extra protection against edge
lifting.
Cleaning of tools was made possible by use of a release agent Belzona 9111
Notes were made to specially inspect the damage at next docking. Were
edge lifting is evident it is possible to cut back the damaged areas and overlay again with
Belzona
1341.
The shaft seal landing face was machined to remove a grove formed by rub of the two
parts. The blade palms were inspected and no significant damage noted. All seals were
replaced and new anodes and ropeguard fitted.