Marine Auxiliary Machinery

Chapter 8 Lesson 2

Actuator Working Principles

By Professor Zhao Zai Li 05.2006

Learning objectives

The

working principles of the standard model of the rotary vane actuator The working principles of the RAM model actuator

Ram Actuator
Basically there are two types of electro hydraulic steering gear working principals: The ram (or cylinder) type and the rotary vane type.

Ram Actuator 1
The working principles of the two are very similar. A strong slow movement of a mechanical surface is created by the use of high oil pressure. Ram type uses cylinder pistons Rotary vane uses pressure working on the side of a vane (or wing)

Ram Actuator 2
On the ram type the piston is connected by a ram (or rod ) to a tiller, and the tiller is fixed connected to the rudder stock, creating the rotating movement. On the rotary vane the vane is fixed to a boss (hub) that is fixed directly to the stock.

Ram Actuator 3
The principles as described for the Porsgrunn rotary vane steering gear can easily bi transformed to the ram type. Typical for ram type steering gears is that they work with a much higher hydraulic pressure, they need an external rudder stock bearing and the working angle is limited, compared with the rotary vane steering gear.

Standard Model
The standard model is used on:

All vessels except tankers with single rudder installation above 100,000DWT Safety against single failure on the hydraulic system, according to SOLAS rules.

Safety:

Working principle of the standard model 1

We will now show you a schematic drawing of the steering gear. The model shows a normal operation situation, with one pump running. Using both pumps will double the speed of the rudder.

Working principle of the standard model 2

Assessment Test
Question 1 of 5 When shall both power units be in use?

A) All the time B) When navigation demand special caution C) When the ship is less than four nautical miles from shore D) I dont know

Assessment Test

Question 2 of 5 What is the limit in size for tankers to use only one standard steering gear?
A) 10,000GT (gross tonnage) B) 100,000DWT(deadweight tons) C) 100,000NT (net tonnage) D) I dont know

Assessment Test

Question 3 of 5 What is the purpose of the safety valve?.

A) To protect against leakage between the pressure chambers B) To protect the actuator against too high oil pressure. C) To protect the vanes from breaking D) I dont know

Assessment Test

Question 4 of 5 One of the statements below is not correct, which one?

A) Both rotary vane and ram steering gears are of electro hydraulic type. B) The ram type must have a separate external rudder stock upper bearing. This is not necessary for a rotary vane type C) The ram type steering gears generally work with a lower oil pressure than a rotary vane D)I dont know

Assessment Test
Question 5 of 5 How is the movement of the actuator created?

A) By starting the motors on both power units B) By actuating the direction valve and the safety C) Start at least one power unit and actuate the direction valve D) I dont know