Gains for self contained winches

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A stand alone hydraulic anchor and mooring winch system that benefits from plug-and-play installation is gaining ground, according to Jens Meldal of TTS.

There are no hydraulic pipes running across the deck risking oil leakage, the switch cabinet is completely enclosed, and the hydraulic section of the system is better protected

Helped by the rising popularity of electric power units this self contained high pressure electro-hydraulic system “offers hydraulic operation with only interface needed being an electric cable instead of hydraulic pipes coming from a central power pack below deck”, Mr Meldal explains.

He adds that low pressure hydraulic winch systems tend to require extensive maintenance. “This is particularly true of the big hydraulic pipes on deck where the risk of flange leakage and consequent oil spillage onto the deck is a problem, especially given today's green ship efforts.”

As an answer, the TTS self contained anchor and mooring winch combination (CEH) offers individual, independently operated winches with each winch incorporating it's own integrated power pack.

This CEH winch system, which is offered with pull capacities rated between 20 and 60 tonnes, benefit from a number of positives. There are no hydraulic pipes running across the deck risking oil leakage, the switch cabinet is completely enclosed, and the hydraulic section of the system is better protected against impact.

Amongst the options for this enclosed system is an optional redundant drive. Mostly for anchor winch application, this gives the owner confidence that in the unlikely event of a hydraulic drive malfunction, the homing of the anchor will be taken up by this second drive within 20 seconds. A further option is a disc brake for anchor lowering. The cooling method used for this disc brake is very much in the arena of intellectual property for TTS but it is central to the operation “as the friction temperatures can soar very quickly on a brake like this”, explains Mr Meldal.

These CEH units can also benefit from TTS’ self-aligned foundation. This means the winch keeps a pre-aligned distance between gearbox and pedestal bearing. A simple idea, but effective, easing installation in the shipyard and helping the operator maintain a clean deck below the winches.