Particle separation from seawater

Water lubricated bearings require a steady flow of water to act as cooling agent for the bearing material. Heat is generated in lubrication states where there is a degree of contact between shaft and bearing. This heat needs to be evacuated to avoid heat build-up above the bearing materials temperature limit

Open loop water lubricated propeller bearings use (sea)water as cooling medium. Depending on the location, the (sea)water will contain a varying number and sizes of solid particles. These particles can over time cause increased bearing and shaft wear, resulting in reduced bearing wear-life.

The solution is to filtrate the (sea)water before it is flushed into the stern tube and over the bearings. Filtrating the water flow by means of regular filter units will rapidly fill up the filter cartridges and is not a time and cost-effective method of removing particles in an open-loop system. To allow effective particle separation and continuous drain overboard, Norden Marine Bearings have developed a range of hydro cyclones fit for the purpose.

Norden Marine Bearings' Water Filtration Units include two hydro cyclones for continuous particle separation and drainage.

The hydro cyclone’s performance and efficiency have been thoroughly tested and verified under a range of operational conditions. The hydro cyclone removes sand and silt particles of sizes that can reduce the bearing wear-life and allow the bearings to be flushed with clean (sea)water.

Hydro cyclone test station with arrangement for simulating onboard operational conditions.

Collection baskets used for hydro cyclone classification.

The hydro cyclone’s design is made with emphasis on robustness and material selections to prevent all types of corrosion issues.
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A Norden Marine Bearings Hydro Cyclone will ensure a clean supply of water and last the vessels lifetime!