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Machinable composite protects onboard

A Trelleborg Sealing Solutions - Orkot product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 3, 2003

When the failure rate of the shaft line rope guards protecting external shaft bearings on Royal Navy vessels was running at an unacceptable rate, BMT Defence Services was asked to find a solution.

When the failure rate of the shaft line rope guards protecting external shaft bearings on Royal Navy vessels was running at an unacceptably high rate, BMT Defence Services was asked to find a solution, and a composite material from Orkot helped solve the problem.

Investigations concluded that the failures were due to a combination of the punishing operating environment, the inadequacy of the fastenings and the unsuitability of the thin section GRP that the rope guards were made, which was delaminating at sea.

In designing a solution to the problem and the increased risk of bearing failure, which frequently required docking for repairs, BMT Defence Services assessed a wide range of materials and selected Orkot machinable composite.

The fastening problems were solved by changing the axis on which the rope guards were secured and using larger fastenings manufactured from the new material, which was more compatible with the operating environment.

Initial testing on a Type 22 frigate showed a significant increase in reliability.

The new design improved confidence in the rope guard performance and offered the Royal Navy a significant reduction in through-life cost and support.

It was approved for installation on all RN frigates, and BMT has so far supplied been fitted to 12 ships sets out of a possible 31.

The Royal Navy is, in fact, so pleased with the product that it has been selected as the preferred fit for the new Type 45 destroyer.

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