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Telemotor Control for Ships Steering Gear

The steering gear provides a movement of the rudder in response to a signal from the bridge. The total system may be considered made up of three parts, control equipment, a power unit and a transmission to the rudder stock. The control equipment conveys a signal of desired rudder angle from the bridge and activates the power unit and transmission system until the desired angle is reached.

The power unit provides the force, when required and with immediate effect, to move the rudder to the desired angle. The transmission system, the steering gear, is the means by which the movement of the rudder is accomplished.

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Telemotor control
Telemotor control is a hydraulic control system employing a transmitter, a receiver, pipes and a charging unit. The transmitter, which is built into the steering wheel console, is located on the bridge and the receiver is mounted on the steering gear. The charging unit is located near to the receiver and the system is charged with a non-freezing fluid.

The telemotor system is shown in Figure below. Two rams are present in the transmitter which move in opposite directions as the steering wheel is turned. The fluid is therefore pumped down one pipe line and drawn in from the other. The pumped fluid passes through piping to the receiver and forces the telemotor cylinder unit to move. The suction of fluid from the opposite cylinder enables this movement to take place.

The cylinder unit has a control spindle connected to it by a pin. This control spindle operates the slipper ring or swash plate of the variable delivery pump. If the changeover pin is removed from the cylinder unit and inserted in the local handwheel drive then manual control of the steering gear is possible. Stops are fitted on the receiver to limit movement to the maximum rudder angle required. The charging unit consists of a tank, a pump, and shut-off cocks for each and is fitted in the main piping between the transmitter and receiver.

In the transmitter a replenishing tank surrounds the rams, ensuring that air cannot enter the system. A bypass between the two cylinders opens as the wheel passes midships. Also at mid position the supercharging unit provides a pressure in the system which ensures rapid response of the system to a movement of the wheel. This supercharging unit also draws in replenishing fluid if required in the system, and provides a relief valve arrangement if the pressure is too high. Pressure gauges are connected to each main pipeline and air vent cocks are also provided.

In normal operation the working pressure of about 20 to 30 bar, or the manufacturer's given figure, should not be exceeded. The wheel should not be forced beyond the 'hard over' position as this will strain the gear.

The replenishing tank should be checked regularly and any lubrication points should receive attention. Any leaking or damaged equipment must be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The system should be regularly checked for pressure tightness. The rudder response to wheel movement should be checked and if sluggish or slow then air venting undertaken. If, after long service, air venting does not remove sluggishness, it may be necessary to recharge the system with new fluid.

Steering gear telemotor control

Fig:Typical Steering gear telemotor control


Automatic pilot, autopilot – Automatic control system used for automatic navigation. The system can sense the difference between the ordered course of the ship and the actual course and will cause the rudder to move to an angle proportional to this error. The autopilot keeps the vessel on the correct heading without the helmsman’s intervention.





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  8. Ships steering gear telemotor control
    9. Telemotor control is a hydraulic control system employing a transmitter, a receiver, pipes and a charging unit. The transmitter, which is built into the steering wheel console, is located on the bridge and the receiver is mounted on the steering gear.. .....


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