Tokyo, Japan: Mitsui OSK Techno-Trade has announced the application for an additional patent on the propeller boss cap fins (PBCF) system, jointly developed by MOTech, Akishima Laboratries (Mitsui Zosen), and Mitsui OSK Lines.
The new patent covers innovations that make the PBCF more effective in saving fuel and protecting the environment.
The PBCF is an energy-saving system for propeller-driven ships, and has been adopted on 1,700 vessels around the world. It is installed at the rear of the propeller, breaking up the hub vortex formed behind the rotating prop. It reduces the torque of the propeller, and increases propulsion at the same time, boosting fuel efficiency by three to five percent.
Improvements to the efficiency of the PBCF system stem from the redesigned length and shape of the device. Compared with the previous model, these changes allow more reliable control of the hub vortex, boost propeller thrust, and reduce torque. The new design features are covered in the patent application. The original PBCF patent application was filed in Japan in July 1987. Since then, the PBCF has been patented in Japan and eleven other countries.
MOTech plans to install the new PBCF system on an MOL-operated vessel that will be completed at the end of 2009 and conduct performance tests. At the same time, the company will conduct research on final design and manufacturing, aiming to bring the enhanced PBCF to market in 2010.
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