Exam Question
(a) Sketch a steering gear arangement capable of 100 percent redundancy (8)
(b) Describe the operation of the arrangement in (a) when the working pump oil manifold develops a serious leak (8)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MEKG
📅 Aug 2023
Reference Answer
### (a) Steering Gear Arrangement with 100% Redundancy (Four-Ram System)
A four-ram electro-hydraulic steering gear arrangement provides 100% redundancy and is commonly fitted on vessels requiring a high degree of maneuverability and safety, such as large tankers, gas carriers, and passenger ships. The design ensures that a single failure in one hydraulic system will not lead to a total loss of steering, in compliance with SOLAS regulations.
**Key Components of the Arrangement:**
1. **Rudder Stock & Tiller:** The rudder stock is the vertical shaft that turns the rudder. A tiller is keyed to the top of the rudder stock. It is a large lever arm that converts the linear motion of the hydraulic rams into the rotary motion of the rudder.
A four-ram electro-hydraulic steering gear arrangement provides 100% redundancy and is commonly fitted on vessels requiring a high degree of maneuverability and safety, such as large tankers, gas carriers, and passenger ships. The design ensures that a single failure in one hydraulic system will not lead to a total loss of steering, in compliance with SOLAS regulations.
**Key Components of the Arrangement:**
1. **Rudder Stock & Tiller:** The rudder stock is the vertical shaft that turns the rudder. A tiller is keyed to the top of the rudder stock. It is a large lever arm that converts the linear motion of the hydraulic rams into the rotary motion of the rudder.
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