Method and arrangement for sealing propeller shaft of marine vessel

Abstract

To provide a method and an arrangement for sealing a propeller shaft of a marine vessel.SOLUTION: A propeller shaft 1 is rotatably supported with a bearing arrangement 8 inside a pod 3 that is suspended at a hull 4 of a marine vessel 2. The bearing arrangement includes at least two seal rings 9 axially spaced apart from each other such that at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is delimited. The arrangement includes a lubrication arrangement 11 for conducting lubricant to and from said bearing arrangement. The lubrication arrangement includes an additional lubrication circulation line 14 for conducting a part of said flow of lubricant to and from said at least one lubricant seal chamber. The lubrication arrangement is additionally configured to create a flow of lubricant in the additional lubricant circulation line and in said at least one lubricant seal chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1, wherein the propeller shaft is arranged in a pod suspended from the hull of the ship, a propeller is attached to the drive end of the propeller shaft, the drive end protrudes from the pod, the propeller shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing device in the pod, at least two seal rings are provided axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft, and at least one lubricant seal chamber is delimited between adjacent seal rings, engaging the outer circumference of the propeller shaft, the bearing device comprising a lubricant circulation line for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device, and a lubricant circulator configured to create a flow of lubricant in the lubricant circulation line and in the bearing device, and is provided with a lubrication device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship as defined in the preamble of independent claim 9, wherein the propeller shaft is arranged in a pod suspended from the hull of the ship, a propeller is attached to the drive end of the propeller shaft, the drive end protrudes from the pod, the propeller shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing device in the pod, at least two seal rings are provided axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft, and at least one lubricant seal chamber is delimited between adjacent seal rings, engaging the outer circumference of the propeller shaft, the apparatus comprising a lubrication device having a lubricant circulation line for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device, and a lubricant circulator configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the lubricant circulation line and in the bearing device.

[0003] The problem with the above method and apparatus is the heating of the seal ring that separates the lubricant seal chamber, which leads to wear of the seal ring and a reduction in its service life. The seal ring engages with the outer circumference of the rotating propeller shaft, so the seal ring is heated by the friction between the propeller shaft and the seal ring. Objective

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship in order to solve the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The method is characterized by the definition of independent claim 1.

[0006] Preferred embodiments of the method are defined in dependent claims 2 to 8.

[0007] The apparatus is correspondingly characterized by the definition of independent claim 9.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are defined in dependent claims 10 to 16.

[0009] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] First, a method for sealing the propeller shaft 1 of a ship 2, as well as some embodiments and variations of this method, will be described in more detail.

[0012] In this method, the propeller shaft 1 is disposed in a pod 3 suspended from the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0013] The pod 3 can be fixedly suspended from the hull 4 of the ship 2. The pod 3 can also be rotatable around a swivel axis (not shown) suspended from the hull 4 of the ship 2. An electric motor (not shown) for rotating the propeller shaft 1 can be provided inside the pod 3. The pod can also be provided with a mechanical power transmission device for rotating the propeller shaft 1 by a motor arranged to be accommodated by the hull 4 of the ship 1.

[0014] In this method, the propeller 5 is attached to the drive end 6 of the propeller shaft 1, and the drive end 6 protrudes from the pod 3. The propeller shaft 1 can further have a second drive end (not shown) protruding from the opposite end of the pod 3, that is, the propeller penetrates through the pod and protrudes, and a second propeller (not shown) is provided as the second drive end.

[0015] In the method, the propeller shaft 1 can have a non - drive section 7 inside the pod 3.

[0016] In the method, the propeller shaft 1 is rotatably supported inside the pod 3 by a bearing device 8.

[0017] In the method, at least two seal rings 9 are provided axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft 1 and engage with the outer periphery of the propeller shaft 1 such that at least one lubricant chamber 10 is delimited between adjacent seal rings 9.

[0018] The propeller shaft 1 can be provided with a liner 20 that at least partially forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1. In the figure, the liner 20 forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1 at least in the region of the seal ring 11.

[0019] In the method, the bearing device includes a lubricant circulation line 12 for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device 8, and a lubricant circulator 13 configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the lubricant circulation line 12 and the bearing device 8.

[0020] The method includes providing an additional lubricant circulation line 14 to the lubricant device 11, the additional lubricant circulation line 14 including a first line portion 15 for guiding a part of the flow of the lubricant to the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and a second line portion 16 for guiding the part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0021] The method includes generating a flow of lubricant in the first line portion 15 and the second line portion 16 of the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0022] The method can include generating a flow of lubricant in the first line portion 15 and the second line portion 16 of the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 by the lubricant circulator 13.

[0023] The first line portion 15 and / or the second line portion 16 of the additional lubricant circulation line can be provided with or can be provided with an additional lubricant circulator (not shown) configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the first line portion 15 and the second line portion 16 of the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0024] The flow of the lubricant within the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 reduces the temperature within the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and as a result, reduces the temperature of the seal ring 9 that delimits the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10. Thereby, wear of the seal ring 9 is reduced and the service life of the seal ring 9 is extended. One reason for the lower temperature is that the temperature of the lubricant circulated within the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is lower than the temperature generated from the friction between the outer periphery of the rotating propeller shaft 1 and the seal ring 9, so thermal energy is conducted from the seal ring 9 to the lubricant circulated within the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and within a second line portion 16 that is away from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0025] The method can include connecting a first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and connecting the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to direct a portion of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 into the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 within the first line portion 15.

[0026] The method can include connecting a first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and connecting the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to direct a portion of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 within the first line portion 15.

[0027] The method can include fluidly connecting and connecting a first line portion 15 to the bottom of the bearing device 8, fluidly connecting and connecting the first line portion 15 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and guiding a portion of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the bearing device 8 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 within the first line portion 15.

[0028] The method can include providing a second line portion 16 by means of an equalization channel between the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, and guiding a portion of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8 within the second line portion 16.

[0029] The method can include fluidly connecting and connecting the second line portion 16 to the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and to the bearing device 8, and guiding a portion of the flow of the lubricant from the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the bearing device 8 within the second line portion 16.

[0030] The method can include fluidly connecting and connecting the second line portion 16 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and to the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, and guiding a portion of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation line 12 within the second line portion 16.

[0031] The second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 connects the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, connects the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, directs the part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 to at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 within the first line portion 15, provides a second line portion 16 by an equalization channel between the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, and directs the part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8 within the second line portion 16.

[0032] The third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 includes connecting the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, connecting the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, guiding a part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 into the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 within the first line portion 15, connecting the second line portion in fluid connection with the top of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and in fluid connection with the bearing device 8, and guiding a part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the bearing device 8 within the second line portion 16. By adjusting the height of the second line portion 16, the pressure within the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 can be adjusted. The higher the height of the second line portion 16, the higher the lubricant level and the pressure within the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, whereby the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is sealed better and thus leakage is prevented. The higher pressure also extends the service life of the at least two seal rings 9. Since the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is filled with lubricant, the at least two seal rings 9 will have a longer service life.

[0033] The fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 includes connecting the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the bottom of the bearing device 8, connecting the first line portion 15 in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, guiding a part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the bearing device 8 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 within the first line portion 15, connecting the second line portion 16 in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, and guiding a part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation line 12 within the second line portion 16.

[0034] The method preferably, though not necessarily, includes conducting thermal energy from the lubricant circulating within the lubricant circulation line 12 using a cooler 17 provided in thermal contact with the lubricant circulation line 12. This further promotes the cooling of the at least two seal rings 9. The cooler 17 may be disposed within the pod 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, or may be disposed outside the pod and within the hull 4 of the ship 2 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0035] The method preferably, though not necessarily, includes adjusting the flow of the lubricant within the first line portion 15 by throttle means 18 provided in the first line portion 15. Instead of the throttle means 18, another type of flow rate adjusting means may be used.

[0036] Next, an apparatus for sealing the propeller shaft 1 of the ship 2, and some embodiments and variations of the method will be described in more detail.

[0037] The propeller shaft 1 is disposed within a pod 3 suspended from the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0038] The pod 3 can be fixed to and suspended from the hull 4 of the ship 2. The pod 3 can also be rotatable about a swivel axis (not shown) suspended from the hull 4 of the ship 2. Inside the pod 3, an electric motor (not shown) for rotating the propeller shaft 1 can be provided. The pod can also be provided with a mechanical power transmission device for rotating the propeller shaft 1 by a motor arranged to be accommodated by the hull 4 of the ship 1.

[0039] The propeller 5 is attached to the drive end 6 of the propeller shaft 1, and the drive end 6 projects from the pod 3. The propeller shaft 1 can have a non-drive section 7 inside the pod 3. The propeller shaft 1 can further have a second drive end (not shown) projecting from the end of the pod 3 on the opposite side, that is, the propeller penetrates and projects through the pod, and a second propeller (not shown) is provided as the second drive end.

[0040] The propeller shaft 1 is rotatably supported inside the pod 3 by a bearing device 8.

[0041] At least two seal rings 9 are provided axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft 1 and engage with the outer periphery of the propeller shaft 1 such that at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is delimited between adjacent seal rings 9.

[0042] The propeller shaft 1 can be provided with a liner 20 that at least partially forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1. In the figure, the liner 20 forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1 at least in the region of the seal ring 11.

[0043] The device comprises a lubrication device 11 with a lubricant circulation line 12 for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device 8, and a lubricant circulator 13 configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the lubricant circulation line 12 and in the bearing device 8.

[0044] In the device, the lubrication device guides a part of the flow of the lubricant to the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and includes an additional lubricant circulation line 14 for guiding the part of the flow of the lubricant away from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and the lubrication device is further configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0045] In the device, the lubricant circulator 13 of the lubrication device is preferably, but not necessarily, further configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0046] In the device, it is also possible to provide an additional lubricant circulator (not shown) in the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the additional lubricant circulation line 14 and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0047] The flow of the lubricant in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 reduces the temperature in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and as a result, reduces the temperature of the seal ring 9 that separates the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10. Thereby, the wear of the seal ring 9 is reduced and the service life of the seal ring 9 is extended. One reason for the lower temperature is that the temperature of the lubricant circulating in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is lower than the temperature generated by the friction between the outer periphery of the rotating propeller shaft 1 and the seal ring 9, so thermal energy is conducted from the seal ring 9 to the lubricant circulating in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and in the second line portion 16 away from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0048] In the device, the first line portion 15 is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and can be fluidly connected to the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 to the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0049] In the device, the first line portion 15 is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and can be fluidly connected to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0050] In the device, the first line portion 15 is fluidly connected to the bottom of the bearing device and can be fluidly connected to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the bearing device 8 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10.

[0051] In the device, the second line portion 16 can be formed by an equalization channel between the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8.

[0052] In the device, the second line portion 16 is fluidly connected to the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and can be fluidly connected to the bearing device 8, where the second line portion 16 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the bearing device 8.

[0053] In the device, the second line portion 16 is in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and can be in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, where the second line portion 16 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation line 12.

[0054] In a second embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. 2, the first line portion 15 is in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and is in fluid connection with the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 into the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, the second line portion 16 is formed by an equalization channel between the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8.

[0055] In a third embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. 3, the first line portion 15 is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and is fluidly connected to the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the portion of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line 12 to the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10. The second line portion 16 is fluidly connected to the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and fluidly connected to the bearing device 8, where the second line portion 16 is configured to direct the portion of the flow of the lubricant from the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8. By adjusting the height of the second line portion 16, the pressure in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 can be adjusted. The higher the height of the second line portion 16, the higher the lubricant level and the pressure in the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, whereby the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is sealed better and thus leakage is prevented. The higher pressure also extends the service life of the at least two seal rings 9. Since the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 is filled with lubricant, the at least two seal rings 9 will have a longer service life.

[0056] In a fourth embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. 4, the first line portion 15 is fluidly connected to the bottom of the bearing device and fluidly connected to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, where the first line portion 15 is configured to direct the portion of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the bearing device 8 to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10. The second line portion 16 is fluidly connected to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation line 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, where the second line portion 16 is configured to direct the portion of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation line 12.

[0057] The device preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a cooler 17 provided in thermal contact with the lubricant circulation line 12, which is configured to conduct thermal energy from the lubricant circulating within the lubricant circulation line 12. This further promotes the cooling of the at least two seal rings 9. The cooler 17 may be arranged within the pod 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, or may be arranged outside the pod and within the hull 4 of the ship 2 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0058] The device preferably, but not necessarily, comprises throttle means 18 provided in the first line portion 15, which is configured to regulate the flow of lubricant within the first line portion 15. Instead of the throttle means 18, another type of flow regulating means may be used.

[0059] As technology advances, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the basic concepts of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. The present invention and its embodiments are, therefore, not limited to the above examples and may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for sealing a propeller shaft (1) of a ship (2), wherein the propeller shaft (1) is arranged in a pod (3) suspended from the hull (4) of the ship (2), a propeller (5) is attached to a drive end (6) of the propeller shaft (1), and the drive end (6) protrudes from the pod (3), the propeller shaft (1) is rotatably supported inside the pod (3) by a bearing device (8), at least two seal rings (9) are provided axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft (1), and engage with the outer circumference of the propeller shaft (1) such that at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) is delimited between adjacent seal rings (9), the bearing device (8) comprises a lubrication device (11) having a lubricant circulation line (12) for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device (8), and a lubricant circulator (13) configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the lubricant circulation line (12) and in the bearing device (8), providing an additional lubricant circulation line (14) to the lubrication device (11), the additional lubricant circulation line (14) comprising a first line portion (15) for guiding a part of the flow of lubricant to the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and a second line portion (16) for guiding the part of the flow of lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), characterized in that a flow of lubricant is generated in the first line portion (15) and the second line portion (16) of the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10). Claim 2 The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a flow of lubricant is generated in the first line portion (15) and the second line portion (16) of the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and in the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) by the lubricant circulator (13). Claim 3 Connect the first line portion (15) in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), and connect the first line portion (15) in fluid connection with the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10). The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line (12) is directed to the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) within the first line portion (15).

4. Connect the first line portion (15) in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), and connect the first line portion (15) in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10). The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a part of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant circulation line (12) is directed to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) within the first line portion (15).

5. Connect the first line portion (15) in fluid connection with the bottom of the bearing device (8), and connect the first line portion (15) in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10). The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the bearing device (8) is directed to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) within the first line portion (15).

6. Provide the second line portion (16) by means of an equalization channel between the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and the bearing device (8). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) is directed to the bearing device (8) of the second line portion (16).

7. Connect the second line portion (16) in fluid connection with the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and in fluid connection with the bearing device (8). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a part of the flow of the lubricant from the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) is guided to the bearing device (8) of the second line part (16).

8. connecting the second line part (16) in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the bearing device (8) and upstream of the lubricant circulator (13); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) is guided to the lubricant circulation line (12) of the second line part (16).

9. An apparatus for sealing a propeller shaft (1) of a ship (2), wherein the propeller shaft (1) is disposed in a pod 3 suspended from a hull (4) of the ship (2), a propeller (5) is attached to a drive end (6) of the propeller shaft (1), and the drive end (6) projects from the pod (3), the propeller shaft (1) is rotatably supported by a bearing device (8) inside the pod (3), at least two seal rings (9) are provided axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft (1) and engage with the outer periphery of the propeller shaft (1) such that at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) is delimited between adjacent seal rings (9), the bearing device (8) comprises a lubrication device (11) having a lubricant circulation line (12) for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device (8), and a lubricant circulator (13) configured to generate a flow of lubricant in the lubricant circulation line (12) and the bearing device (8), the lubrication device (11) comprises an additional lubricant circulation line (14) for guiding a part of the flow of the lubricant to and from the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10); The lubrication device is further configured to generate a flow of lubricant within the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and within the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10).

10. The lubricant circulator (13) is further configured to generate a flow of lubricant within the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and within the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), the device according to claim 9.

11. The first line portion (15) is in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), and is in fluid connection with the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), wherein the first line portion (15) is configured to direct the part of the flow of lubricant from the lubricant circulation line (12) to the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), the device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The first line portion (15) is in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), and is in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), wherein the first line portion (15) is configured to direct the part of the flow of lubricant from the lubricant circulation line (12) to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), the device according to claim 9 or 10.

13. The first line portion (15) is in fluid connection with the bottom of the bearing device and in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), wherein the first line portion (15) is configured to direct the part of the flow of lubricant from the bottom of the bearing device (8) to the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10), the device according to claim 9 or 10.

14. The second line portion (16) is formed by an equalization channel between the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and the bearing device (8), wherein the first line portion (15) is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) to the bearing device (8). The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The second line portion (16) is in fluid connection with the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and in fluid connection with the bearing device (8), wherein the second line portion (16) is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the upper part of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) into the bearing device (8). The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

16. The second line portion (16) is in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) and in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the bearing device (8) and upstream of the lubricant circulator (13), wherein the second line portion (16) is configured to direct the part of the flow of the lubricant from the bottom of the at least one lubricant seal chamber (10) into the lubricant circulation line (12). The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

Images