MAN B&W introduces Alpha Clutcher

MAN B&W is applying for a patent on a system which can be used to disengage the engine from the propeller shaft to accommodate a power take in (pti) emergency drive. The basis of the system is a number of tapered pins locking split flanges together to transmit the drive.

A flange on the engine output shaft has the outer half of the conical holes, and the driveshaft flange has the inner part. With the conical pins withdrawn, the two flanges can rotate independently, while inserting the pins locks the two together.

Hydraulic actuation allows clutching out to be achieved within the two minutes required by class for redundant propulsion, while clutching-in takes around five minutes.