Page 23: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (September 2005)

September 2005 23

Sulzer RT-flex50 Passes the Test

The first 6-cylinder Sulzer RT-flex50 marine diesel engine: It has a contracted maximum con- tinuous power of 9,720 kW at 124 rpm, and measures 9.4 m in overall height, and 7.1 m in overall length.

The first two of the latest Sulzer RT- flex50 common-rail marine engine type developed by Wärtsilä have completed official shop tests and class type approval tests at Wärtsilä's licensee

Diesel United Ltd in Japan, according the manufacturer. With five to eight cylinders, the Sulzer RT-flex50 low- speed marine diesel engine covers a power range of 5,800 to 13,280 kW at 99 to 124 rpm, and suited for the propul- sion of bulk carriers in the Handymax to

Panamax size range, product tankers and feeder container vessels.

The Sulzer RT-flex50 is based on the

Sulzer RTA50 engine jointly developed by Wärtsilä and Mitsubishi Heavy

Industries Ltd. in Japan. Instead of the traditional camshaft-controlled systems of the RTA50, the RT-flex50 incorpo- rates the latest electronically-controlled common-rail technology for fuel injec- tion and valve actuation. The new tech- nology is designed to provide flexibility

Marine Propulsion

Circle 208 on Reader Service Card

New Hamilton HJ364 Waterjet

Hamilton Jet recently unveiled its latest waterjet model, the HJ364. With a 360mm diameter impeller, the HJ364 supersedes the HJ362 model, with many additional features and benefits for high speed work and patrol boats.

The design of the HJ364 allows a higher engine input power than the HJ362, with a maximum power of 670 kW (900 hp). A new higher rating impeller option is also available, allowing reduced shaft input speeds and improvements to the cavita- tion resistance exhibited by Hamilton Jet designs at low speeds and when under loaded conditions.

While the basic specifications of the HJ364 are similar to its predecessor, the new model includes several new design features designed to improve installation and operation. It is available in either zero or five degree shaft angle options to suit dif- ferent engine alignments and/or trim requirements.

A more compact balanced reverse duct is fitted that features the same zero-speed and reverse maneu- vering performance. A reverse duct splashguard is fitted and the reverse cylinder is fully inboard.

A key feature of the HJ364 is the new Hamilton Jet "blue ARROW" electronic control system option, in addition to the standard hydraulic control option. This micro-processor driven system integrates the jet steering and reverse controls, engine throttle and gearbox actuation, and is designed to provide very simple and intuitive vessel control. The HJ364 may also be fitted with Hamilton Jet's "MECS" electronic control system which provides additional configuration options and interface features.

The HJ364 features stainless steel stator vane inserts in the tailpipe to improve durability. Installation of the jet is sim- plified with the unit able to be fitted from inside or outside the vessel.

Circle 1 on Reader Service Card

The Sulzer RT-flex50

Cylinder bore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500 mm

Piston stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2050 mm

Stroke/bore ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.1

Power, R1 MCR . . . . . . . . .1660 kW/cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2260 bhp/cylinder

Speed range, R1-R3 . . . . . . . . . . .124-99 rpm

Numbers of cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 to 8

Power range5,800-13,280 kW, 7900-18,080 bhp

BSFC at full-load R1 rating . . . . . .171 g/kWh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126g/bhph

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