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GRP BEARING COVERS
A constant problem facing operators of CALM buoys manufactured by Single Buoy Mooring Inc. is the need to remove the main bearing covers in order to inspect the bearing and check bolt tensions.
The traditional steel covers are heavy, difficult to remove and even harder to refit and seal correctly. This difficulty increases the inspection periods, often pushing them outside the manufacturers requirements and potentially reduces the life of the bearing and bolts. The Monobuoy Company, recognising this problem, has found a solution by carefully redesigning the covers and manufacturing them in high strength/weight ratio corrosion-resistant GRP.
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Design philosophy
Our engineers took a new look at the function of the covers and the design requirements.
After a detailed study and consultation with the buoy manufacturers we came up with a new approach. We concluded that as the bearing is only ever changed during a major overhaul, the covers could be a permanent fixture. Large removable panels could then be provided for access to the bearing and it’s bolting.
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Features
They are designed to fit on the standard SBM Inc. buoys, without modification.
They are light, less than 2 kg per cover panel. They incorporate a new water barrage lip-seal that is vulcanised to a curved shape, eliminating the problem of the buckling which exists when using straight seals. All the hardware is 316 stainless steel. With the cover panels removed, a standard bolt tensioner can be installed on all the bearing bolts. They are manufactured using fire-resistant resin They can withstand a distributed load of 300 kg/sq.m They are completely watertight, having a rubber lip-seal bonded to the cover panels. Covers Panels are easily fitted and removed by quarter-turn fasteners
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Installation
A kit of parts is supplied which contains all the GRP mouldings, bolting, tie-rods, seals, sealant, special tools and installation manual.
The frame is delivered in 12 segments, which are bolted together and then bolted to the buoy. The joints are all sealed/bonded with polyurethane sealant.
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Other Applications
Although the system has been purpose-designed for SBM ‘New-Type’ buoys, and are ready to provide similar covers for other types of buoys and FPSO’s.
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