Seakeeper 16/18/12HD Installation Manual (90549-2)
Selection of Installation Location
Selection of mounting location of the Seakeeper should consider the following desirable features:
The Seakeeper should be installed aft of amidships to minimize high acceleration loadings due to hull/wave impacts during operation at high speed or in large waves. If the only possible Seakeeper location is forward of amidships then the installer should have Seakeeper review the installation location prior to finalizing the design.
- Overhead access or sufficient clearance for removal / re-installation of the Seakeeper for overhaul in future years.
- The Seakeeper should be installed in a dry space to minimize effects of corrosion.
- Clearance for all recommended scheduled maintenance and any repairs is necessary (see Figure 2).
VIEWS SHOWING RECOMMENDED SERVICE CLEARANCES AROUND THE SEAKEEPER FOR USE OF HAND TOOLS, EASE OF MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION AND PROPER OPERATION.
Figure 2 – Seakeeper 16/18 Installed Clearance Considerations
Refer to Figure 3 for required clearances to transverse beams. If a transverse beam is located under the forward brace, it must be 1 in. (25 mm) from the edge of the Seakeeper to provide the necessary clearance for the swing of the motor power cable during the Seakeeper’s precession. Clearances aft of the Seakeeper are shown to provide access for regular scheduled maintenance.
Safety
There is a large torque about the gimbal axis when the Seakeeper is precessing. Seakeeper cover panels are provided to prevent personnel or equipment from contacting the Seakeeper while it is in operation. These covers should not be stepped on, or have anything placed on top. The covers should always be in place during operation. If it is ever necessary to access the Seakeeper while the flywheel is spinning, the Seakeeper must be locked at the display to stop the Seakeeper from precessing. Seakeeper regular scheduled maintenance should only be performed by authorized personnel when the Seakeeper is locked and the flywheel is at 0 RPM.
The Seakeeper and related structure should be treated with the same respect one gives a high-speed rotating propeller or engine shaft.
Noise/Soundproofing
Seakeeper noise has been measured under steady state conditions (no wave load) in Seakeeper‘s lab and in our test boat. The steady state noise is typically in the range of 66-68 dB un-weighted. As the frequencies emitting the highest sound pressures are low (like other marine machinery), it is recommended that the Seakeeper be installed in an enclosed space such as a machinery space, lazarette, or bilge. If additional noise reduction is needed sound proofing insulation can be used in the space around the Seakeeper unit.