The amount of litter and discarded netting and rope floating on the world’s oceans is not just a major problem for the environment but also for propeller driven vessels.
An American company, Spurs Marine, have developed an effective method of eliminating propeller entanglement by instantly cutting free any entangling objects that come into contact with propellers.
This product, known as Spurs, cuts away entangle objects with each turn of the propeller. The rope, cable or netting does not have chance to be drawn onto the propeller shaft were it can cut into oil seals or even stall the engine.
Spurs in Africa
Alignment With Laser are the regional representatives of Spurs in Africa.
David Kirk, Managing Director of Alignment With Laser says, “The great thing about spurs is that it works instantly in removing entangled objects and it works in forward and reverse.”
Spurs are easy to fit as one or more cutting blades are attached to a vessels propeller hub and a stationary cutting blade is attached to the rope guard or strut.
“Spurs have a wide variety of cutter systems and stock can be brought in quickly. We will also provide a complete set of drawings for each instillation,” adds David.
Variations of Spurs
Spurs may be mounted on propellers or shafts
The shaft mounted system are for inboard vessels only and the cutters are clamped to the shaft. The cutters may be fitted to shafts ranging in size from 25mm to 255m.
In cases where the shaft needs to be extended to allow for the filling of the cutters a Spurs Spacer is available too. The spacers are cold rolled steel and nickle plated and very durable. The spacers may be used for other shaft lengthening applications too.
David says, “Spurs cutters are used by the US Navy and have saved shipping companies many hours of repair and maintenance. They are extremely effective and we are happy to provide a quotation for all types of propeller driven vessel.”
For more information or a quotation on SPURS, contact David Kirk on +27 83 262 9846 or email david@awlaser.co.za