Inflatable Sealing Ring

The split inflatable rubber seal ring is widely used in Navy ships. It is installed aft
of the prime seal assembly rig (packing box or mechanical seal). It is used when it
is necessary to repair or replace the prime sealing elements when the ship is
waterborne.
When the seal is needed, it is inflated with nitrogen and expands against the shaft
to form a watertight seal. Nitrogen is used because it is dry and will not deteriorate
the seal as rapidly as compressed air, which often contains moisture, oil, and dirt.
The operation and testing of the split inflatable ring seal should be done according
to ships instructions and the applicable MRC. Never exceed the maximum
pressure designated for inflating the seal. You can find the specified pressure
designations in the Naval Ships Technical Manual, chapter 9430 (243). Over-
pressurization can rupture the seal.
Strut Bearings
Strut bearings, as well as the stern tube bearings, are equipped with composition
bushings that are split longitudinally intotwo halves. (See fig. 12-21.) The outer
surface of the bushing is machined with steps to bear on matching lands

Figure 12-21.-Details of a strut bearing.
in the bore of the strut. One end is bolted to the strut.
Since it is usually not practical to use oil or grease as a lubricant for underwater
bearings, some other frictionless material must be used. There are certain materials
that become slippery when wet. They include synthetic rubber; lignum vitae, a
hard tropical wood with excellent wearing qualities; and laminated phenolic
material consisting of layers of cotton fabric impregnated and bonded with
phenolic resin. Strips made from any of these materials are fitted inside the
bearing. Most Navy installations use rubber composition strips (view C of fig. 12-
21).

Figure 12-22.-Controllable pitch propeller components.