Measuring Propeller Drop with the help of Poker Gauge

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Marine Engineering Study Materials and Resources wrote a new note: Measuring Propeller Drop
with the help of Poker Gauge.
The propeller shaft in the after peak tank is provided with inboard and outboard seals. These seals
contain nitrile rubber or viton lip seal which seals against the bronze liner shrunk fit around the cast
iron propeller shaft. After a few years it creates grooves on them and naturally looses sealing and sea
water can easily find its way inside. This reduces the lubrication effect and creates wear if the bronze
liner. Now as there is enough clearance the shaft will come down by certain amount because of the
propeller weight. This drop in propeller shaft is termed as "propeller stern shaft clearance" or "propeller
wear down". Propeller drop is measured by POKER gauge.
Before taking the measurement, we have to remove the rope guard first. Also make sure weather the
vessel has the poker gauge or not. This poker gauge is use to measure the propeller shaft drop
(known as propeller wear down). After dismantling the rope guard, make sure to turn the blade to one
position refer to the marking. Normally, we take top measurement and bottom measurement.
The poker gauge is placed between the last and second last stern tube seals (aft- near the propeller).
the reading is taken every dry dock and recorded. A hole is provided on top of the seal which is closed
by a plug. This plug is removed, the poker gauge is inserted and a reading taken. So since the
propeller is connected to the shaft and the poker gauge measures how much the shaft has 'dropped'
due to the wear down of the bearing on which the shaft runs.
Actual bearing clearance will depend upon shaft diameter, lubrication type (oil/water) bearing material
(white metal/synthetic or Lignum Vitae), and loading. Bearing wear is very rare when looked after
correctly, although a water lubricated bearing will be subject to wear particularly when operated in
sandy water.
Dependant on the factors mentioned above and Class requirements the maximum bearing clearance
will vary. Oil lubricated bearings will have a maximum recommended by the maker - controlled by
design limitations, stress, alignment and loading.
Water lubricated bearing (other than rubber) maximum clearances under ABS Classifications for
unrestricted service with machinery aft are as follows:
Shaft diameter equal to or less than 230mm (9") in diameter, maximum 4.8mm (0.19")Shaft diameter
greater than 230mm but less than or equal to 305mm (12"), maximum 6.4mm (0.25")Shaft diameter
greater than 305mm, maximum 8.0mm (0.31")
A water lubricated synthetic shaft bearing for a shaft diameter of 615mm (24") has a maximum
recommended clearance of 5.5mm, and an expected life of 20 years.
The actual distance measured is less important than the change in distance. This can only be
determined acurately by using the same tool everytime.

October 3, 2013 at 6:18pm Public

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2014-10-30 7:42 AM

Measuring Propeller Drop with the help of Poker Gauge

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2014-10-30 7:42 AM