INSTRUCTION MANUAL

PRIME Blue
STERN TUBE SEAL

Molenvliet 34
3961 MV Wijk bij Duurstede
The Netherlands
Phone +31 343 432 509
[email protected]
[email protected]
Version: February 2023 [email protected]
Content
GENERAL DATA ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 General information ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Handling of goods ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Storage of goods .............................................................................................................................. 4
SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS (housing) ....................................................................................................... 5
2.1 The FWD-seal housing for PRIME Blue ............................................................................................ 5
2.2 Options for PRIME Blue ................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Fully split type.................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.2 Millivolt Meter ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.3 Adapter plate .................................................................................................................................. 6
(RE)PLACEMENT AND INSPECTION ............................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Preparation and placement............................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Installation of the housing (non-split) .............................................................................................. 8
3.3 Installation of the housing (split) ................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Measuring sheet............................................................................................................................ 12
3.5 Assembling .................................................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Piping............................................................................................................................................. 13
3.7 Piping for water supply .................................................................................................................. 13
3.8 Piping for air supply ....................................................................................................................... 13
3.9 Testing of the PRIME Blue ............................................................................................................. 14
OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................. 15
4.1 Inspection ...................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Part replacement interval .............................................................................................................. 17
4.3 Sealing ring replacement (in situ) .................................................................................................. 18
APPENDIX .................................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A: Trouble shooting of the PRIME Blue sealing .......................................................................... 19
Appendix B: Painting the shaft .................................................................................................................. 20
Appendix C: Mounting the SED ................................................................................................................. 23

2
GENERAL DATA
1.1 General information

The system described in this manual has been carefully engineered by AEGIR-Marine. The materials and
designs of our seal systems are the result of many years of research and development in the maritime
field.
AEGIR-Marine has applied modern technology and techniques in such a way that our products meet the
highest degree of quality and reliability.

The repeated reliability and successful performance of our products are strongly influenced by the care
and accuracy of their installation. We strongly recommend that AEGIR-Marine Service Engineers are
present during the installation for advice and consultation. Our experienced engineers will then advise
on technical matters and assist in conducting various static tests.

We also recommend the presence of our Service Engineers whenever it is necessary to carry out
maintenance tasks on any of our products. They are trained to quickly analyze the situation to determine:

• What the problem exactly is

• What the best and most effective course or corrective action is.

If further assistance is required, please contact AEGIR-Marine. Our main office telephone number and
the email addresses are stated on the front page of this manual.

1.2 Handling of goods

All assemblies and components have been carefully inspected and tested at the site of manufacture
before shipment.

Each part is adequately protected and packed to prevent damage to goods in transit and storage. All
shipping containers meet the requirements of the carrier associations. All goods are normally shipped by
a commercial carrier or as directed by the customer.

It is advised to carefully examine the received goods when they are still in their original containers. If
there is any evidence of damage to the goods caused during transit, please contact AEGIR-Marine so
appropriate actions can be taken.

Do not remove the goods from the original shipping containers until machining and/or installation
operations are due.

If the goods, upon inspection, appear to be non-conforming or questionable, please notify AEGIR- Marine
immediately.

3
 1.3 Storage of goods

When the goods have to be stored for relatively long periods, they must be kept in a cool and darkened
space. They should be protected from mechanical damage during the period of storage. It should be taken
into account that hooks and slings may crush the containers and damage the goods.

• For the metal parts: if metal parts are stored over a longer period, be sure to store them in the
original packaging. Make sure the running surfaces are protected against damage.

• For the rubber parts: we strongly recommend that sealing rings and all other rubber parts should
be stored flat in a darkened, cool (<30⁰C) and low humidity (<65%) environment not longer than
18 months. If the rubber parts have been stored for a longer time than 18 months, the
components should be replaced before installation.

4
SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS (housing)
This water lubricated stern tube seal system consists only of a FWD seal. The FWD seal is positioned on
the FWD-end of the stern tube (S/T) and seals due to the water pressure.

2.1 The FWD-seal housing for PRIME Blue

The PRIME Blue seal housing consists of a single sealing ring which revolves against the mating ring. The
lip of the sealing ring will be pushed against the mating ring by the water pressure and cooled down by
the water flow to minimize wear. The water flow will be determined by the manufacturer of the bearings.

1. Housing/Casing
2. Inflatable
3. Retaining ring
4. Sealing ring
5. Mating ring

Figure 1: The PRIME Blue seal assembly

The seal contains the following components (table 1), which are also shown in Figure 1.

Table 1: Components of the PRIME Blue

Components: Description:
1 The housing of the PRIME Blue holds all the different components needed for the sealing.
2 When the inflatable seal is inflated with compressed air, it contacts the shaft and therefore prevents
any seawater from entering the ship once the mating ring is removed. The inflatable seal is used
when a sealing ring has to be exchanged. The inflatable seal should never be inflated while the shaft
is rotating.
3 The retaining ring will hold the inflatable seal in place.
4 The sealing ring is made of HNBR rubber. The sealing ring is held in place by a stainless-steel garter
spring. Since the sealing ring rotates with the shaft, the lip of the sealing ring is in contact with the
mating ring. Therefore, it does not wear the shaft, like the conventional gland packing does. On every
assembly an extra seal will be placed outside the seal housing for emergencies.
5 The mating ring provides the sealing surface against which the sealing ring makes face contact. The
mating ring is split executed so maintenance will be less difficult. The split mating ring can be
removed from the shaft when a sealing ring has to be exchanged. It can be placed in reversed position
and/or reused by machining the worn end face.

5
 2.2 Options for PRIME Blue

Due to the simplicity of the system, there are few options or additions for the PRIME Blue seal assembly.
In the upcoming chapters the options are discussed.

2.2.1 Fully split type

In the fully split FWD seal system, all housing rings, i.e., housing, retaining
ring and mating ring are split (Figure 2). Split type housing rings are installed
to facilitate maintenance and removal of the housing without pulling the
shaft. The maintenance, operation and structure of the seals are basically
the same as for non-split type seals.

Figure 2: Split type housing

2.2.2 Millivolt Meter

To prevent galvanic corrosion the Shaft Earthing Device (SED) is mounted on

the shaft to eliminate the voltage difference. To monitor the process a
Millivolt meter (Figure 3) can be applied. With the Millivolt meter the correct
working of the SED can be monitored.

Figure 3: Millivolt meter

2.2.3 Adapter plate

In the case it is not possible to fit the PRIME Blue on the existing bulkhead
connection, it is possible to use an adapter plate. This plate can be made
specific for the vessel.

6
(RE)PLACEMENT AND INSPECTION
Before starting installation, the shaft sleeve and bulkhead or stern tube face where the seal will be
installed should be inspected for damage. If there is any damage or the condition of the shaft sleeve
or mounting flange is questionable, please contact your AEGIR-Marine representative.

The installation of the PRIME Blue is a simple procedure. The following steps will ensure a successful
installation which will help to provide a trouble-free operation.

3.1 Preparation and placement

Before applying the PRIME Blue sleeve paint, the sleeve or shaft must be cleaned with a solvent. When
the shaft sleeve on which the seal is installed is fully cleaned, the PRIME Blue paint should be applied
two times for galvanic corrosion protection. To determine the area of the shaft to be painted, please
consult the General Arrangement drawing included in the manual. Also, the inside of the PRIME Blue
housing should be painted, as shown in Figure 5. An elaborate description of the painting procedure can
be found in the Appendix C Shaft Sleeve Painting.

Figure 4: Placement of the PRIME Blue paint

Mount the seal casing to the stern tube, making sure the sentinel gasket is in position. Make sure the top
mark on the seal casing is at the top. The seal casing should then be centered to the shaft using feeler
gauges. Make sure that the retainer ring is used to center, not the inflatable seal. The normal clearance
between the retaining ring and shaft is 4.0 mm. The maximum allowable deviation is 0.5 mm. Tighten all
seal assembly mounting bolts. If there is a problem with centering the housing, discuss this with your
AEGIR-Marine representative.
7
 3.2 Installation of the housing (non-split)
Before removal of the tail shaft for a planned seal installation, the following steps should be taken care of:

Table 2: Pre-installation check sheet

Step Description Completed

1 Unbolt the old seal assembly from the stern tube.

2 Check for damage or wear of the shaft sleeve, bulkhead or stern tube
Fix a dial indicator to the tail shaft close to the mounting location of
3
the seal assembly.
Place the pointer of the dial on the mounting flange or location where
4
the seal will be mounted.
Check the run-out of the face of the mounting flange. Readings should
5
be taken at eight equally spaced. locations around the flange. Please
fill in table
Record 3 on readings.
these page 10. The maximum difference between dial
readings is 0.5 mm. Please fill in the readings on Table 3.
6
If the value is higher, contact your AEGIR-Marine representative to
discuss the situation.

Inspect shaft liner/sleeve in the area where the new seal will be
7
installed. Any grooves or damage should be repaired.

If necessary, complete any machining. Discuss this

8
step with your AEGIR-Marine representative.

8
When the steps of Table 2 are completed, the seal components must be placed round the shaft. Make sure
all the components of the PRIME Blue assembly are placed in the correct orientation as shown on Figure 5.

Stern tube side Engine side

Gasket Seal housing O-ring for the Retaining Active seal Mating ring Spare seal Earth
(Inflatable already mating ring ring grounding
placed) device

Figure 5: Orientation of installation

At this point, the coupling can be reinstalled on the shaft and the shaft can be moved back into position and
connected to the gear box.

9
 3.3 Installation of the housing (split)

As mentioned in chapter “2.2.1 Fully split type”, it will be possible to install the PRIME Blue-split type. To make
sure the split housing will function the same as the non-split seal housing, the following steps need to be taken:

NB: First steps of 3.1 Installation of the housing (non-split) should be taken.

Steps Description Completed

9 Paint the sleeve/shaft with the supplied paint, as mentioned in Appendix 3.

Check all the supplied parts and disassemble the complete housing
10
(housing, retaining ring and mating ring).
Make a dovetail in the packing/gasket and place the packing/gasket over
11
the shaft.
Mount the bottom part of the housing to the stern frame with a couple
12
bolts (don’t tighten the bolts).

13 Clean all surfaces with a solvent and apply Permatex (or equivalent).

Place the upper half of the housing on top of the bottom half and make
14
sure the dowel pins are placed correctly.
Slowly tighten the bolts to the required torque and remove all the excess
of the used glue (Permatex or similar).

Bolt size: Torque:

M6 8 N∙m
15
M8 18 N∙m
M10 35 N∙m
M12 50 N∙m
M16 107 N∙m

Tighten the bolts of the housing to the stern frame and check the centering
of the housing as mentioned in 3.2.2 Measuring sheet.

Bolt size: Torque:

16
M12 63 N∙m
M16 95 N∙m
M20 223 N∙m
M24 472 N∙m

After the housing is fully secured the inflatable- and sealing rings can be hot
bonded around the shaft. This must be done by one of our AEGIR-Marine
17 representatives.

Make sure that the order of installation is still correct, as shown in Figure 5.
Mount the inflatable into the housing and secure the inflatable with the
18 retaining ring. After the brass inlet, the inflatable must be tested – 6 bar for
15 min / max pressure drop of 0.6 bar.
10
 Clean all surfaces of the mating ring with a solvent and apply Permatex (or
19
equivalent).
Combine the mating ring around the shaft. Make sure the dowel pins are
20
placed correctly.
Tighten the bolts to the required torque and remove all the excess of the
used glue (Permatex or similar).

Bolt size: Torque:

21 M6 10 N∙m
M8 20 N∙m
M10 40 N∙m
M12 71 N∙m

22 Put some cloth in/under the mating ring and let it rest on the shaft.

Cut the O-ring and bond the o-cord around the shaft. When the bonding is
23
complete, the O-ring can be greased, preferably with marine grease.

Make sure that the orientation of installation is still correct, as shown in

NB:
Figure 4.

Now the assembling of the components starts – see chapter 3.5

24
Assembling.

10
 3.4 Measuring sheet
Table 3: Measurement sheet for installation
Vessel: Service Engineer:
Order Number: Service Period:
Location of repair/install: Seal Size:
Shipyard: Serial Number:

Position: Squareness (A) Centering (B)

Top
0°

45°
STB
90°

STARBOARD
135°
Bottom
180°

225°
A) Squareness should have a maximum deviation of PS
0.5 mm / 0.020” 270°
B) Centering should have a maximum deviation of
0.5 mm / 0.020” 315°

Position: Squareness (A) Centering (B)

Top
0°

45°
STB
90°
PORT

135°
Bottom
180°

225°
PS
270°

315°

10
 3.5 Assembling

Before installing the O-ring for the mating ring, apply grease, preferable marine grease, on the O-ring. Also
apply a small amount of grease on the shaft.

Slide the sealing ring onto the sleeve and push it towards the seal housing. Place the garter spring around
the shaft and hook it together. Roll the garter spring into the groove on the sealing ring, as shown on Figure
6.

Figure 6: Placement of the garter spring

Clean the sealing ring with a soft cloth. Make sure that there is no grease on the sealing ring lip or mating
ring since grease on the lip will influence the working of the sealing. If there is any grease, remove it using
a solvent such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) or equivalent.

Push the sealing ring towards the housing, but not into the housing. Make sure the seal extends from the
housing at least 13 mm all the way around. Align top mark on mating ring with top mark on housing. Push
the mating ring towards the housing and use the mating ring to push the seal into the housing.

Figure 7: Assembling the PRIME Blue mating ring

11
Once the bolts can be inserted, install all the mating ring mounting bolts and use bolt pairs across.
Tighten the bolts to pull mating ring and seal into housing. Make sure that the O-ring for the mating ring
stays in position and tighten all mating ring bolts in a star pattern (Figure 7).

Slide the spare seal onto the sleeve and install the garter spring. The spare seal should then be protected
using either a grease tape or a small layer of grease with plastic wrap and duct tape over the seal. The
sealing ring should be positioned about 5 to 7 cm from the seal assembly, depending on the length of the
liner. The spare seal should never touch the seal assembly.

Install the Shaft Earthing Device in a convenient location near the seal assembly (Appendix D Mounting
the SED). Make sure the assembly is properly connected to the ship’s structure.

Please check all the steps according to Table 4.

Table 4: Installation check sheet

Step Description Completed

1 Check the run-out of the face of the mounting flange with a Dial Indicator.
2 Mount adapter ring – if required.

3 Mount seal casing, check centering and the squareness.

4 Fill out measurement record and submit to AEGIR-Marine.

5 Install O-ring for mating ring.

6 Install active seal garter spring.

7 Install active sealing ring, push in position with mating ring.

8 Pull in active sealing ring with mating ring bolts, tighten in star pattern.

9 Install spare sealing ring and garter spring.

10 Protect spare sealing ring.

11 Make the necessary water connections.

12 Make the necessary air connections.

13 Test seal assembly according testing instructions.

12
 3.6 Piping
Each vessel has different requirements for piping. For the PRIME Blue system two different piping are
required: water and air. The following chapters about the piping are only for guidance. If you are unsure
of what should be done, please contact your AEGIR-Marine representative.

3.7 Piping for water supply

The seal housing is fitted with one or two BSP threaded connections (depending on seal size) for water
inlet supply. The connections are in place to supply water to the bearings. Your bearing manufacturer
should be able to provide the required water flow for the type of bearing installed.

For vessels which operate in muddy or dirty water, a flushing connection is recommended. A 1-inch pipe
nipple with a valve and garden hose connection should be installed. This will allow flushing of the seal on
a weekly to monthly interval, depending on the situation. Contact your AEGIR-Marine representative if
you have any questions.

3.8 Piping for air supply

The seal assembly inflatable section should be connected to compressed air. The air pressure supplied to
the inflatable seal should not exceed 0.60 MPa (6.0 bar). An air regulator should be used to control the air
pressure.

Figure 8: Air/Water schedule for PRIME Blue

13
3.9 Testing of the PRIME Blue

After the complete assembly of the PRIME Blue housing, it should be tested twice for proper operation.
The first test should be done during dry dock. The second should be carried out during undocking. Both
methods are described below:

Testing while in dry dock:

• Make a temporary connection to the 1-inch (25.4 mm) fitting in the seal housing to a hose with a
pressure gauge in the line.
• Make a connection to the inflatable seal with an airline, pressure regulator and gauge. There
should be a valve to shut off the air supply, but still maintain pressure on the inflatable seal and
pressure gauge.
• Inflate the inflatable seal with air to 0.6 MPa (6 bar) for 15 minutes. Close the valve to the
inflatable seal. Make sure that the pressure in the inflatable seal does not drop at a rate higher
than 0.6 bar. In case it is not possible to test the housing at a pressure of 0.6MPa (6 bar), make
sure that the inflatable seal has not a drop higher than 10% of the air pressure supplied.
• Supply water to the seal casing with a pressure of, at least, 2 times the standard draft pressure.
For example, a 3-meter draft should supply about 0.07 MPa (0.7 bar) water pressure.
• Maintain this water pressure for 15 minutes and check for leaks from the sealing ring.

Testing during undocking:

• Open the vent plug on top of the housing to vent any air from the stern tube.
• Once a good flow of water is observed, close the vent plug.
• Open the vent and watch for a good flow of water. Inflate the inflatable seal to about 0.6 MPa (6
bar). The water flow should stop immediately.
• After maintaining pressure for a few minutes on the inflatable seal, deflate the inflatable seal and
watch the vent. There should be a good flow of water again. Close the vent plug.
• Check the seal assembly and mounting flanges for leaks.
• Once completely undocked, check the water pressure on the FWD seal. The pressure should not
exceed 1.5 bar.

Please check the final steps according to Table 5.

Table 5: Installation check sheet

Step Description Completed

11 Make any necessary water connections / or check the current situation

12 Make air fitting connections/ or check the current situation

13 Test seal assembly according to testing instructions

14
OPERATION
For normal operation, please make sure you follow these rules:

• Keep all the sea water piping valves open.

• Make sure the air piping or fittings for the inflatable seal are vented to atmospheric pressure and
not plugged.
• Check the seal assembly daily for leakages and check the housing temperature (see Appendix B).
A little leakage of water from the sealing ring is acceptable since it allows lubrication and cooling
(see table 7).
• If any welding or hot work has to be done near the seal assembly, make sure it is protected
(especially the spare sealing ring).

In case of excessive water leakage during normal operation, refer to the trouble shooting chart (Appendix
A).

15
 4.1 Inspection

To ensure the working of the PRIME Blue seal, the system has to be checked regularly. All the checks of
the components are shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Part inspection list

Inspection Frequency Inspection / Maintenance Extra information
Amount of water leakage (L/day):

Max. Leakage
Check if there is any water leakage, an Seal size
(L/24h)
increase or decrease in leakage rate. A little
Seal assembly (housing) xx to 190 35
1 time a day leakage of water from the sealing in
acceptable on account of lubrication and 210 to 310 45
cooling. 310 to xxx 75

Pressure gauge to be positioned in

Pressure of supplied water 1 time a day Check that it is below 1.5 bar.
close vicinity of the seal
Increase frequency of inspection if the
Sea water filter (if fitted) 1 time a week Check the filter.
filter clogs up. Clean if needed.
Check the silver brush condition. Check for
Grounding service 1 time a week Clean if necessary.
dirt and oil on the sliding surface.
Inspection to be done before docking.
There should be no leakage of water
All air in the inflatable seal should be
Inflatable seal 1 time a year through the vent plug at an air pressure of
released after the inspection.
0.3 - 0.6 MPa (3 - 6 bar).
Shaft MUST BE stopped.
Inspect sealing ring by normal overhaul Check for excessive wear or
procedure for PRIME Blue. deformation of the sealing ring.
Inspect grooves on the seal and spring. Also
Debris in grooves can cause excessive
check behind sealing ring for debris which
heat and wear.
Major inspection 1 time a year would prevent water flow.
If the wear is over 0.5mm, it should be
Check the condition of the mating ring.
machined or reversed (Chapter 6.2).
Check the condition of the shaft sleeve If the sleeve is damaged, it should be
surface. repaired.

16
 4.2 Part replacement interval

Table 8: Part replacement list

Part: Normal maintenance replacement: Incidental Maintenance replacement:

Sealing ring The replacement time will be shorter when vessel has a
Every 2 to 4 years
(incl. spring) deep draft.
It is recommended to change out the inflatable seal when
Inflatable seal Every 5 years
shaft is withdrawn.
Mating ring When amount of machining exceeds “A”
(mating ring can be used both sides)

• If the wear is more than 0.5mm the mating ring can be

reconditioned by machining on a lathe.

• If the wear is less than 0.5mm, finish it as flat as

possible by using medium grit (240) sandpaper or
equivalent.

O-ring should always be replaced after it has been

O-ring When removing the mating ring
compressed.

If the ship is in dock due to maintenance, there could be a possibility to machine the shaft/sleeve. In Table
9 you can find when the seals or mating ring have to be replaced.

Table 9: Limits of adjustments of sleeve

Seal size Ø Shaft/shaft sleeve reduction by Sealing ring Mating ring Inflatable seal
Machining (mm)
110 – 190 0(mm)
–1 X X X
machine
2 –6 (mm) New X X
7 – 10 New New X
210 – 310 0–2 X X X
3–6 New X X
7 – 10 New New X
330 – 390 0–2 X X X
3–6 New X X
7 – 10 New New X
410 – 490 0–3 X X X
4–6 New X X
7 – 10 New New X
510 - 590 0–4 X X X
4–6 New X X
7 – 10 New New X
X) no replacement required

17
 4.3 Sealing ring replacement (in situ)

In case the sealing ring replacement is required, the following steps should be carried out:

1. Stop the shaft and prevent it from turning.

2. Inflate the inflatable seal to 0.3 MPa. The seal can be inflated up to 0.6 MPa without danger of
damaging the seal.
3. Unwrap and clean the spare seal, make sure there is no grease on the sealing ring. Check for
damages.

Please, make sure the shaft is not rotating when the inflatable seal is under pressure. It will damage the
inflatable and replacement will be mandatory.

4. Open the vent at the top of the seal assembly to make sure there is no water flowing past the
inflatable seal. If you cannot stop the water flow with the inflatable, a diver is needed to close the
stern tube on the AFT side.
5. When the water flow is fully stopped, remove the bolts from the mating ring flange. Split the mating
ring. Note that there are dowel pins in the mating ring. Be careful not to damage or lose these pins.
6. Slide the damaged seal out of the housing, disconnect the garter spring, cut the old seal, and remove.
7. Bolt the mating ring halves back together on the FWD side of the spare seal, using Loctite 510 to seal
the split section. Check if the mating ring surfaces are smooth. If not, smooth the surfaces with
sandpaper (grade 400).
8. Use a new O-ring.
9. Use the mating ring to slide the spare seal into the housing.
10. Check the position of the mating ring according to the dowel pins. Bolt the mating ring flange to the
casing.
11. Deflate the inflatable seal, make sure that there is water flowing from the vent and close the vent.
Check the seal for leaks.

Double check that the inflatable seal is not pressurized.

12. Once the above steps are completed the shaft can be rotated again.

Figure 9: Seal renewal steps

18
APPENDIX
Appendix A: Trouble shooting of the PRIME Blue sealing
Method of Detected
Term Normal condition Cause of trouble First course of action
i ns p ec ti on abnormality
High water pressure Adjust water pressure
Inflation of the
Release air from inflatable sealing ring
inflatable sealing ring
Warm Too hot to touch Fishing net caught
1 Temp. of the mating ring Hand inspection Remove fishing net
Less than 50°C Smell of burning rubber on propeller
Improperly installed Disassemble mating ring, apply grease on
sealing ring the shaft sleeve and reset sealing ring

Air lock near sealing ring Bleed air from housing

Something caught
Disassemble mating ring, clean mating ring
between the seal and
and sealing ring.
the mating ring
Shaft rotating:
Warped sealing ring Pour hot (70~80°C) water on sealing ring
Max leakage
Seal size Worn sealing ring Replace sealing ring with spare on shaft
(ltr/24h)
xx to 190 40 Leakage 100 - 200 ltr/24h
Machine mating ring or turn to the face.
Visual inspection Worn mating ring
210 to 310 50 Temporary repair: using sandpaper or grinder,
Amount of water and measurement (more than 0.5mm wear)
2 330 to xx 80 flatten as much as possible.
leakage of the water There should be no
leakage. leakage between the Sealing ring hardens
Shaft stationary: sealing ring and the shaft. due to low water Pour hot (70~80°C) water on the sealing ring
Leakage ≤ 50 L/day temperature
Something caught
between sealing ring and Slide sealing ring out, clean shaft sleeve and
shaft sleeve inside of the sealing ring

Rubber adhesive fails Replace sealing ring with spare on shaft

Mating ring too hot to
Check pressure gauge See term.1 See term.1. Clean inside of seal assembly box.
touch
3 Supply water pressure G2 Hand inspection Draft pressure + 0.01~0.03 MPa
Damaged stern
A large amount of water
Visual inspection
leakage tube bearing
Replace as soon as possible. Normally this
Inflatable seal cannot be Inflatable seal repair done in dry dock. However, in an
With shaft stationary, Air pressure drop is within inflated and water leakage damaged emergency, repair may be done afloat by
inflate ring to 0,3~0,6 10% per hour. from air supply line. plugging stern boss.
4 Inflatable seal
MPa; inspect for
Insufficient air pressure Increase air pressure (max. 1,0 MPa)
water leakage No sea water leakage Inflatable seal inflates but
leaks sea water. Supply water line valve
Close the valve
left open

19
 Appendix C: Painting the shaft

This application sheet is meant to be used for applying Interprotect Primer on the surface of the shaft or
shaft sleeve, whenever you install a 'PRIME Blue stern tube seal'. The purpose of the painting is to protect
the seal ring and shaft or shaft sleeve from abrasion, wear and corrosion.

1. Material designation

The PRIME Blue paint (Interprotect Primer) is a two component, high build, epoxy primer / coating. The
paint set normally includes:

• 750ml of paint
- Epoxy paint (part A)
- Hardener (part B)
• 2 rollers
• 1 roller pan including handle
• Waterproof sandpaper (180 / 600 / 1200)

In case we have not supplied the paint, any other equivalent two-component, high build and epoxy
primer can be used. Normally this kind of paint is available onboard for use on the inside of the sea water
ballast tanks.

2. Features of the paint

• Quick drying
• Excellent anticorrosive protection
• Good abrasion and wear resistance
• Easy to sand
• Can be repainted with itself for up to six months

3. Product information

• Colour: Grey or white

• Finish: Matt
• Mix Ratio: 3:1 by volume
• Typical Shelf Life: 2 years
• Method of Application: brush or roller

Version 13th February 2023 1

 4. Painting conditions

• Painting should be done between 5°C and 35°C.

• Do not use the primer below 5ºC.
• Only use in areas with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing in the paint
• Do not apply when there is a chance of condensation forming on the shaft or shaft sleeve.
• Always place the lid on the can after use because solvents will evaporate.
• Do not apply over conventional (one-pack) coatings.

5. Painting procedure

1. Clean and degrease the painting area (shaft or sleeve) with solvent or similar product. Be sure
dust, traces of oil or grease are removed.

2. In order to improve the adhesion of the paint, the painting area can be lightly sanded using
fine sanding paper.

3. Stir or shake individual components thoroughly. Mix and stir both paints in the roller pan and
leave for 10 minutes to allow bubbles to disperse.

4. A total of 2 coats should be applied. Apply the first coat by roller. Take the temperature of the
shaft and check the drying time according to “Table 1: Overcoating drying times according to
shaft’s temperature”. The information can be found in Section 6 – Overcoating times.

5. After the required drying time for overcoats, second layer can be applied. In case there is any
doubt if the first coat is dried enough, it can be checked using the “Thumb Print Test”. If the
primer feels tacky and you can leave a thumb print in the paint film without getting any paint
on your thumb, then InterProtect is ready for overcoating.

6. After painting the second coat, it needs to be completely dry before the PRIME Blue seal can
be fitted. The required time can be checked in “Table 2: Drying”, in Section 7 – Final Drying.
Furthermore, in the same table, the useable time of the painting after mixing is mentioned
according to the temperature (Pot life).

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 6. Overcoating times

As mentioned before, a total of two coats should be applied. The second coat can be applied after the
required drying time, which will be in function of the shaft temperature. As mentioned in Section 4.
Painting procedures - Step 5, the temperature of the shaft needs to be taken and drying time will be
relative to this temperature. Check Table 1 for this information.

For example, if the temperature of the shaft is 25°C, then it is necessary a minimum dry time of 3 hours
between coats.

Table 1: Overcoating drying times according to shaft’s temperature.

OVERCOATING
Shaft Tª
5°C (41°F) 15°C (59°F) 25°C (77°F) 35°C (95°F)
Paint
Interprotect (same paint) 10h 5h 3h 2h

7. Final drying

When the second coat has been applied, a minimum drying time has to be taken in account before the
seal is fitted. The following table describes the drying time according to the temperature. The table
mentions the following terms, which will be explained to avoid misunderstanding:

• Hard dry: The condition of the film in which it is dry throughout its thickness. This through
drying state is determined by the use of a thumb which, under specified pressure,
torsion and time, does not mark or damage the film. This is the condition which needs to be
reached before installation of the PRIME Blue seal.

• Pot life: is the time from mixing the two packs together to the point at which the mixed paint
is no longer useable. It is also known as the working time or useable life.

Table 2: Final drying times

FINAL DRYING
Tª
5ºC (41ºF) 15ºC (59ºF) 25ºC (77ºF) 35ºC (95ºF)
Dry
Hard Dry 24h 18h 12h 8h
Pot life 10h 5h 3h 2h

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 Appendix C: Mounting the SED

By purchasing the PRIME Blue seal assembly, the Shaft Earthing Device (SED) should be applied. AEGIR-
Marine always supplies specially made SED. To mount the SED properly, please follow these steps:

Steps Description Completed

1 Determine the location of the SED

2 Make suitable brackets for the spindles, brush holders and brushes
3 Check the alignment of the mounting holes
4 Clean the shaft with a solvent
5 Bend the slip ring slightly open (without causing severe deformation) and place it around the shaft
6 Place the mounting bands around the slip ring. Do not tight the mounting bands
7 Place the clamps of the mounting band near the joint (NOT ON THE JOINT)
Tighten the mounting band by turning the screw on the clamp until some resistance is felt. Tighten the
8
other band in the same way. Be careful not to over tighten. The rings will be fully tightened in step 10.
Check around the circumference of the propeller shaft if the slip ring is flush against the surface of the
9
shaft.
10 Tighten the mounting band by turning the screw on the clamp until medium resistance is felt.
11 Install the spindles in brackets and tighten nuts.
Take the double brush holder and slide it over the non-insulated spindle as close to the bracket as
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possible. Tighten the mounting screw while leaving some movement possible of brush holder.
13 Turn brush holder until bottom is parallel with surface of the shaft. Tighten screw.
Bend the arms of the brush holder so that bottom of the arms are transverse/tangent with the shaft. At
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distance of 3 mm.
Reduce the spring tension of the brush tensioner of the brush holder to a minimum by turning the
15 square nut on top of the spring counter clockwise until tension is just sufficient to press the brush to
the slip ring.
16 Insert the brushes in the brush holder and close the tensioner.
Install the cable eyes of the cables of the brushes on the brush holder at the designated screws. The
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screws nearest to the spindle should be used to obtain lowest electrical resistance.
18 Connect a grounding cable from the double brush holder to the ship’s hull
When the assembly is provided with the monitoring option: Take the single brush holder and slide it over
19 the insulated spindle. As close to the bracket as possible. Tighten the mounting screw while leaving some
movement possible of brush holder.
20 Connect the signaling cable to the holder using cable eyes and the designated screws on the holder.
Connect the cable to the millivolt-meter and connect the shielding of the signal cable to the ground near
21
the millivolt meter (if applicable).
22 Make sure the mounting band and clamps do not hit the brushes, holders or spindles.

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 Appendix D: Drawings

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