Mounting of the W.E.D.

Construction and fitting

Fitting the duct to the ship in dock takes only a few days and can be done during a routine dry docking period. The lower connection of the half rings to the hull is in way of stern tube boss. For subsequent fittings to a ship in service it is normally not necessary to withdraw the tail shaft. Alternations of stern tube bearing and shaft alignment from welding can be avoided or kept to an ignorable minimum by good workmanship and by welding the rings on both sides concurrently. Material used in the construction is normal shipbuilding steel. Higher grade materials are not necessary because neither the strength requirement nor any cavitations considerations demand their use.

 

The following animation shows the gradual mounting of the WED: