Castoldi used advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software when it designed a new range of hydrodynamically optimised waterjets for search and rescue vessels, patrol boats and fast ferries
CFD simulated water streams from the new Turbodrive 400 HCT waterjets enabling the Albairate, Italy-headquartered manufacturer to optimise its operations.
“Thanks to the very latest developments in fluid dynamics, the new Turbodrive 400 HCT is around 12% more efficient than the outgoing model and is interchangeable with it,” said Castoldi owner Giacomo Castoldi.
These have a 400-mm jet housing, a hydraulic gearbox, multi-disc clutch and high thrust efficiency for emergency response, safety, security and surveillance vessels, passenger and crew fast boats.
The first of these waterjets have been delivered to newbuild projects. Turbodrive 490 HCT units were supplied for an 18-m, 26-gt military craft with 1,190-kW of installed power and a top speed of 57 knots.
Another set of Turbodrive 490 HCT waterjets were supplied for an interceptor vessel built for Spain’s national customs surveillance service with a top speed of 56 knots.
Mr Castoldi said the Turbodrive 400 HCT range delivers improvements in acceleration, noise output, manoeuvrability and speed maintenance through sharp turns compared with the older series it replaces.
The heavy duty certified, hydraulic gearbox and multi-disc clutch enable the drive to be engaged and disengaged without stopping the engine.
This gearbox offers 21 gear ratios and is integrated into the jet casting in a compact design with a low-slung driveshaft, changing the whole geometry of the duct, as tested by CFD software.
Castoldi said these ducts are less ramped than other waterjets “leading to enhanced efficiency because the water the jet pumps is neither lifted as far nor requires such sharp changes in its direction of flow.”
These 509-kg Turbodrive 400 HCT waterjets have a duct unclogging system for back-flushing through an intake grid opening, a variety of control systems and an intuitive joystick-controlled helm system.
Castoldi introduced a reversing bucket geometry and increased hydraulic power for prompt and efficient crash-stop manoeuvres.
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