Process for thermal spraying the internal surface of a kort nozzle in situ

摘要

The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for thermally spray coating the inside surface of a hydro-drive device, namely a Kort, so as to improve hydro-flow thrust and reduce the consumption of fuel for a vessel comprising the adapted Kort. The process of the present invention comprises thermally spraying a thermoplastic material in the area of the interior wall of the Kort that comes in close proximity to the propeller of the hydro-drive device. The closer the propeller comes to the interior wall of the Kort, the less friction and cavitations produced. Since friction and cavitations increases fuel consumption of the vessel, any reduction in the clearance between the wall of the Kort and the propeller tips directly reduces fuel consumption. At the same time, a reduction in clearance also increases the thrust of the hydro-drive device.