PHOTO COURTESY OSCAR PROPULSIONNew propeller technology that reduces the underwater radiated noise generated by propellers has been developed by U.K.-based Oscar Propulsion and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
“Underwater radiated noise is one of the most adverse environmental by-products from commercial shipping, yet unlike other forms of marine pollution, there is currently no international legislation in place to prevent or reduce the source of environmental damage,” Larks Eikeland, marine director with Oscar Propulsion, said in a statement.
The company’s patented PressurePores reduce cavitation, and thereby noise, by placing small holes in the propeller blades. The PressurePores can reduce cavitation volume by almost 14% and URN by up to 10 decibels, according to Oscar.
“Increasing noise levels, especially in the low-frequency range, is disorienting marine fauna and disrupting their communication signals, leading to behavioral changes or extinction,” Eikeland said. “We now have a cost-effective, easy-to-apply solution that prevents this from happening.
“So long as the right number of holes are placed in the most effective positions, a cavitation sweet spot can be achieved,” Eikeland added. “It’s not a case of simply drilling holes into the blades. We know exactly where to place the holes for maximum efficiency and for optimum noise reduction.”
