The chain locker closing devices are to be installed to ensure that the watertight integrity is maintained at all times thus shall be closed by default in order to avoid the otherwise unacceptable notch in the GZ curve and consequential reduction of allowable deck load capacity (payload).
The patented device consists of three major parts: The Covers c/w Seals; the Floating Hawse Pipe Extension and The Integrated Chain Guide.
The Covers
The covers consist of two halves with cut-outs for the chain and with integrated inflatable seals.
The Floating Pipe Extension
To overcome the problem of guiding the chain (very large loads and wide tolerances) accurately enough to ensure that the seal will "swallow" the gap, we have a “floating” upper pipe extension in order to make the whole covers and seal to centre itself in relation to the chain instead of the opposite.
The Optional Chain Guide
A special concept of including an integrated chain guide in the scope has been developed. The guide is bolted on to the interface flange as part of the devise and can easily be dismantled for service work.
