Soft starters for Seismic research

Driving Main Propulsion
Schottel Azimuth Thrusters
Motor ratings: 1800A/690V

Research vessels spend a lot of time maneuvering at sea to be situated accurately above a possible seismic location and remain at that location using propulsion power. The CGG Fohn is designed to maintain its position using its Schottel made, variable pitch propelled, 360o azimuth thrusters. Since the motors are at 1.2MW each, the high inrush current associated with motor starting would require oversized generating capabilities. When the marine engineers were designing the CGG Fohn, they turned to Solcon for the most dependable soft-starting solution available to ensure continuous performance under intensive and adverse conditions of constant vibrations, temperature variations and corrosive environmental conditions.

Soft-starters for main propulsion eliminate the initial torque surge on the shaft, the voltage drop associated with starting large motors and reduce wear and tear from the mechanical system.

Marine engineers know to depend on Solcon when high quality and long term reliability in adverse conditions are essential.\

Illustration: Main Propulsion Azimuth Thruster	RVS-DN 1800A

The CGG Fohn depends on Solcon to soft-start its azimuth thrusters and maintain its position for seismic research.