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Pneumatic Stabilizers
The idea of using low air pressure to operate the stabilizer is very intriguing, yet quite simple. The response of air is significantly faster than the oil due to the viscosity effect. Air has negligible viscosity, so it flows faster within the system, allowing for pneumatic stabilizers to be effective much faster than hydraulic and gyro-wheel stabilizers. Gyro-Gale Stabilizers are effective within SECONDS of turning on the system, versus other systems that require 30-60 minutes to reach effectiveness. The pneumatic stabilizer is much simpler and more compact due to the non-existence of heavy high pressure lines, need for large equipment, excessive electric and electronic circuits. The compressibility of air, cushions the reaction of the stabilizing motion exerted on the yacht by the fins. Thus, producing a very pleasant and smooth ride. The safety factor of using low air pressure (100 psi) versus high pressure (1200 psi) and flammable hydraulic fluid is undeniable. Best of all, due to the low pressure, it is very rare that you would break a tube, but if you ever do, it?s not oil. It?s just plain, clean, dry air.
The brain of Gyro-Gale Stabilizers is a gyroscope (gyro); one may choose from our air-driven mechanical or electronic gyro lines. The stabilizing gyro spins continuously to activate and position two (or more) aero foil-shaped stabilizing fins, which project from the sides of the vessel. When the boat rolls, one side of the fins develops upward lift while the other side develops downward lift. The combination produces the required stabilizing torque, which counteracts the rolling force induced by the wave action.
Each stabilizing fin is operated by means of double-acting pneumatic cylinders, one for pulling and one for pushing. The piston in each cylinder is mechanically coupled to a drive shoe which turns the stabilizing fin. No resetting mechanism is used. The required fin angle for proper stabilization is obtained by balancing the hydrodynamic force generated by the fin against the pressure in the cylinder. This Gyro-Gale Stabilizers arrangement has the added advantage of allowing the fin to adjust its angle of attack according to the speed of the vessel.
Gyro-Gale Stabilizers are pneumatically operated and controlled, thus providing comfortable, smooth, quiet, and reliable air-cushioned stabilization. The stabilizer system comprises the latest advanced pneumatic equipment and devices. These components when interconnected, provide the simplest, yet most advanced and efficient stabilizing system.
The amount of air required to operate the Gyro-Gale Stabilizers ranges from 16-34 cfm at 120 psi depending on the size of the vessel. The necessary pressure is obtained by the Gyro-Gale Stabilizer’s modified compressors. The compressor may be motor-driven, belt-driven, or directly coupled to the main engine. For Gyro-Gale Stabilizers’ ZeroSpeed Stabilization, you may upgrade to an electrically driven compressor to eliminate the need for running the engines at anchor. Gyro-Gale Stabilizers offers various types of compressors to suit the various installations.