Launched the first Voith tugboat "Harbour 108" in China
The first Voith tugboat, "Harbour 108," recently made its debut with a grand launching ceremony at the Sanlin Shipyard in Pudong, Shanghai. This state-of-the-art vessel was developed by Shanghai Deepwater Port Shipping Co., Ltd. and built by Sanlin Shipyard under the Shanghai Port Renaissance Shipping Company. It features cutting-edge Voith Turbo Technology, a global leader in drive and braking systems. The ship is equipped with the unique Voith Schneider (r) propeller, a revolutionary VSP straight blade paddle system that allows full rotation, making it highly maneuverable. Scheduled for completion and delivery in October, this tugboat marks a milestone as the first of its kind to be designed, constructed, and deployed within Chinese ports.
Dr. Fulunbach, Director and Vice President of Voith Turbo Group, Dr. Su Mingyue, Managing Director of Voith Turbo China, along with other key executives from both Shanghai Port Renaissance Shipping Company and Shanghai Deepwater Port Shipping Co., Ltd., were present at the event. Their presence highlighted the significance of this project, which is part of the larger Shanghai Deepwater Port development—a major Asian port infrastructure initiative.
As one of the most critical projects during Shanghai’s “Eleventh Five-Year Plan,†the deep-water port has drawn significant attention since its construction began in 2002. By 2006, preparations for the Harbour 108 project were underway. After extensive research and evaluation of international tugboat technologies, the decision was made to adopt the advanced Voith-type tugboat, marking a strategic shift for the company in 2007.
Dr. Fulunbach emphasized the importance of the project: “The Shanghai Deepwater Port Project is not only vital for China’s growth but also attracts global interest. Voith Turbo is proud to support this major initiative. In 2006 and 2007, we supplied six Voith Schneider (r) propellers for the tugboats, achieving a breakthrough in our drive shipping business in China and laying a solid foundation for future service and product improvements.â€
The Voith tugboat stands out for its high performance and versatility, used in major ports worldwide. It is the only tugboat to have received the prestigious BAT (Best Marine Technology) award. Its design ensures enhanced safety for large vessels and ports. Unlike traditional Z-type rudder propellers commonly found in domestic ports, the Voith model uses direct-leaf propellers from Voith Turbo Drive GmbH, offering greater power, reliability in harsh weather, and reduced maintenance costs.
Additionally, the unmanned cabin design minimizes crew size and workload, boosting the technical sophistication of the vessel. Jiang Huiliang, General Manager of Shanghai Port Renaissance Shipping Company and Director of Shanghai Deepwater Port Shipping Co., Ltd., stated: “As the first mainland Chinese company to build a Voith tugboat, this move aims to elevate our technical standards and introduce advanced European and American operational models. This will help us better serve the Yangshan Deepwater Port and establish ourselves as a top-tier tugboat enterprise.â€
Voith Group, a leading partner in key industrial sectors, includes Voith Turbo as a subsidiary specializing in hydraulic drives, couplings, and brake systems for marine and industrial use. In the fiscal year 2005/2006, Voith Turbo achieved sales of 894 million euros, representing 24% of the group's total revenue. Orders rose by 13.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 931 million euros.
Founded on January 1, 1867, the Voith Group is Europe’s largest family-owned company, operating 250 branches globally, employing 34,000 people, and generating annual sales of 3.7 billion euros. As an official partner of “Germany – the Country of Creativity,†Voith continues to lead in innovation across various industries.
High frequency induction heating system is a technology that uses high-frequency alternating current to generate eddy currents in metal workpieces to achieve heating. Its operating frequency is usually between several kilohertz to several hundred kilohertz, and even up to megahertz level. This heating method not only has fast heating speed and high efficiency, but also can achieve highly concentrated heating of metal workpieces, especially suitable for heating treatment of small-sized and complex shaped components.
working principle
The basic principle of high-frequency induction heating system is to use electromagnetic induction. When high-frequency current passes through an induction coil, a strong magnetic field is generated. When a metal workpiece placed in a magnetic field is subjected to magnetic force, eddy currents, or induced currents, are generated inside. These eddy currents convert electrical energy into thermal energy through Joule effect (resistance heating), resulting in rapid heating of the workpiece. It is worth noting that high-frequency current can cause significant skin effect, which means that heat is mainly concentrated on the surface of the workpiece, which is extremely beneficial for some applications that require surface hardening.
Main components
High frequency power supply: Provides high-frequency alternating current.
Induction coil: forms a high-frequency magnetic field.
Cooling system: Keep the coils and other components at a suitable operating temperature.
Control system: Adjust frequency and power, monitor heating process.
Fixtures: Position workpieces and optimize heating efficiency.
Characteristics and advantages
Fast heating speed: High frequency current can instantly heat the workpiece to the desired temperature.
High thermal efficiency: Most of the energy is directly applied to the workpiece, reducing energy loss.
Precise control: Heating depth and area can be controlled by adjusting frequency and power.
Flexibility: Suitable for workpieces of various shapes and sizes.
Pollution free: No harmful gases are produced, and the operating environment is cleaner.
application area
High frequency induction heating systems are widely used in multiple industries:
Metal processing: including welding, forging, and hot forming.
Heat treatment: surface quenching, tempering, annealing, etc.
Jewelry: Welding of gold and silver products.
Electronic components: Solder heating in semiconductor packaging.
Medical equipment: Welding of small components during the production of medical devices.
Automotive industry: Hot assembly of transmission gears, piston pins, and other components.
Development Trends
With the advancement of technology, high-frequency induction heating systems are developing towards higher frequencies, higher power, and greater intelligence. The application and technological improvement of new materials have further improved the energy efficiency of high-frequency induction heating systems, and also promoted their application expansion in emerging fields such as new energy vehicle battery manufacturing and composite material forming. The intelligent control system makes the heating process more precise, improving overall production efficiency and product quality.
Induction annealing,metal heat treatment services, induction hardening equipment, heating technology, industrial furnace
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