conventional outboard motor

An Innovative new steam engine, explained by its inventors as "an underwater jet engine", may soonbe powering speedboats and dinghies more cleanly, efficiently and safely compared to aconventional outboard motor.

Byusingtheenergyfromhigh-pressure steam to draw in water via an intake in front and expel it at high-speed throughout the rear,the Pursuit Marine Drive produces thrust. The steam emerges at. On average , 20 fire-relatedaccidents

and injuries occur upon boats every yearhigh-speed coming from a rearward-facing ring-shapednozzle in to a cone-shaped chamber, where it mixes using the water (see Graphic). Shock wavescreated since the steam condenses are focused through the chamber to blast water from the back.

The drive was invented by Australian engineer Alan Burns and developed in Britain by engineers atPursuit Dynamics in Royston, Hertfordshire. The other day, New Scientist witnessed a version just20 centimetres long develop around 30 horsepower (22 kilowatts) within a test tank, enough topower a speedboat. But the company says it minn kota for sale may be scaled as much as about 300horsepower.

Water flowing in to the engine draws in air using a vent in front of the steam jet. That is a crucialaspect of the style. Air bubbles change the way the steam mixes using the water, and thissignificantly improves the engine's efficiency.

Pursuit Dynamics is keeping the facts secret, although computer simulations have revealed how thisworks. "We understand the answer," says Mike Todman, the company's chief technical officer, whohad been previously chief engineer with the marine engine division of Rolls-Royce. But he says it willnot be revealed until patents are granted.

Steam to the drive is generated in a tiny boiler burning diesel or petrol. Engine Maintenance

? Don?t allow oil or even debris build-up

in the bilges.

? Inspect the particular lagging associated with engine

and heater exhausts regarding

damage along with deterioration as well as

nearby objects regarding heat damage

or charring.

? check exhaust systems associated with

inboard engines regarding leaks.

? check with regard to free gasoline joints,

damaged fuel tanks or

deteriorating hoses.The boiler can scavenge waste heat from conventional engines in case the driveis now being used to assist propulsion in a ship. It can be fed by seawater if needed.

The boiler might be constructed from corrosion-proof materials, of course, if the steam flows fastenough it is going to blast out every other deposits. Without moving internal parts, without anypropeller, the engine needs to be cheap to produce. If seaweed or rope are drawn into the inlet, it isadditionally robust, and may easily cope.

Water emerging through the engine is a maximum of 3 or 4[degrees]C warmer than the water itdraws in, so there is absolutely no danger of scalding. So that as it doesn't leak oil like conventionaloutboards, and possesses no propeller that may injure large sea creatures, it must be less damagingto the environment.

The steam drive also can work as an extremely robust pump. It may shift water, sewage or oil, andalso in a demonstration for first time Scientist Todman shoved large volumes of cardboard and lardin to the inlet without the pump suffering any ill effects. It could possibly even minn kota ipilot mixmaterials employed by the meal industry. "It doesn't simply mix--it macerates," says Todman.

Pursuithttp://www.boats.com/ Dynamics itself fails to plan to manufacture the engine. Instead, the corporation hopes bythe end of the year to get licensed other manufacturers making it.