Chain Stopper, also known as cable stopper or anchor chain stopper, is an essential device on ships. The following is an introduction to it:
Definition and Function
It is a device installed between the windlass and the hawsepipe. Its main function is to secure the anchor chain and prevent it from slipping out. When the ship is at anchor, it transfers the tension generated by the anchor and the anchor chain to the ship's hull, reducing the load on the windlass and protecting it. During navigation, it bears the gravity and inertial force of the anchor, keeping the anchor in the hawsepipe close to the ship's hull to avoid collisions.
Types
- Screw Chain Stopper: It consists of two clamping plates and a screw with right and left hand threads, which is equipped with a crank. When the crank is rotated to clamp the two plates, the anchor chain can be gripped. Reversing the operation releases the plates and allows the anchor chain to move freely. Although its tightening and loosening actions are relatively slow, it is simple and reliable in structure, and is often used on medium and small-sized ships.
- Guillotine Chain Stopper: It stops the anchor chain by using a guillotine to clamp the vertical link passing through the guide groove. It has a simple structure and can be operated quickly. However, it tends to be bulky when its size is large, so it is generally used on small and medium-sized ships.
- Chain-type Chain Stopper: It is composed of a chain hook, a telescopic screw and a short chain. It is fixed on the deck with a shackle. During use, the chain hook is hooked on the horizontal link of the anchor chain, and then the telescopic screw is tightened to tension the anchor chain. It is often used in conjunction with the screw chain stopper as an auxiliary device.
Application Areas
It is mainly used in various types of ships and is an important part of the ship's anchoring equipment. Whether it is a merchant ship, a yacht or other types of ships, chain stoppers are needed to ensure the effective control of the anchor chain and the safe anchoring of the ship.
Technical Requirements
According to the regulations of relevant classification societies, chain stoppers should be able to withstand a considerable proportion of the anchor chain's test load or minimum breaking load. And the stressed components should remain intact without obvious deformation or damage when subjected to the specified load.
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