Designing for Productivity: A Standardized Coal-Fired Propulsion Plant

Abstract

A design for a 26 000-shp standardized coal-fired steam turbine propulsion plant using product work breakdown structure (PWBS) or group technology techniques was developed for the Maritime Administration. The purpose of the design was to provide a design package for a production approach which could reduce machinery outfitting cost and time by one third. Emphasis was placed on piping within the main machinery space. In the concept and preliminary design phases, the machinery box was developed to fit within the hull lines of an 80 000, 144 000, and 180 000-dwt collier. Propeller size, shaft line, and rpm were defined; the steam cycle was selected; and initial machinery arrangements were developed for both a dual boiler and a single boiler plant. During contract design, machinery specifications, schematic diagrams, arrangements, and procurement specifications were developed. In production design, standards were developed, schematic diagrams were revised, and piping diagrammatic arrangements, composites, material lists, and purchase orders for components were prepared. A production philosophy and build strategy also were developed. This effort made use of the PWBS approach presented in the MarAd National Shipbuilding Research Program reports[1–5]3