Marine Pitch Control Systems
Technical Support • Maintenance • Repairs • Retrofits
⚓ Comprehensive Support for Your Vessel’s CPP System
AUTOMATOS KOSMOS 4U provides troubleshooting, maintenance, repair and modernisation services for Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) control systems.
With expertise in marine automation, we assess the installation as a complete system: from bridge controls and electronic boards to position sensors, electrohydraulic valves and interfaces with the main engine and gearbox.
We support both legacy analogue systems and modern PLC installations, identifying the appropriate solution for each application: adjustment, repair, component replacement or a complete control system retrofit.
⚓ Pitch Control & Position Feedback
Correct matching between the pitch command and actual propeller pitch is essential for smooth propulsion system operation.
✅ Verification of pitch commands against actual pitch position.
✅ Inspection of position sensors, potentiometers and feedback signals.
✅ Zero-pitch verification and adjustment.
✅ Inspection of zero-position confirmation sensors or switches, where fitted.
✅ Calibration of indications, travel limits and signal scaling.
✅ Investigation of deviations, instability, delayed response and non-linear behaviour.
⚓ Bridge Controls & Control Transfer
We check the complete command path, from the operating lever to the system’s response, together with coordination between the available control stations.
✅ Inspection of control levers, potentiometers and selector switches.
✅ Comparison of bridge and local control commands.
✅ Verification of station selection and control transfer.
✅ Checks of active station and operating status indications.
✅ Testing of local and backup controls, according to the system configuration.
⚓ Coordination of Pitch, Engine Speed & Load
CPP operation is closely linked to main engine speed and load. We assess the interaction between signals and controllers according to the installation’s design.
✅ Verification of combined pitch and engine speed commands — Combinator Control.
✅ Checks of constant-speed and variable-speed operating modes, where applicable.
✅ Inspection of speed sensors and engine load signals.
✅ Verification of interfaces with the engine governor.
✅ Checks of load limitation and automatic pitch reduction functions, where provided.
✅ Adjustment of pitch change rate and response within the specified operating limits.
⚓ Hydraulic Power Unit & Pressure Monitoring
We assess the interaction between the electrical controls and the CPP hydraulic power unit to identify faults affecting commands, actuation or feedback.
✅ Functional checks of CPP pumps and their control circuits.
✅ Verification of duty and standby pump operation and automatic changeover, where provided.
✅ Checks of operating pressures, pressure switches and pressure transmitters.
✅ Inspection of solenoid valves, proportional valves, coils and associated driver circuits.
✅ Investigation of slow response or failure to change pitch.
✅ Verification of oil pressure, level and temperature alarms, according to the installed equipment.
⚓ Gearbox, Clutches & Interlocks
We inspect the signals and control functions linking the pitch control system with the gearbox, clutches and propulsion protection circuits.
✅ Verification of clutch engagement and disengagement commands and feedback.
✅ Checks of zero-pitch and permissible-speed conditions.
✅ Inspection of lubricating oil and clutch pressure signals.
✅ Verification of alarms and interfaces with the main engine.
✅ Testing of interlocks and operating permissives.
✅ Verification of the specified response to signal loss, pressure loss or power failure.
Checks are performed according to the technical documentation and operating requirements of the installation.
⚓ Maintenance & Repair of Existing Systems
We provide preventive and corrective maintenance to preserve system functionality and restore existing equipment to working order.
✅ Inspection of power supplies, wiring, terminals and connections.
✅ Troubleshooting of analogue and digital control circuits.
✅ Assessment and repair of legacy electronic boards, subject to repair feasibility.
✅ Inspection of signal amplifiers, converters and isolators.
✅ Replacement of faulty components and subsequent system adjustment.
✅ Supply of compatible spare parts, sensors and control equipment.
⚓ PLC & HMI Retrofit
Where modernisation is required, we replace legacy electronic control units with modern PLC architecture and HMI operator interfaces, retaining existing equipment wherever technically feasible.
✅ Onboard assessment and review of existing system operation.
✅ Control panel retrofit and control software development.
✅ Implementation of operating sequences, limits and interlocks.
✅ Display of pitch, RPM, engine load and clutch status.
✅ Alarms, diagnostic indications and access to system parameters.
✅ Solutions for single and twin propulsion line installations.
⚓ Testing & Commissioning
We complete our work with signal verification, adjustments and functional testing. Where included in the agreed scope, we attend sea trials to verify system response under actual operating conditions.
From a pitch indication discrepancy to a complete propulsion control retrofit, our team delivers technical support tailored to your vessel’s requirements.
AUTOMATOS KOSMOS 4U
Marine Expertise. Complete Control.
Marine Automation • Technical Support • Electronic Repairs • Spare Parts • PLC & HMI Retrofits
Contact our team for troubleshooting, maintenance or modernisation of your vessel’s pitch control system.
