ALL ABOUT ROTOCAP

Note : THE ROTOCAP IS ONLY FOR THE EXHAUST VALVE.

Exhaust valves are subjected to high temperature and shoot. This can sometimes leads to valve
seizure, heavy shoot deposits and local Overheating. A Rotocap is used to protect the exhaust
valve from above concerns extending its overall life. It is fitted on the exhaust valves of auxiliary
or medium speed engines. Main engines have rotating vanes fitted to them instead of Rotocap
to help them rotate.

Function Of Rotocap

A Rotocap is a simple device used for forced valve rotation. A Rotocap is fitted on the exhaust
valves of medium speed engines; they are also being used in automobile industry for vehicles
with high power and low speed. It turns the valve spindle during opening of the valve to ensure
even heat transfer around the valve seat. Thus helps avoid local hot-spots, pitting and distortion
due to uneven heating.
It also help reduce abrasive wear and shoot deposits on the valve seat and valve guide. It avoid
uneven or unintentional rotation of exhaust valves by rotating the valve by 8 degree on each
operation; increasing overall life of the valves. It avoids exhaust valve from a situation called
burning. When heavy shoot deposits on valve seat due to Rotocap failure; exhaust valve stops to
seat correctly. This allows the hot flue gas to pass through the valve face.
Such condition leads to local overheating, weakening the valve material. This helps further
weakening of the valve producing a chain reaction making more and more gap for gas to pass
overtime.

Construction

A Rotocap is a self contained assembly of balls and ramps. It is a positive type of valve rotor
structure which consists of a valve plate with six slots machined into it for balls to roll. Each
slots have a separate set of spring and ball placed into it; where each ball is pressed upon by
these small springs. While the valve is in closed position; the belville springs locks the spring
carrier and valve cover together. This contains a complete set of spiral / Helical coil seat.
When valve is in closed position, the balls are free to move over the grooves. Each ball race
works as a path or track for these balls to move / roll while the spring washer sits against the
rim of Rotocap. It is constructed to retain the valve rotor when the retaining rings are removed.

Working of Rotocap

Increasing load on the valve spring during start of exhaust ( Opening of exhaust valve ) make the
spring washer flat. The force applied on the balls placed on race / track leads the ball to move
freely on the inclined tracks. This transfer the reactive force of ball to the spring washer; while
the reactive force of spring washer being transfered to inner rim of the valve body.

During these process, spring loaded seat and valve assembly rotates to the same degree. This
ensures spring washer, valve spring, ball race / track and collar locked together on a friction grip.
As the valve start to close, the belville washer starts to return to its original position; lifting the
ball against the small compression spring. This turns the valve assembly and spring holder to its
natural position ensuring no further movement of the balls.

Maintenance

During preventive maintenance of cylinder head; Individual components are to be dismantled

and checked for any signs of crack or damage. This is applicable for all valves, its seat, their
guides and valve springs. If Rotocap is fitted ( generally for auxiliary and medium speed
engines ) then strip it out, clean and then inspect.

If there is signs of defect or irregularity in the device, change it with a spare if available. Under
the condition of lack of spare available or not much signs of defects; then disassemble the
Rotocap for maintenance. Make sure to renew all the springs, clean all tracks and check ball
condition. It is to be ensured that the balls are perfectly round with spring washers in good
condition.

Last modified: 20 Oct 2019