Ventilations, bell-mouthed or cowl

Nautical Term: Ventilations, bell-mouthed or cowl

Definition of Ventilations, bell-mouthed or cowl

Ventilations, also referred to as bell-mouthed or cowl ventilations, are terminals on open decks designed to increase the supply and velocity of air. These ventilations are formed as a 90 degree elbow with enlarged or bell-shaped openings. This design enables the ventilation to obtain an increase in air supply when facing the wind and to increase the velocity of air down the ventilation pipe.

For example, during a transatlantic voyage, the captain may notice that the cargo hold on one side of the ship is becoming hotter than the other side. In response, the captain may order the crew to open the bell-mouthed ventilation on the hot side of the ship, allowing more air to flow through the cargo hold and help cool it down.

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