WDD007

Marine Engineering for Navigators

Pumps
 What is a pump?
A pump is a machine for transporting fluids from one location to another.
Energy is supplied to a pump, either mechanical or electrical energy, and the
pump converts this energy into an increase in the kinetic energy of the fluid
being moved.
Positive displacement Rotodynamic

Reciprocating
Rotary
Centrifugal Axial Flow

Mono Vane Lobe Gear Screw

Volute Diffuser
Positive Displacement Pumps
There are many different types of positive displacement pumps but all have two important features

1) Self priming. They will remove air from the suction pipe by their own action.(may need fluid
filled in the pump to provide lubrication at start up)

2) In operation the discharge pressure is in theory infinity and therefore all have a relief device
fitted on the discharge side.

A Positive Displacement Pump has an expanding cavity on the suction side and a
decreasing cavity on the discharge side. Liquid flows into the pumps as the cavity on
the suction side expands and the liquid flows out of the discharge as the cavity
collapses. The volume is a constant given each cycle of operation.
You tube links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YI9xEQMoG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6To-bgL4GE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Wszv1wUMk&index=6&list=PLDN1cSpZU14YZAFlbJvUs2ttB
Ehj8CVth
Rotodynamic Pumps
There are two types of these pumps Axial and Centrifugal

Both work by increasing the kinetic energy in the fluid and then this energy of velocity is converted
into pressure by reducing the velocity.

When pumping liquids these pumps need a separate priming mechanism if the suction pipe
contains air.

A rotodynamic pump designed for fluid cannot effectively move air due to the low viscosity of air.

Note: a propeller is a form of axial pump.

Suction and Pressure

Suction in reality there is no such thing as suction ?????

In all pumps we create a low pressure area and atmospheric pressure or head pressure forces the
fluid into the low pressure space.

Pressure. Pressure is a resistance in a fluid to flow in the system. This resistance can be either
internal or external. Internal resistance is dependant on viscosity. External resistance is dependant on
the design of the system or other components in the system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaEHVpKc-1Q
Flow v Pressure characteristics
Positive displacement pumps High pressure Low flow

Rotodynamic pumps High flow Low pressure

Typical system usage:-

Positive displacement,
Bilge pumps in ER; Fuel pumps transfer, supply, booster; Fuel pumps on engines; Hydraulic systems;
Boiler feedwater system;

Rotodynamic,
Sea water cooling system; Ballast system; Engine cooling system; Fire pumps; Cargo discharge systems;
Ventilation systems;
Eductors are used in various applications on
ships.
1) Chain locker bilge water disposal.
Operating liquid is usually supplied from
the fire main.
2) Bulk carrier hold bilges. When hold
cleaning requires the water to be
discharged directly over the side.
3) Fire fighting foam making machines

4) Chemical dosing into systems such as

boiler water feedwater, or sea water
circulating system
Operational problems with pumping systems

Hold bilges will not pump out

1) Are the correct valves open/closed
2) Is the pump running, and in the right direction
3) Is there a vacuum reading on the suction side of the pump
4) Does the pump need priming
5) Is the bilge strum box clean
6) Is the bilge pump suction strainer clean

Ballast tanks will not fill/empty

1) Are the correct valves open/closed
2) Are the vents open
3) Is the pump running in the right direction
4) Can you gravity fill
5) Emptying. Does the pump need priming
6) Emptying DB tanks. Is there vacuum reading on suction side of the pump
7) Emptying Wing tanks. Is there a pressure on the suction side of the pump.