General Overview of Types of

Pumps on Ship
A ship consists of various types of fluids moving inside different machinery and systems
for the purpose of cooling, heating, lubrication, and as fuels. These liquids are circulated
by different types of pumps, which can be independently driven by ship power supply or
attached to the machinery itself. All the systems on board ship require proper
operational and compatible pump and pumping system so that ship can run on its
voyage smoothly.

The selection of a type of pump for a system depends on the characteristics of the fluid
to be pumped or circulated. Characteristics such as viscosity, density, surface tension
and compressibility, along with characteristics of the system such as required rate of
fluid, head to which the fluid is to be pumped, temperature encountered in the system,
and pressure tackled by the fluid in the system, are to be taken into account.

Types of Pumps

The pumps used on board are broadly classified into two types:

Positive Displacement Pump

Positive displacement pumps are self priming pumps and are normally used as priming
devices.

 They consist of one or more chambers, depending upon the construction, and the
chambers are alternatively filled and emptied.
 The positive displacement pumps are normally used where the discharge rate is
small to medium.
 They are popularly used where the viscosity of the fluid is high.
 They are generally used to produce high pressure in the pumping system.

Dynamic Pressure or Roto-Dynamic Pump.

 In dynamic pressure pump, during pumping action, tangential force is imparted

which accelerates the fluid normally by rotation of impeller.
 Some systems which contain dynamic pump may require positive displacement
pump for priming.
  They are normally used for moderate to high discharge rate.
 The pressure differential range for this type of pumps is in a range of low to
moderate.
 They are popularly used in a system where low viscosity fluids are used.

These broad classification of pumps are further differentiates by their constructional

properties and popularity of usage onboard ship;

Positive Displacement pump:

 Reciprocating Pump
 Screw pump
 Gear pump
 Piston pump
 Ram type pump
 Vane pump

Dynamic pressure pumps:

 Centrifugal pumps
 Axial flow pumps
 Submersible pump
 Centrifugal-axial (mixed) pump.
 Practical Tips to Handle Engine
Room Pumps
Almost every major machinery and operations on board ships are supported by pumps.
In fact none of the main machinery such as main engine or boiler can run without the
help of pumps. From supplying fuel to the engine to discharging cargo to the ports,
every single procedure is backed by a certain type of pump.

If you are an engineer working on ships, understanding pumps is inevitable to carry out
your duties on board ships. Knowing common problems in pumps and their symptoms is
extremely important for maritime professionals who want shipping operations to be
smooth and safe in the engine room.

Mentioned below are 10 practical tips which would help engineers to understand pumps on
board ships and troubleshoot problems related to them.

1. Temperature – While taking engine room rounds, check the motor temperature (by
thermal gun or by feeling the motor by the BACK of your hand). Any abnormality or
increase in temperature indicates a problem in the pump - motor assembly.
2. Current – Monitor the pump motor amperage regularly. Any variation or abnormal
change in the current indicates some kind of problem in the pumps.

3. Vibration – Continuous monitoring of pump vibrations is also very important. Any

sudden or gradual increase in the vibrations indicates one or all of these –
loose foundation, loose coupling, misalignment, shaft-bearing wear out etc.

4. Sound – Regular monitoring of the pump’s sound helps seafarers to recognize the
normal working sound of the pump and also helps to understand a problem from any
change in the usual sound.

5. Pressure – The main function of the pumps is to supply/transfer liquids or semi-

liquids with pressure. Ensure that the rated pressure is maintained at all times. If the
pressure reduces, check the pump and operations of associated parts (filters, valves
etc.).

6. Running Hours: Every mechanical part comes with limited running hours. Once the
running hours of the pump part is over, it needs to be renewed. Keep a proper note of
the running hours of pump parts and change them whenever required without fail.

7. Planned Maintenance: The Planned Maintenance System (PMS) of the pump is to

be followed and overhauling of the pumps is to be carried out at regular intervals of time
as stated.

8. Gland Packing and Seals: Ensure that the gland packing and mechanical seals of
the pumps are in proper condition. Any leakage in them is to be attended immediately
for ensuring proper operations.

9. Motor / Prime Mover Condition: A pump is driven by either an electric motor or a

prime mover engine. Ensure that the prime mover engine is in proper working condition
or the motor winding and its insulation etc. are in good condition at all times.

10. Correct Operating Procedure: There are several different types of pumps in the
ship’s engine room which require specific operating approach. Ensure you know the
correct operating sequence for different types of pumps. Check out The Ultimate Guide
to Operating Procedures for Engine Room Machinery for more information.
Common Problems Found in Pumps
on Board Ships
Pump is a type of machinery which is used in large numbers on board ships, both on
deck and engine side. Every seafarer working on ships must be aware of the basic
problems associated with pumps and practical ways to troubleshoot whenever the need
arises.

While handling pumps on board ships, you do not need to be an expert. All you need to
know is how to identify some basic signs and preventive actions which are to be taken
whenever required.

Mentioned below are some of the main problems that are associated with pumps on
board ships.

1. Delivery Failure – The pump is not able to deliver at the required pressure.

Check the following in order to tackle this issue:

 Ensure that the pump is primed properly

 Check if the pump is moving with sufficient speed
 Check for air leakage into the suction piping
 Ensure that the impeller/gear/screw or other liquid driving mechanism is not
broken or damaged
 The pump shaft should move in the right direction
 Check that the suction lift is not more than required
 Ensure the temperature of liquid is not below the “pump-able” limit of the pump.

2. Priming Failure – Priming is required in order to start most of the pumps. If the pump
is not able to prime properly, check the following:

 Leakage in pump joint

 Leakage in gland joint
 Air leakage
 Faulty priming drive

3. Inability to Build Pressure – If the pump is not able to build enough pressure in
order to ensure smooth flow of liquid, then check

 If the priming is done properly

 The air cocks are not open
  internal moving parts (impeller/ screw etc.) are not damaged
 Wear Rings are not worn out or damaged
 The pump is running at the right speed
 There are no other mechanical defects in the pump
 Check for cavitation in the casing of the pump

4. Excessive Vibration: Sometimes the pump vibrates a lot making a loud noise. If
there is a lot of vibration in the pump, check the following:

 Ensure that there is no loose foundation

 The alignment of the pump is proper
 There is no impeller imbalance or erosion
 There are no mechanical faults
 The distance piece between the pump shaft and motor shaft is of correct length
and is not worn out
 The coupling rubber bush pieces connecting the motor shaft and pump shaft are
not worn out
 There are no worn bearings or bent shafts

5. Reduced Capacity : Several times due to continuous running, the capacity of the
pump reduces drastically. If the capacity of the pump has been reduced or there is
insufficient capacity, check

 The pump is running at proper speed

 There is no air leakage
 There is no obstruction in the suction pipe
 Ensure that the suction lift and temperature are not too high
 The total dynamic head is not larger than the rated
 The setting of the pump relief valve is not below required value
6. Motor Overload

This is a very common pump problem found on board ships. If the pump motor
overloads, then immediately check if:

 The Speed of the pump is not high

 The quantity of liquid pumped is not too much
 The viscosity of the liquid is up to the mark
 Valves in the line are in closed position
 Problem or obstruction in the rotary parts of the pump

7. Loss of liquid

If the pump loses liquid, after starting or during running, check

 Check if the suction lift is as required

 Check for any kind of leakage in the suction line
 Check the temperature of the liquid
 Ensure the relief valve of the pump is set at right value to avoid loss of liquid to
overflow line