Pumping System Principles

1. Function of a Pump
State that the function of a marine pumps is to transfer fluid between two given points
Marine pumps play a crucial role in the operation of various systems onboard ships by transferring fluids between
two given points. Their functions and importance can be broadly described as follows:

1. Fluid Transfer

2. Maintaining System Pressures

3. Cooling Systems

4. Ballast Operations

5. Firefighting Systems

6. Bilge Management

7. Fuel Transfer

8. Sanitary and Freshwater Systems

1. Fluid Transfer:

Main Function: The primary

function of marine pumps is to
transfer fluids such as water, fuel,
oil, and other liquids from one
location to another within the ship's
systems. This can include moving
fluids between tanks, through
piping systems, or to and from
external sources.
2. Maintaining System
Pressures:

Pressure Management: Marine

pumps are used to maintain the
necessary pressure levels within
different shipboard systems,
ensuring that fluids are delivered at
the correct pressures for optimal
operation. This is critical for systems
like fuel injection, cooling, and
hydraulic operations.
3. Cooling Systems:

Engine Cooling: Marine pumps

circulate coolant through the
engine and auxiliary systems to
prevent overheating. Seawater or
freshwater cooling pumps ensure
that the engines and other heat-
generating equipment operate
within safe temperature ranges.
4. Ballast Operations:

Ballasting and Deballasting: Ballast

pumps transfer seawater into and
out of ballast tanks to maintain the
ship's stability, trim, and draft. This
is essential for the safe operation of
the vessel, particularly when
loading or unloading cargo.
5. Firefighting
Systems:

Fire Main Pumps: Marine pumps

are integral to the ship's firefighting
systems, providing high-pressure
water to fire mains, hydrants, and
sprinkler systems to combat
onboard fires.
6. Bilge Management:

Bilge Pumps: These pumps remove

water and other fluids from the
bilge areas (the lowest part of the
ship) to keep the vessel dry and
prevent flooding. Bilge pumps are
crucial for maintaining the ship's
structural integrity and stability.
7. Fuel Transfer:

Fuel Supply and Transfer: Marine

pumps move fuel from storage
tanks to the engine room or
between different fuel tanks. This
ensures a steady and reliable supply
of fuel to the ship's engines and
generators.
8. Sanitary and
Freshwater Systems:

Water Distribution: Pumps in the

freshwater system distribute
potable water throughout the ship,
including to accommodation areas,
galleys, and bathrooms. Sanitary
pumps manage the flow of sewage
and waste water to treatment or
holding tanks.
TYPES OF PUMPS
 2. Losses of head in a Pump
List the losses of head in a pumping system

In a marine pumping system, several types of head losses can occur, which impact the efficiency and performance of
the system. Head loss refers to the reduction in the total head (sum of pressure head, velocity head, and elevation
head) of the fluid as it flows through the system. The main types of head losses in a marine pumping system include:

1. Frictional Losses

2. Minor Losses

3. Dynamic Losses

4. Pump Losses

5. Losses Due to Flow Regulation Devices

6. Elevation (Static) Head Losses

 1. Frictional Losses

Frictional losses occur due to the friction

between the fluid and the interior surfaces of the
pipes, fittings, and other components of the
system.

Pipe Friction: Caused by the interaction between

the moving fluid and the internal surface of the
pipe. It depends on the pipe material, diameter,
length, and the fluid's flow rate and viscosity.

Fittings and Valves: Elbows, tees, reducers,

valves, and other fittings introduce additional
frictional losses. These losses depend on the
number, type, and configuration of the fittings
and valves.
2. Minor Losses
Minor losses are additional head losses caused
by disturbances in the flow path, such as changes
in flow direction, velocity, or cross-sectional area.

Sudden Expansion and Contraction: When the

flow area suddenly increases or decreases,
causing turbulent flow and energy dissipation.

Bends and Turns: The flow direction changes due

to bends or elbows in the piping, causing
turbulence and additional losses.

Obstructions: Presence of obstructions like

strainers or filters that impede fluid flow and
cause energy dissipation.
 3. Dynamic Losses 4. Pump Losses

Dynamic losses are associated with changes These are losses specifically associated with
in the velocity of the fluid. the pump itself.

Velocity Changes: When fluid accelerates Mechanical Losses: Due to friction in the
or decelerates, for example, as it passes pump bearings and seals.
through pumps or around obstacles.
Volumetric Losses: Due to leakage within
Entrance and Exit Losses: Losses occurring the pump, such as through the clearance
when fluid enters or exits the piping between the impeller and the casing.
system, especially if the transitions are not
smooth. Hydraulic Losses: Due to fluid friction and
turbulence within the pump impeller and
volute.
HOW DOES A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP OPERATE?
The pump is the machine that converts
the mechanical power of the rotating
shaft to hydraulic power of the flow.

Fluid flows to the suction pipeline and then to the

inlet of the rotating impeller.
​
Vanes of the impeller act at the fluid and moves it
from the center toward the periferia. The fluid is
accelerated and takes velocity or velocity head.
​
After leaving the impeller fluid enters the volute
where the velocity head transforms to the pressure
and then goes to the outlet nozzle.
LOSSES IN THE PUMP
All losses in pumps can be divided into three groups:
​
1.Hydraulic losses
2.Mechanical losses
3.Volumetric losses.
 HYDRAULIC LOSSES IN THE PUMP

Vortexes in impeller in the suction, discharge,

and other hydraulic channels.

The hydraulic efficiency says how perfect the

channels are designed.

When the pump operates far away from the

BEP hydraulic losses are more and the
efficiency is less.
MECHANICAL LOSSES IN THE PUMP

The picture below shows places where mechanical

losses happen at an example of the double
suction pump.

1. Friction losses in the bearings

2. Friction losses in the seals

3. Friction losses at cylindrical surfaces of shafts.

The shaft rotates in the liquid and due to
viscosity liquid resists the shaft rotation.

4. Disk friction of the impeller shrouds.

VOLUMETRIC LOSSES IN THE PUMP

Every pump has areas with high pressure (discharge

pressure) and low pressure (suction pressure),
Rotating elements, and stationary elements.

The liquid flows from the area with high pressure to

the area with low pressure.

The element which isolates these two areas is called

wear rings.

The volume of a liquid that flows through wear rings is

defined by the value of clearance and pressure
difference.
 DISK LOSSES IN THE PUMP

Let’s look at the impellers for different

pump heads with the same flow. It is
clearly seen the difference in being of
shrouds surfaces and difference in
friction losses. Impeller for the bigger
head has less specific speed and more
friction losses and less efficiency
 5. Losses Due to Flow
Regulation Devices

Losses caused by devices used to control

the flow rate, such as throttling valves.

Throttling: The deliberate restriction of

flow using valves to control pressure or
flow rate, causing energy dissipation.

Pressure Reducing Valves: Used to reduce

system pressure, leading to energy loss.
 6. Elevation (Static) Head Losses

Elevation head losses occur due to the

difference in height between the source
and destination of the fluid.

Height Differences: The vertical distance

the fluid needs to be lifted by the pump,
which directly impacts the total head the
pump must overcome.

𝑃 𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝜌 𝑄𝑔𝐻
 Calculation of Head Losses

When Pump is running in negative suction mode.

• - Darcy-Weisbach Equation: Often used to

Dynamic
calculate pipe friction losses. Static Losses Losses

• where is the head loss due to friction, f is

the Darcy friction factor, L is the length of the
pipe, D is the diameter, v is the flow velocity,
and g is the acceleration due to gravity. • H = Head loss in the suction side +
• - Minor Loss Equation: Used to calculate Head loss in the delivery side =
losses due to fittings and other components.
• = Static height + Friction loss in the
• Where is the minor head loss, K is the loss suction side
coefficient specific to the Losses due to
fitting or
sudden contraction
component. of Pipe/flow after
strainer & pipe
• = (Suction Side) Constant,
bends Where
 Calculation of Head Losses

𝑃 𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝜌 𝑄𝑔𝐻

• =
• =
• H = ++
•+

System
Characterstics
Mitigating Head Losses

 Smooth Pipes and Fittings: Using pipes and fittings with smooth internal surfaces to reduce friction.

 Proper Sizing: Ensuring pipes and components are appropriately sized to minimize velocity changes and
turbulence.

 Efficient Layout: Designing the system layout to minimize bends, fittings, and sudden changes in diameter.

 Regular Maintenance: Keeping the system clean and free from obstructions and maintaining pumps and
valves to ensure they operate efficiently.

Understanding and minimizing these head losses is essential for the efficient operation of
marine pumping systems, as excessive losses can lead to increased energy consumption and
reduced system performance.
 3. Factors affecting pump performance
State that the viscosity of the fluid to be pumped must be within the range specified in the pump design
For ships, the impact of increased fluid viscosity on pump performance is particularly significant due to the unique
operational challenges and environmental conditions they face. How higher fluid viscosity affects pump performance
in the context of marine applications are as follows:

1. Efficiency Losses at Sea

2. Challenges in Cargo Operations

3. Critical Cooling Systems

4. Ballast Water Management

5. Environmental Impact

6. Safety Concerns

7. Maintenance Challenges
1. Efficiency Losses at Sea: 2. Challenges in Cargo Operations:

Ships operate in varying sea conditions, Tanker vessels transporting viscous liquids like
including rough seas, which already crude oil or heavy fuel oil face challenges in
demand more power for propulsion and cargo handling.
auxiliary systems.
Higher viscosity fluids require specialized
pumps and handling equipment, and any
Increased fluid viscosity make more energy deterioration in pump performance due to
consumption, reducing overall efficiency increased viscosity can delay cargo operations
and potentially impacting the fuel and impact vessel scheduling.
economy of the ship.
3. Critical Cooling Systems: 4. Ballast Water Management:

Marine engines and machinery rely on efficient

cooling systems to prevent overheating, Ballasting operations are crucial for maintaining
especially in the demanding conditions of stability and trim during vessel operations.
maritime operations.
However, higher viscosity in ballast water due to
factors like sediment or contamination can strain
Increased viscosity in cooling fluids can impede ballast pumps, reducing their effectiveness and
heat transfer efficiency, leading to engine potentially compromising vessel stability.
overheating and potential mechanical failures.
5. Environmental Impact
Increased viscosity in bilge water, which accumulates in the lower compartments of a ship, can hinder effective
pumping and disposal processes. This may result in environmental pollution or non-compliance with regulations,
especially in sensitive marine ecosystems.

6. Safety Concerns
Pump performance degradation due to increased fluid viscosity can pose safety risks onboard ships. For example,
reduced flow rates or pressure drops in firefighting systems can impair the vessel's ability to respond effectively to
onboard emergencies, jeopardizing crew and vessel safety.

7. Maintenance Challenges:
The harsh marine environment, coupled with the demands of pumping high-viscosity fluids, accelerates wear and tear
on pump components. This necessitates more frequent maintenance and overhauls, increasing operational costs and
downtime for vessel maintenance.
 Conclusion

the impact of increased fluid viscosity on pump

performance is particularly pronounced in marine
applications due to the demanding operational
conditions and critical functions onboard ships. Proper
monitoring, maintenance, and adherence to pump
design specifications are essential to ensure the
reliability, efficiency, and safety of marine pumping
systems.
State that the performance deteriorates if the viscosity of the fluid increases.

The performance of marine pumps on ships deteriorates when the viscosity of the fluid increases beyond the
specified range. Viscosity plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency, flow characteristics, and overall
effectiveness of marine pumps. Here's why an increase in fluid viscosity adversely affects pump performance:

1. Reduced Flow Rate

2. Increased Friction Losses

3. Elevated Pump Head Requirements

4. Potential Cavitation Risk

5. Decreased Pump Efficiency

6. Importance of Maintaining Optimal Viscosity

 1. Reduced Flow Rate: 2. Increased Friction Losses:

Higher viscosity fluids offer greater Viscous fluids experience higher friction losses
resistance to flow. as they flow through the pump and piping
system.
As viscosity increases, the pump's ability to
These increased losses require the pump to
generate the desired flow rate diminishes.
exert more energy to overcome resistance,
leading to higher power consumption and
This results in decreased fluid delivery, reduced overall efficiency.
potentially leading to operational
inefficiencies and delays in critical
processes.
3. Elevated Pump Head Requirements:
Pump head, which represents the energy required to overcome resistance and lift the fluid, increases with higher
viscosity fluids. Marine pumps may struggle to meet the elevated head requirements, leading to decreased
performance and potential cavitation issues.

4. Potential Cavitation Risk:

Operating marine pumps with fluids of higher viscosity increases the risk of cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the
pressure drops below the vapor pressure of the fluid, forming vapor bubbles that collapse with high energy, causing
damage to pump components and reducing efficiency.

5. Decreased Pump Efficiency:

Marine pumps are typically designed and optimized for specific viscosity ranges. Deviating from these ranges
compromises the efficiency of the pump, resulting in suboptimal performance, increased energy consumption, and
higher operational costs.
Importance of Maintaining
Conclusion
Optimal Viscosity

Efficient Operation: Operating marine pumps within In conclusion, maintaining the viscosity of the fluid
the specified viscosity range ensures optimal within the specified range is crucial for ensuring the
performance, efficient fluid transfer, and reliable optimal performance and longevity of marine pumps
operation. on ships.

Energy Savings: Pumping fluids at the correct An increase in fluid viscosity beyond the
viscosity reduces energy consumption and operating recommended limits compromises pump efficiency,
costs by minimizing friction losses and pump flow rates, and overall operational effectiveness.
inefficiencies.
Therefore, careful monitoring and control of fluid
Equipment Protection: Avoiding conditions of viscosity are essential to maximize pump
excessive viscosity helps prevent pump damage, performance and maintain reliable operation at sea.
cavitation, and premature wear, prolonging the
lifespan of pump components and reducing
maintenance requirements.
State that the performance will deteriorates if the temperature of the liquid being handled approaches
that at which vapour is produced at the pressure in the suction pipe.

In ship operations, the performance of pumps and fluid handling systems deteriorates significantly when the
temperature of the liquid being handled approaches or exceeds the threshold at which vaporization occurs at the
pressure within the suction pipe. This phenomenon is particularly critical in systems where liquids are pumped at or
near their boiling points. Here's why such conditions lead to performance deterioration:

1. Cavitation Risk

2. Loss of Pump Efficiency

3. Increased Energy Consumption

4. Degradation of Fluid Properties

5. Safety Concerns

6. Importance of Temperature Control

 1. Cavitation Risk: 2. Loss of Pump Efficiency:

As the temperature of the liquid When liquids approach their boiling points,
approaches its boiling point at the their density decreases due to vaporization.
prevailing pressure in the suction pipe, the
This reduction in fluid density affects the
risk of cavitation increases significantly.
pump's ability to generate the required flow
rates and pressures efficiently.
Cavitation occurs when the pressure drops
below the vapor pressure of the liquid, Consequently, pump performance deteriorates,
causing vapor bubbles to form and and the system may fail to meet operational
collapse within the pump. requirements.

This process leads to erosion of pump

components, reduced efficiency, and
potential mechanical failure.
 3. Increased Energy Consumption:
Operating pumps under conditions where the liquid is close to boiling necessitates higher energy input to maintain flow
rates and pressures. Increased energy consumption leads to elevated operational costs and may strain onboard power
generation systems, impacting overall vessel efficiency.

4. Degradation of Fluid Properties:

Elevated temperatures can alter the properties of the fluid being pumped, such as viscosity and chemical composition.
These changes may exacerbate friction losses, reduce lubrication effectiveness, and compromise the integrity of seals
and gaskets within the pump, contributing to diminished performance and potential system failures.

5. Safety Concerns:
Handling liquids near their boiling points poses safety risks to onboard personnel and equipment. Sudden changes in
pressure or temperature can lead to uncontrolled vaporization, causing equipment malfunction, pipeline ruptures, and
hazardous conditions onboard.
 Importance of
Conclusion
Temperature Control

Operational Efficiency: Maintaining the temperature In conclusion, managing the temperature of liquids
of liquids within safe operating limits preserves pump within safe operating limits is essential for preserving
efficiency, ensures reliable fluid transfer, and the performance, efficiency, and safety of pump
minimizes energy consumption. systems in ship operations. Avoiding conditions
where the liquid temperature approaches the
Equipment Protection: Preventing conditions that threshold for vaporization at the suction pipe
promote cavitation and thermal degradation prolongs pressure is critical to mitigating the risks of cavitation,
the lifespan of pump components and reduces minimizing energy consumption, and maintaining
maintenance requirements. operational reliability at sea.

Safety Compliance: Adhering to temperature control

measures mitigates safety risks associated with
handling volatile liquids and helps ensure compliance
with regulatory standards.