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HOME » MARINE TECHNOLOGY » 7 COMMON PROBLEMS FOUND IN PUMPS ON BOARD SHIPS
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7 Common Problems Found in Pumps on

Board Ships
By Anish | In: Marine Technology | Last Updated on October 11, 2019

Pump is a type of machinery which is used in large number on board ships, both on deck and engine Diesel Engine Fire
side. Every seafarer working on ships must be aware of the basic problems associated with pumps and Pump
practical ways to troubleshoot whenever the need arise.
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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. ZJBETTER

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Main problems found in pumps are:
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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
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

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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
Werunning at the
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There are no other mechanical defects in the pump Ok Read more
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 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 rubber bush piece connecting the motor and pump shaft is not worn out
There are no worn bearings or bent shafts

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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 Sea Phenomenon_ 5 Amazing O…
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immediately check:

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

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7. Loss of liquid
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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

This is not an exhaustive list of problems, but it does explains all the main problems that would result in
faulty pumps. Do you know any other common problems associated with pumps? Let us know in the
comments below.

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About Anish
An ardent sailor and a techie, Anish Wankhede has voyaged on a number of ships as a
marine engineer officer. He loves multitasking, networking, and troubleshooting. He is
the one behind the unique creativity and aesthetics at Marine Insight.
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Comments

Emmanuel Abekah Ocran says

JANUARY 29, 2014 AT 12:07 AM

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. ×
I will need some of your books but currently am onboard will contact you when i sign off
Ok Read more
thanks
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 Nazmir Al Rabin says
JULY 20, 2014 AT 1:29 AM

thanks marine insight for keeping us update wid ur valuable information..

Chary TSR says

AUGUST 26, 2017 AT 1:14 PM

Good message Mr. Anish,

Motor Overload

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

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- If valves are closed- Say discharge valve – if closed
load will be dropped, If suction valve closed- zero pumping and load will be less..Chances of
overload will be reduced.

Problem or obstruction in the rotary parts of the pump

Thanks and regards

Chary TSR
Condition monitoring Analyst Ex CE/Supdt

Jack todd says

NOVEMBER 29, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

Make sure the Strum box is not blocked

Anish says
DECEMBER 3, 2019 AT 8:13 AM
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@Jack: ??

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