TOSOC, JOHN EVAN

BSMT 3B8
Pumps
A pump is a mechanical device used in a pumping system to transfer fluids, such as liquids or
gases, from one location to another. It works by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic
energy, generating flow and pressure to move the fluid through pipelines. Pumps are essential
in various industries and applications, including water supply, wastewater treatment, oil and
gas production, and manufacturing processes. They come in different types, such as
centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, and axial flow pumps, each designed for
specific purposes and operating conditions. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of
pumps are critical for efficient and reliable operation in pumping systems.

PIPES
a pipe is a conduit used to transport fluids from one point to another. Pipes in pumping
systems come in various materials, sizes, and configurations, tailored to the specific
requirements of the application. They play a critical role in conveying liquids or gases
efficiently and safely, ensuring the smooth operation of the system. Proper pipe selection is
essential to minimize frictional losses, maintain desired flow rates, and prevent leakage or
structural failures. Pipes in pumping systems are often designed with considerations for
factors such as pressure ratings, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with the conveyed
fluid to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

VALVES
A valve in a pumping system is a mechanical device used to control the flow of fluids within
pipelines. Valves regulate the flow by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the passage of
the fluid. They play a crucial role in controlling pressure, directing flow direction, and
isolating sections of the system for maintenance or safety purposes. Valves come in various
types, including gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, and butterfly valves, each with specific
functions and applications. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of valves are
essential for optimizing pumping system efficiency, reliability, and safety, ensuring smooth
operation and preventing costly downtime.

Different types of pumps used in Ships:

1. Centrifugal Pumps: Commonly used for general service pumping onboard ships. They
are efficient for handling seawater, ballast, firefighting, and cooling water circulation.

2. Gear Pumps: Suitable for transferring fuel, lubricating oil, and other viscous fluids.
They provide a consistent flow rate and are often used in fuel transfer systems.

3. Screw Pumps: Ideal for pumping high-viscosity fluids like heavy fuel oil and
lubricants. They offer steady flow rates and are resistant to abrasive materials.

4. Diaphragm Pumps: Used for transferring fluids that are sensitive to contamination,
such as chemicals and wastewater. They feature a pulsation-free operation and are
suitable for various applications.

5. Bilge Pumps: Essential for removing water that accumulates in the bilge of a ship.
They prevent flooding and maintain stability.
TOSOC, JOHN EVAN
BSMT 3B8
6. Ballast Pumps: Specifically designed for filling or emptying ballast tanks to control
the ship’s stability and draft.

7. Submersible Pumps: Deployed underwater for draining compartments, handling

sewage, or firefighting in emergencies.

These pumps play critical roles in maintaining the operational efficiency, safety, and stability
of ships at sea.

Classification of pumps
Pumps are divided into two main categories: dynamic and positive displacement (aka
displacement)

The following are some of the pumps under these two categories:

Classification of pumps
Dynamic pumps:

Centrifugal pumps
Vertical centrifugal pumps
Horizontal centrifugal pumps
Submersible pumps
Fire hydrant system
Positive displacement pumps:

Diaphragm pumps
Gear pumps
Peristaltic pumps
Cam pumps
Piston pumps
Dynamic Pumps

There are different types of dynamic pumps, some of which will be discussed below, such as
centrifugal pumps, vertical centrifugal pumps, horizontal centrifugal pumps, submersible
pumps and fire hydrant systems.

Centrifugal Pumps
These types of pumps are the most commonly used in
the world. The work is very simple, well described
and carefully tested. These pumps are robust,
efficient and fairly inexpensive to manufacture.
Whenever the pump is running, the fluid pressure
will increase from the pump’s inlet to its outlet. The
change in pressure will drive the fluid throughout the
system.

•This pump produces an enhanced force by

transferring the mechanical power of the motor to the
fluid throughout the rotating impeller. The fluid flow
TOSOC, JOHN EVAN
BSMT 3B8
will enter the center of the impeller and flow out with its vanes. Centrifugal force thus
increases the velocity of the fluid and energy like kinetic energy can be changed into force.
Depending on the type of water flow they produce, centrifugal pumps can be divided into
three subtypes. The flow pattern is determined by the impeller shape and the pump
construction.

Horizontal centrifugal pumps

These types of pumps include at least two otherwise
more impellers. These pumps are used for pumping
services. Each stage is basically a manifold pump.

•All phases are in a similar bunker and mounted on a

similar shaft. At least eight additional phases can be
installed on separate horizontal shafts. Each phase
enhances the head by approximately equal amounts. A
multi-stage pump can also be a single-stage pump, or
else a double suction pump on the first impeller.
Various pumps have been supplied and repaired for this
type of centrifugal pump.

Submersible Pumps
These pumps are also known as stormwater, sewage and
septic pumps. Applications for these pumps include
primarily building services, domestic, industrial,
commercial, rural, municipal and stormwater recycling
applications.
These pumps are suitable for transferring stormwater,
groundwater, sewage, blackwater, greywater, rainwater,
trade waste, chemicals, bore water and food. These
plumbing applications mainly include different impellers
such as closed type pumps, convection pumps, vortex
pumps, multistage pumps, single channel pumps, cutting
pumps or grinder pumps. For different applications, a wide range of options are available,
including high flow, low flow, low head or high head.

Positive displacement pumps

There are different types of volumetric
pumps, some of which will be discussed
below, such as diaphragm pumps, gear
pumps, peristaltic pumps, lobe pumps,
and piston pumps.

Diaphragm Pumps
Diaphragm pumps are also known as AOD pumps
(Air Operated Diaphragm), pneumatic and AODD
pumps. Applications for these pumps include mainly
in continuous applications such as general plant,
TOSOC, JOHN EVAN
BSMT 3B8
industrial and mining. AOD pumps are particularly suitable where power is not available and
are otherwise used in unstable and combustible areas. These pumps are also used for
transferring chemicals, industrial wastewater, food manufacturing, underground coal mines,
etc.

•These pumps are response pumps that include two diaphragms driven by condensing air. The
air portion of the transfer valve alternately applies air to both diaphragms; each diaphragm
contains a set of ball valves or check valves.

Working principle of pneumatic diaphragm pump

Diaphragm-Pump-Working-demo -diagram
More detailed air operated diaphragm pump working principle and related knowledge please
see this article: AODD Pumps Working Principle.

Gear Pumps
These pumps are a rotating positive displacement
pump, which means they produce a steady amount of
fluid with each revolution. These pumps move the
fluid by entering machinery inside and outside the
network for a non-exciting pumping action. These
pumps are capable of pumping at high forces and can
efficiently pump highly concentrated fluids.

•Gear pumps do not contain any valves that cause

losses such as friction and high impeller speeds.
Therefore, the pumps are suitable for handling thick
fluids such as fuels and grease. These pumps are not suitable for driving solids and harsh
liquids.

Peristaltic pumps
Peristaltic pumps are also known as tube pumps and peristaltic dosing pumps. It is a
volumetric pump and the applications of these pumps are mainly related to processing in the
chemical, food and water treatment industries. It provides a steady flow for measuring and
mixing and is also capable of pumping various liquids such as toothpaste and various
chemicals.

Lobe Pumps
Lobe pumps are also called rotor pumps and these
pumps have different characteristics such as excellent
efficiency, rust resistance, sanitary quality, reliability
TOSOC, JOHN EVAN
BSMT 3B8
etc. These pumps can handle highly concentrated fluids and solids without harming them.
These pumps may work with gear pumps, except for the vanes that do not touch each other.
In addition, these pumps have superior pumping chamber compared to gear pumps that allow
them to move slurry. These are made of stainless steel and are very polished.

Piston Pumps
Piston pump is a positive displacement pump, also
known as a plunger pump, in which a high pressure seal
responds through a piston. These pumps are often used
for water irrigation, scenarios requiring high, reliable
pressure and delivery systems for conveying chocolate,
pastry, paint, etc.