info@loganglobal.net
Vertical Centrifugal Pump

Vertical Centrifugal Pump

Category: Brand: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A vertical centrifugal pump is a type of pump where the shaft and impeller are oriented vertically. This design is highly advantageous in marine applications due to its small footprint, which allows it to be installed in tight spaces in the engine room or pump rooms, maximizing deck and machinery space. Despite its vertical orientation, the pump operates on the same principle as its horizontal counterpart.

 

Working Principle

 

The pump’s operation is based on centrifugal force.

  1. Fluid Intake: The fluid enters the pump casing at the bottom, near the center of the impeller (the “eye”).
  2. Rotation: The impeller, driven by a motor located at the top of the pump, rotates at high speed, imparting kinetic energy to the fluid.
  3. Discharge: As the fluid is flung outward by the impeller’s vanes, it enters a volute or diffuser chamber where its velocity is converted into pressure. The pressurized fluid is then discharged from the side of the casing.

The vertical arrangement does not change the fundamental physics but offers a more space-efficient design.

 

Main Types and Components

 

Vertical centrifugal pumps are a versatile family with several common designs.

  • In-Line Pump: In this design, the suction and discharge ports are located on the same axis, allowing the pump to be installed directly into a pipeline, much like a valve. This saves space and simplifies piping.
  • Sump Pump (or Can Pump): The pump’s motor is located on deck, but the pump casing and impeller are submerged in a tank or sump below. A long shaft connects the motor to the impeller. This design is ideal for applications like bilge or cargo pumps where the fluid is below the level of the pump room.
  • Vertical Pump with a Separate Suction: The pump casing and motor are a single unit with a suction line from a sea chest or another source.

Key components of a vertical centrifugal pump include:

  • Motor: Typically an electric motor mounted on top of the pump.
  • Shaft: A vertical shaft that connects the motor to the impeller.
  • Pump Casing: The main body that houses the impeller and volute.
  • Impeller: The rotating element that moves the fluid.
  • Shaft Seal: A mechanical seal or gland packing that prevents fluid from leaking out where the shaft passes through the casing.
  • Bearings: Support the pump shaft and motor.

 

Marine Applications and Materials

 

The compact design and efficiency of vertical centrifugal pumps make them a staple on virtually every type of vessel.

  • Common Applications:
    • Main Seawater and Freshwater Cooling Pumps: For circulating water to cool the main engine and auxiliaries.
    • Bilge Pumps: For draining water from the vessel’s bilges.
    • Ballast Pumps: For managing ballast water.
    • Fire Pumps: A reliable pump for fire fighting systems.
  • Materials: The materials are chosen to match the fluid and operating conditions.
    • Cast Iron / Ductile Iron: For fresh water and general service.
    • Bronze / Gunmetal: Excellent for seawater applications due to its corrosion resistance.
    • Stainless Steel: For handling corrosive fluids.

 

Maintenance and Common Issues

 

Maintenance of a vertical centrifugal pump focuses on the rotating parts and sealing system.

  • Mechanical Seal: Leaks from the mechanical seal are a common issue and should be monitored. A failing seal can lead to bearing damage.
  • Bearings: Proper lubrication and regular inspection of the bearings are essential.
  • Impeller: The impeller and casing should be checked for signs of erosion, cavitation damage, or clogging.
  • Alignment: The alignment of the motor and pump shaft must be maintained.

 

Common Spares

 

A vessel’s spares inventory for these pumps should include:

  • Mechanical Seal: A complete mechanical seal kit is a crucial spare part.
  • Impeller: A spare impeller in case of damage or wear.
  • Gaskets and O-rings: For pump casing joints.
  • Bearings: Spare bearing sets.
  • Shaft: A spare pump shaft for deep overhauls.

The vertical centrifugal pump is a highly versatile and reliable piece of equipment, essential for managing a wide range of fluids in the confined spaces of a ship.

 

 

We offer an extensive range of marine engine brands and their associated spare parts, providing comprehensive solutions for both main propulsion and auxiliary power needs across diverse vessel types. Our supply capability covers various generations and models, ensuring support for a wide array of marine applications.

 

Featured Brands and Engine Series/Models:

 

SULZER:

  • Two-Stroke Engines:
    • RD/RND Series: RD68, RND76, RND76M, RND90, RND90M (Classic large-bore, low-speed engines, still in operation).
    • RLA/RLB Series: RLA(B)56, RLA(B)66, RLA(B)76, RLB90 (Developed two-stroke designs).
    • RTA/RT-Flex Series: RTA38, RTA48(T), RTA52, RTA58, RTA62, RTA72, RTA76, RTA84, RTA84M, RTA84C, RTA96 (Modern, fuel-efficient, electronically controlled two-stroke engines).
  • Four-Stroke Engines:
    • Z Series: ZL40/48, 16ZAV40S (Medium-speed engines).
    • RF Series: RF44, RF56 (Often used for auxiliary power or generator sets).
    • TAD Series: TAD36, TAD48 (For specific applications).

MAN (including pre and post-MAN B&W models):

  • Two-Stroke Engines (KZ, KSZ, K, L, S, MC/MC-C, ME/ME-C): 40/54A, 52/90N, 57/80C, KZ57/80F, KSZ70/125, KSZ78/155, 90/160A, 52/55L, 58/64, 90/190C, L60/105E, 70/120E, 70/125C, L, KSZ78/155A, KSZ70/125B, L52/55A, 40/45 (A broad spectrum covering main propulsion and auxiliary engines).

B&W (Burmeister & Wain – prior to MAN B&W merger):

  • MC/MCE Series: L35MC, L60MC, L80MC, L55GFCA, L80GFCA, L80GB, 74VT2BF, K62EF, K74EF, K84EF, K45GFC, K67GFK, K80GFK, K90GFS, 45HU, L70MC (Various generations of two-stroke diesel engines).
  • MC-C/ME-C Series: L50MC, S60MC, S70MC, K80MC, S80MC, K90MC-C, L67GFCA, L90GB (Electronically controlled and conventional two-stroke engines).
  • VT2BF/EF Series: 50VT2BF, 62VT2BF, K84EF (Older models still in service).

MITSUBISHI:

  • UEC/UET Series: UEC37L/LA/LS, UEC45HA, UEC60L/LA/LS, UEC45L/LA/LS, UET45/75C, UEC52/125H, UEC52L/LA/LS, UET45/80D, UEC52/90D, UEC(T)52/105D, UEC45/115H, UEC37/88H, UEC37H (Mitsubishi’s proprietary two-stroke and some four-stroke engine series).

PIELSTICK:

  • PA Series: PA6, PC3, PC2-2, IHI PC2-5, PC4, PC2-6, PC4-2L, PC4-570, PA5 (High-speed, compact four-stroke engines, commonly used for generator sets or auxiliary propulsion).

AKASAKA:

  • UET/UEC/DM/AH Series: UET45/80D, UEC52/105D, DM51SS, UEC 60/150H, UEC 60H, A31, A34, A37, A41, AH27, AH28, AH30, AH36, AH38, AH40, DM30, DM36, DM38, DM46, DM47 (A prevalent engine brand, particularly in Japanese-built vessels).

DEUTZ:

  • RBV/TBD/BVM Series: RBV8M358, RBV8M540, RBV16M640, TBD620L6, BVM350, BVM540, BF6M716 (Various four-stroke medium- and high-speed diesel engines for auxiliary and smaller main propulsion applications).

HANSHIN:

  • EL/LH/LU/LUN/LUD/LUS Series: EL30, EL32, EL35, EL40, EL44, LH28RG, LH31G, LU28(A,R,G), LU32, LU35, LU38, LU46(A), LU50, LU54, LUN28, LUN30, LUD32, LUD35, LUS38 (Another significant engine brand commonly found in Japanese vessels).

NIIGATA:

  • MG/M Series: MG40X(EX), M34X, 6M28BF, TM31X (Medium-speed diesel engines, typically used in small and medium-sized vessels).

MAK:

  • M/MU/AK/AKM Series: M332, M453AK, MU551AK, MU552AK, M601, MU452AK, 451AK, 6M453AK, 9M453C, 6M601C, 8M601 (Medium-speed four-stroke engines, widely used in various marine applications).

WARTSILA:

  • 20/22/26/32/38/46/GD/TKR Series: 22, 32, 31, 26, 20S, 28, 38, 46, 32GD, 46GD, 14, TKR22, HFR-V32, NOHAB (Wärtsilä’s broad portfolio of medium- and high-speed diesel engines for main propulsion, auxiliary, and generator sets).

DAIHATSU:

  • PS/PKT/DS/DL/DK/PL Series: PS-18, PS-22, PS-20, PS-26, PS-30, PKT-14, PKT-16, PKTD-16, DS-18, DS-22, DS-26, DS-28, DS-32, DL-14, DL-16, DL-19, DL-20, DL-22, DL-24, DL-26, DK-20, PL-24 (Compact and reliable engines primarily used for auxiliary power and generator sets).

CUMMINS:

  • BT/CT/NT/KTA/QSK/QSM Series: 4BT3.9, 6BT(A)5.9, 6CT8.3, NT(A)855, N14, KTA19, KTA38, KTA50, QSK19, QSM11 (Robust and durable engines for marine auxiliary power, generator sets, and some smaller main propulsion applications).

CATERPILLAR:

  • 3000/3100/3300/3400/3500/3600 Series & C Series: 3054, 3056, 3066, 3106, 3126, 3306, 3406, 3408, 3412, 3508, 3512, 3516, 3606, 3608, 3612, 3616, 3618, C1.5, C2.2, C7, C9, C10, C12, C15, C16, C18, C30, C32 (Reliable and widely used engines across a vast range of main propulsion, auxiliary, and generator set applications).

SCANIA:

  • DI Series: DI 09, DI 13, DI 16 (High-performance diesel engines designed for marine applications, typically used as auxiliary and smaller main propulsion engines).

Related products