Type approval for side channel pump for dual-fuel LPG engines

The pump, which was originally developed for use in the oil and gas industry, is produced by privately-held German side channel pump specialist, SERO PumpSystems.

The SHPmarine side channel pump meets the technical challenges when pumping LPG from the storage tanks through the SFSS feeding the main engine of an ocean going vessel.

These requirements include a Low NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head requirement), reliable and pressure-constant delivery of volatile LPG and resistance to vibrations from the ship’s hull. In order to make the standard SHP seaworthy, the SHPmarine was modified according to the IMO-IGC regulations.

The pressure-bearing components of the pump – such as the suction casing, the discharge casing, the outer barrel and the sealing chamber – are made of austenitic stainless steels or low-temperature steel to meet the pressure requirements.

The SHPmarine also meets the corrosive and temperature-related demands of shipboard applications in many ways. For example, spring-loaded stainless steel screws and special low-temperature O-rings compensate for the thermal expansion behaviour of the materials during extreme temperature changes. A five-layer marine paint (C5M) will protect the structural components from salt water and UV radiation. Special dry-running mechanical seals are used to prevent leakage and control fugitive emissions. They also ensure cost-efficient operation and service.

To meet the unique flow and head criteria, SERO PumpSystems has extended the SHPmarine’s performance range up to a 10-stage hydraulic configuration. To assist in servicing the pump, SERO integrated an all-steel spacer coupling between the pump and the drive engine. By implementing these design features, the SHPmarine was accepted by Lloyd’s Register and received type approval from DNV GL.

The SHPmarine model has been successfully used in both low pressure SFSS as well as high pressure SFSS systems. SERO PumpSystems notes that several large dual-fuel gas carriers have been recently commissioned.