A MELO pump

New main-engine lube oil pump.

Allweiler AG has introduced a new main-engine lube oil pump. Allmarine MELO (Main-Engine Lube Oil) as it is called, is said to be an exceptionally efficient, robust, and reliable volute centrifugal pump that combines the benefits of low maintenance and high availability.

The centrifugal pump was intended for vertical installation in oil tanks and has the flow-optimised suction branch integrated anti-vortex ribs that ensure optimal flow across the impeller at all times. The results are lower NPSH values with the same high suction capacity. It features a key-secured impeller (instead of the traditional friction lock) and a special V-ring prevents bilge water from penetrating the oil tank even during standstill.

The pump has been designed to decrease maintenance costs and has shaft sleeves that protect the two friction points from wear and dry-running, which says Allweiler means that it is very uncommon for a shaft to need replacing. Another feature are the balancing holes in the impeller. They reduce axial loads, thereby increasing the pump?s service life. Finally, all wearing parts are arranged to make them accessible without requiring disassembly of the pump, which greatly simplifies maintenance.

It is available in a variety of sizes with a maximum capacity of 950m3/h and able to handle oil temperatures up to 100 °C. The two-stage design enables pressures of up to 10 bar. An intermediate bearing permits flexible immersion depths of up to 3,700mm. The DIN/JIS-compliant attachment flange makes it easy to integrate the pump into existing systems, or the customer can choose an optional counter-ring flange to mount the pump on the tank.