Handout: Positive Displacement Pumps

1. Piston Pump
Piston pumps are extensively used in maritime applications to transfer fluids with precision and control,
especially in situations requiring high pressures and accurate metering.
Working Principle:
- Piston pumps utilize reciprocating pistons to draw in and expel fluids.
- During the suction stroke, the piston retracts, creating a vacuum that draws in seawater or other fluids.
- The discharge stroke pushes the fluid through valves or check valves for controlled delivery.
Advantages:
- Accurate flow control for fuel and chemical transfer.
- Suitable for high-pressure hydraulic systems on ships.
- Resilient design for marine environments.
Applications:
- Fuel transfer, hydraulic systems, cargo handling.

2. Plunger Pump
Plunger pumps are crucial in maritime operations that require precise fluid delivery under high
pressures, making them valuable in ship maintenance and hydraulic systems.
Working Principle:
- Plunger pumps employ reciprocating plungers to generate fluid movement.
- During the suction phase, the plunger retracts, drawing in fluid.
- The discharge phase extends the plunger, forcing fluid through valves.
Advantages:
- Ability to handle extreme pressures, ideal for ship hydraulic systems.
- Efficient performance in cleaning and maintenance operations.
- Well-suited for transferring fluids from storage to tanks.
Applications:
- Hydraulic systems, high-pressure cleaning, ballast water treatment.

3. Diaphragm Pump
Diaphragm pumps are indispensable for maritime tasks that demand controlled and leak-free fluid
movement, such as managing ballast water and transferring chemicals.
Working Principle:
- Diaphragm pumps use flexible diaphragms to create suction and discharge.
- The diaphragms flex back and forth, alternately drawing in and expelling fluid.
Advantages:
- Resistant to corrosive seawater and chemicals.
- Safe for transferring chemicals without leakage.
- Versatile for various fluid handling scenarios on ships.
Applications:
- Ballast water treatment, chemical transfer, bilge pumping.
4. Gear Pump
Gear pumps play a vital role in maritime applications by ensuring the smooth and consistent flow of
fluids, making them crucial for lubrication and fuel transfer.
Working Principle:
- Gear pumps use meshing interlocking gears to propel fluid.
- Fluid is drawn into the pump's chambers by the rotating gears.
Advantages:
- Efficient transfer of viscous fluids such as lubricating oils.
- Reliable for steady fuel transfer between tanks.
- Low noise operation for onboard systems.
Applications:
- Fuel transfer, lubrication systems, hydraulic systems.

5. Vane Pump
Vane pumps find maritime applications that require a steady flow of fluids, making them vital for
systems that demand a continuous and reliable supply.
Working Principle:
- Vane pumps utilize rotating vanes to draw in and move fluids.
- Fluid is drawn into the pump's chambers as vanes rotate.
Advantages:
- Smooth and continuous fluid flow.
- Suitable for powering steering systems and hydraulic circuits.
- Ideal for handling low viscosity fluids on ships.
Applications:
- Steering systems, hydraulic circuits, cooling systems.

6. Screw Pump
Screw pumps are well-suited for maritime contexts where viscous fluids need to be handled efficiently,
making them essential for propulsion and fuel systems.
Working Principle:
- Screw pumps use helical screw rotors to create fluid movement.
- Fluid is transported through the pump's chambers by the rotating screw.
Advantages:
- Efficient handling of high-viscosity fluids like heavy fuel oil.
- Ideal for supplying fuel to ship engines.
- Reduces pulsations in the fluid flow.
Applications:
- Fuel systems, propulsion systems, lubrication systems.
7. Lobe Pump
Lobe pumps are integral to maritime applications requiring sanitary and gentle fluid handling, making
them essential for transferring fluids without contamination.
Working Principle:
- Lobe pumps use rotating lobes to create suction and discharge.
- Fluid is drawn into the pump's cavities between the rotating lobes.
Advantages:
- Suitable for handling sensitive liquids without contamination.
- Ideal for transferring liquids used in onboard processes.
- Ensures hygienic fluid transfer.
Applications:
- Food and beverage processing, sanitary fluid transfer, wastewater treatment.

Air Vessel in Positive Displacement Pumps

Air vessels, also known as air chambers or surge tanks, are crucial components in positive displacement
pumps used in maritime applications. They play a vital role in reducing pressure fluctuations, improving
pump efficiency, and maintaining a steady flow of fluid.
Function:
1. Pressure Stabilization: Air vessels store a volume of compressed air, which acts as a cushion against
pressure surges caused by the intermittent flow of the pump. This prevents pressure spikes that could
damage the pump or downstream components.
2. Flow Smoothing: By absorbing excess pressure during the discharge stroke of the pump and releasing
it during the suction stroke, air vessels contribute to a more consistent and steady flow of fluid.
3. Reduced Water Hammer: Air vessels help minimize water hammer effects that can occur when the
pump suddenly stops or starts. The cushioning effect of the compressed air reduces the impact on the
system.
Applications:
Air vessels are commonly used in maritime systems such as:
- Ballast water systems to ensure controlled fluid movement.
- Bilge pumping systems to reduce pressure fluctuations.
- Hydraulic systems to maintain steady flow and pressure.

Relief Valve in Positive Displacement Pumps

A relief valve, also known as a pressure relief valve or safety valve, is an essential safety device in positive
displacement pumps used in maritime applications. It protects the pump and system from overpressure
by releasing excess pressure when it exceeds a specified limit.
Function:
1. Pressure Regulation: Relief valves are set to open at a predetermined pressure to prevent the pump
from operating beyond its safe limits. This safeguards the pump from damage due to excessive pressure.
2. System Protection: By relieving excess pressure, relief valves prevent potential system failures or
ruptures that could occur if pressure levels become dangerously high.
3. Pressure Relief during Blocked Discharge: In cases where the discharge line is blocked or closed, a
relief valve ensures that excess pressure doesn't build up in the system, protecting both the pump and
associated components.
Applications:
Relief valves are critical components in maritime systems such as:
- Engine cooling systems to prevent pressure buildup in cooling circuits.
- Fuel transfer systems to prevent pump and hose damage due to excessive pressure.
- Hydraulic systems to avoid overpressure during operation.