Comprehensive Vibration Monitoring for Cargo Pumps: Enhancing Equipment Reliability

Monitoring the machine condition by vibration measurement is possible not only for Cargo pump el. motors, but also for Cargo pumps.

Before performing vibration measurements of such a pump, it is important to correctly determine the measurement points at which such a vibration measurement should be performed. It is important to take measurements at the correct location on the pump so that the received signal may indicate the part of the machine that is causing excessive vibration. The location of the points for one of the pumps located on one of our customers’ ships can be seen below.

Below are the measurements before the fault was detected and after the recommended works were performed by crew.

After taking the measurements, high values were visible at several points and high signals on the FFT velocity spectra, which indicated a problem with the impeller. We recommended checking the impeller in the pump and its seating on the shaft. The crew performed the work and noticed a crack in the pump housing. Significant improvement is visible also on FFT spectra and in measurement readings.

FFT velocity spectrum before performed our recommendation:

FFT velocity spectrum after performed our recommendation:

 

Vibration analysis is a critical component of Marine Condition Monitoring, providing valuable insights into the health of pumps and enabling the early detection of potential issues. For cargo pumps handling flammable liquids or chemicals, proactive vibration monitoring is essential to prevent hazardous situations caused by failures.

This advanced monitoring technique identifies problems such as rotor imbalance, bearing wear, mechanical play, shaft misalignment, and hydraulic issues like cavitation. By addressing these issues early, Marine Condition Monitoring minimizes the risk of sudden failures, enhances operational safety, and extends equipment life while avoiding costly repairs.

Investing in Marine Condition Monitoring ensures a safer, more reliable fleet.

Discover more about our  Rotating Machinery Vibration Measurement