Belt-Driven Bronze Seawater Engine Cooling Pump

Urgent Requirement for a Seawater Cooling Pump for a Fast Support Intervention Vessel

Ensuring the engine is sufficiently cooled is vital for boats of all sizes, the vessel will grind to a halt if the engine overheats and the cost of downtime can be incredibly high. Marine engines are typically cooled with seawater that is sourced directly from the ocean overboard, it is common for these pumps to be engine driven rather than via an electric motor.

A chief engineer of a Fast Support Intervention Vessel (FSIV) urgently needed a replacement seawater cooling pump for their main engine as the existing pump had failed. This vessel is used to respond to emergencies, and it is essential that it is always fully functional to assist ships and people out at sea that require help.

Selecting our Bronze Special 20 Self-Priming Side Channel Pump as a Replacement

We were provided with photos showing that the existing pump was pulley driven and we were able to obtain the performance characteristics and dimensions to enable us to quote an equivalent. As the seawater is being lifted from the ocean, we selected our Special 20 self-priming side channel pump and to avoid corrosion by the salt water, we manufactured the casing and impeller in bronze.

This range is designed specifically for installation onboard tractors, boats, and trucks due to its compact dimensions and ability to be belt driven. Liquid ring pumps can self-prime up to 6m from dry without the need for a non-return valve, they are reversible and can handle gas/air content up to 50% without cavitating or dry running.

As this is a small engine, our Special 20 is ideal due to its low maximum flow rate of 36 litres per minute when operating at 3300RPM. However, we can manufacture much larger models from this series that can generate flow rates up to 450 litres per minute for bigger engines. In addition to bronze, we can supply this range in stainless steel 316 for fluids such as oils or potable water, other variations include a manual clutch, Electro-Magnetic clutch and built in relief valve.

The electro-magnetic clutch allows the pump to be activated without being near its location, a signal can be sent to turn the pump on or off via a button or control panel. It is possible to use this in conjunction with a vacuum switch that will automatically disengage the pump when excess air is detected and protect from dry running, this is particularly useful for bilge applications. The clutch is available in either 12V or 24V versions.

Delivery of the New Pump in 2 Days

We delivered the new seawater engine cooling pump in 2 days and the vessel was fully operational and performing its duties immediately.

Below is the specification of the supplied pump: