SERO pump transports LPG in hybrid marine propulsion systems

The pump’s technical features include a low suction head requirement, uninterrupted pressure-constant delivery of low-viscosity liquids and a resistance to shipboard vibrations, ensuring high functional reliability of SHPmarine in ’over the water’ applications.

SERO said SHPmarine is capable of meeting all technical challenges (low net positive suction head requirement, reliable and pressure-constant delivery of volatile LPG and resistance to vibrations from the ship’s hull) when pumping LPG from the storage tanks through the SFSS feeding the main engine of an oceangoing vessel.

The SHPmarine pump technology was originally developed for use in the oil and gas industry and handling natural gas liquids in midstream production and process services and has been modified according to the IMO-IGC regulations to meet maritime needs. 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.

To help meet corrosion and temperature demands, spring-loaded stainless steel screws and special low-temperature O-rings compensate for the thermal expansion behavior of the materials during extreme temperature changes. A five-layer marine paint (C5M) will protect the structural components from salt water and UV radiation while special dry-running mechanical seals are used to prevent leakage and control fugitive emissions.

SHPmarine’s performance range has been extended up to a 10-stage hydraulic configuration to meet the flow and head criteria. To assist in servicing the pump, SERO integrated an all-steel spacer coupling between the pump and the drive engine.

SERO said the SHPmarine model can be used for both low pressure or high pressure requirements depending on the SFSS design used and the manufacturer claims it is the first pump of its kind to be both Lloyd’s Register accepted and DNV GL type-approved for marine dual-fuel propulsion systems.