A watercraft cannot operate without an adequate oil supply into the onboard machinery. Marine oil pumps perform diverse functions, from petroleum fuel to lubricant distribution to coolant dispensing systems, to support day-to-day operations. There are several considerations when choosing transfer pumps for marine systems, as these high-grade pumps must be efficient enough to deal with hazardous chemicals and integrate with the machinery below the deck.
We endeavor to present an in-depth guide to marine oil transfer pumps for new ship owners. Explore the options to pick the best one for your needs.
Types of Marine Oil Transfer Pumps
Not all marine oil pumps are made the same, nor is the internal mechanism configuration. The unique machinery caters to specific vessel operation requirements and conditions.
A marine oil pump performs various functions within the ship:
- It sends the fuel oil from the storage unit at the vessel’s base (bunker) to the settling tank present in the engine room.
- Collect excess oil from the overflow tank and transfer it into the storage tank for further use.
- It drains out the oily bilges during engine operation for collection in the holding tanks within the engine room.
- It moves the diesel oil from one tank to another.
Centrifugal Marine Oil Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are used for diverse applications across various industries. These pumps also work great for moving water in large vessels. The centrifugal marine oil transfer pumps are suitable for moving heavy oils, supporting smooth operations for high-capacity viscous substances at high flow rates. Low maintenance, simplicity of use, durability, and excellent functionality are reasons for their immense use in heavy-duty applications. However, priming is compulsory before using these pumps for moving oils. These pumps cannot operate in dry conditions.
Marine Centrifugal Pump Working Principle
The centrifugal pump operates on the principle of applying centrifugal force to displace fluids. These pumps comprise an impeller that rotates at a high speed to move the fluid from the inlet to the discharge unit. The impeller is a fan-like structure present within a snail-shaped volute housing. It comprises vanes with curvy outer ends.
At first, the pump resumes operation at a low speed to draw fluid inside the housing. Then, the impeller spins rapidly, and the vanes push the liquid to the sides of the housing and finally out through the discharge opening.
Gear Oil Pumps
Gear oil transfer pumps in ships are among the most popular positive displacement pumps. These pumps mainly transmit fuel oil from the settling tank to the combustion chambers. The high price tag and maintenance of gear pumps are due to the intricate design and vulnerability to damage.
How Do Gear Oil Transfer Pumps Work
These pumps boast a compact design comprising two teethed gears present within a tightly secure casing. The two gears spin against each other to squeeze out the liquid through the discharge section. A mesh around the gears allows the viscous fluids to pass through the teethed structures without contacting the gears.
These pumps can run in dry conditions and do not require priming. The compact design traps debris fast and imposes clogging issues. Filters or strainers are necessary to prevent unwanted particulates from entering the gear chamber.
Screw Pumps for Oil Transfer
The design and working mechanism in screw pumps is like the gear pumps with only a few exceptions. These positive displacement pumps comprise a set of screws instead of gears inside a compact casing to regulate the spinning and moving water through the discharge pipe. Screw pumps work perfectly in dry conditions and do not require priming.
The only downside of choosing these models is the high price and costly maintenance.
Things to Consider When Buying a Marine Oil Pump
Choosing the appropriate transfer pump for viscous fluids can seem daunting for the new vessel owners. Herein are the vital suggestions from marine engineers when buying a new pump:
Mandatory Certification Compliance
There are several IMO regulations vessel owners must comply with when choosing equipment for a ship. Go for ABS-certified products to ensure safety and abide by international maritime laws. These items are tested for quality standards and performance in various marine conditions.
Vessel Size
The size of the watercraft determines the amount of oil you need to move during operations. Centrifugal pumps are excellent for high-capacity pumping needs. The price range of these pumps is lower than that of complex positive displacement pumps. Moreover, these pumps are easy to maintain and repair. Replacing spare parts (OEM items readily available) is a simple task for technicians.
Oil Capacity
To find the oil capacity of a marine oil pump, check its GPM (gallon per minute). It measures the amount of fluid the pump can transfer per minute. The higher the GPM count, the faster the tank filling rate. Pumps with high GPM are big, so ensure enough space inside the engine room to accommodate the model.
Pump’s Head Requirement
Each pump has a specific head requirement based on the operation duration and other factors. The sum of elevation (vertical rise), friction loss, and pressure is equivalent to the total head of a pump.
It should be noted that the friction loss varies according to the type of fluid.
Marine Fuel Oil Pump Components
Fuel transfer pumps primarily comprise a set of basic parts, including:
Positive Displacement Pump
It captures the required volume of oil and push the viscous substance through the system (in gear pumps).
Twin Basket Strainer
Also known as a duplex strainer, the part is a type of filter with dual chambers and baskets to allow uninterrupted fluid supply. When one filter is removed for cleaning, the other is available.
Interconnecting Threaded Piping
These interconnected piping systems comprise screw threads for securing the joints at the end.
Delivery Valve
A spring-loaded valve regulates the adequate amount of fuel discharge from the pump and the injection system without any risk of fluid backflow.
Spring Delivery Valve Holder
This housing is a unique component for securely holding the delivery valve. It keeps the valve firmly and prevents moving during operation under extreme pressure.
Plunger
It is a piston-type structure securely housed within a cylindrical sleeve called a barrel. The plunger moves forward and backward within the barrel under hot and high-pressure conditions to trigger fuel delivery.
Plunger and Barrel Assembly
The assembly allows metered fuel shoots from the pump to the combustion cylinders. It is a complex mechanism that controls precise fuel supply timing, quantity, and pressure.
Plunger Spring
It pulls the plunger back to its position after a fuel shoot from the pump for the next cycle.
Buy Genuine Marine Oil Pumps and Spare Parts
Purchasing naval supplies is easy and affordable at Alfa Marine Spare Parts. We serve an ever-growing community of shipbuilders and repairers worldwide with authentic engines, turbo systems, spare parts, and electrical supplies for all types and sizes of marine vessels.
Herein is a highlight of the bestselling marine oil pump products from our store gallery. We have further categorized the items by brand to ease your search.
OEM Perkins Oil Pump Spare Parts
CH11906 – OIL PUMP GASKET – 2506TAG3 / 2506C / 2506TAG4
CH11905 – OIL PUMP GASKET – 2506TAG4 / 2506TAG3 / 2506C
CH10860 – OIL PUMP – 2306 / 2806 / 2506TAG3 / 2506C / 2506TAG4
CH10622 – OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR – 2506TAG3 / 2506C / 2506TAG4
T411864 – OIL PUMP – 1206E-E70TTA / 1206F-E70TTA
T406760 – OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR – 1206E-E70TTA / 1206F-E70TTA
3681K044 – OIL PUMP GASKET – 1206E-E70TTA / 1206F-E70TTA
T419939 – OIL PUMP – 1100 SERIES
T418992 – OIL PUMP – 1104C-44T / 1104D-44T / 1104D-E44TA / 1104D
4132F073 – OIL PUMP – 1103 / 1104
4132F071 – OIL PUMP – 1103 / 1104
4132F067 – OIL PUMP – 1106C
3683L005 – OIL PUMP GASKET – 4.236 / 1000 / 1004
4132F057 – OIL PUMP – 1000 / 1006
4132F056 – OIL PUMP – 1000 / 1004
4132F043 – OIL PUMP – 1000 / 1006
T412207 – OIL PUMP – 854E / 854F
MP20040 – OIL PUMP – 804C-33 / 804C-33T / 804D-33 / 804D-33T
U5MK8268 – OIL PUMP IDLER GEAR
U5MK8266 – OIL PUMP / IDLER GEAR – 400
U5MK8265 – OIL PUMP IDLER GEAR
4132F016 – OIL PUMP – 6.354
4132F015 – OIL PUMP – 6.354
4132F082 – OIL PUMP – 4.236 / 1000 / 1004
4132F041 – OIL PUMP – 4.236 / 1000 / 1004
Genuine Caterpillar Marine Pumps and Spare Parts
440-6389 – Caterpillar PUMP GP-AUX 440-6389
7n-2645 – Caterpillar drive group-pump 7n-2645
436-1239 – Cat Auxiliary Water Pump
6N-1931 – 68.6mm Long Engine Oil Pump Plunger-6N-1931
127-6356 – Engine Oil Pump Cover-127-6356
9Y-1792 – 3mm Thick Oil Pump Plunger Retainer-9Y-1792
1W-7238 – Oil Pump Shaft-1W-7238
9S-1018 – 9.73mm Inner Diameter Oil Pump Sealing Washer-9S-1018
6I-4575 – 34 Teeth Engine Oil Pump Drive Gear-6I-4575
358-5945 – Gear Oil Pump Body-358-5945
Original Cummins Oil Transfer Pump Parts
A054G362 – BRACKET, OIL PUMP
A040G159 – BRACKET, OIL PUMP
0185-6082 – GEAR-OIL PUMP DRIVE
0185-5851 – Gear-Oil Pump Drive
0185-5849 – GASKET-OIL PUMP
0509-0253 – O RING-OIL PUMP
4024870 – KIT, LUBRICATING OIL PUMP
3092990 – GEAR, LUB OIL PUMPING
3092988 – GEAR, LUBRICATING OIL PUMP
3092987 – SHAFT, LUB OIL PUMP DRIVE
3092609 – GEAR, LUB OIL PUMPING
4381150 – SUPPORT, LUB OIL PUMP
0187-6106 – OIL PUMP COVER COMPLETE
0185-6542 – Gear-Oil Pump
0185-6486 – Cover-Oil Pump
0185-6485 – Rotor Assy-Oil Pump
0185-5414 – GEAR-OIL PUMP DRIVE
0185-5330 – Gasket-Oil Pump
4065760 – KIT, LUBRICATING OIL PUMP
0120-0203 – GASKET-OIL PUMP
0120-0202 – GASKET-OIL PUMP (KITS)
0120-0197 – GASKET-OIL PUMP (kits)
0102-1492 – COVER-OIL PUMP
4099228 – GEAR & SHAFT, LUB OIL PUMP
4099225 – GEAR & SHAFT, LUB OIL PUMP
4016842 – GASKET, LUB OIL PUMP
3649470 – SHAFT, LUB OIL PUMP
Did you not find the required part number in the abovementioned lists?
Do not worry; Alfa Marine sales executives are always available to support. Shoot an email with the necessary part number and other product details. We usually arrange the shipping within 24-48 hours after placing the order.
