No.

1000-0010-4
Framo Rev. J 18Dec12/AGAa

Submerged Cargo Pumps

Purging Instruction

CONTENTS
1 How to purge the cofferdam

2 Purging intervals – logging of purging result

3 Evaluation of the purging result

4 Trouble shooting

5 Precautions to be taken when handling special types of cargoes

6 Example of purging form

 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 2 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa

CLOSED
This procedure describes purging of submerged cargo pumps
with «dry» cofferdam. (For submerged cargo pumps with liquid
Vent. line filled cofferdam, refer to instruction 1000-0102-4.)

CLOSED The cargo pump cofferdam is essential for segregation of the

CLOSED pump hydraulic section from the cargo – and for seal
CLOSED
monitoring. Purging to be carried out at regular intervals for
Drain valve the purpose of:
- Leakage rate detection
- Condition monitoring of the shaft seal system
- Avoid that leakages are blocking the cofferdam
Purging
Flexible hose with
medium
snap-on coupling
1 HOW TO PURGE THE COFFERDAM
Cofferdam purging connection
CAUTION:
Exhaust gas and liquid may be hazardous.
Purging medium supply
Wear safety gear and avoid contact with drain from exhaust
Exhaust trap
trap and venting line.

Relief Preparation:
valve
1) Place a suitable container underneath the exhaust trap to
collect the leakage.
2) Check that drain valve at bottom of exhaust trap is not
blocked.
Exhaust gas
3) Drain the purging medium supply line for condensed
Container to water.
collect the leakage
4) Connect purging hose (max. supply pressure 7 bar).

Purging:
Cofferdam 5) Start the purging by opening the valve at purging medium
check pipe supply line.
Note!
A relief valve is fitted at cofferdam purging connection. This is
set at 3-3,5 bar to limit the purging pressure for protection of
the pump seals. A small leakage from the relief valve is
normal when liquid is purged from cofferdam. The valve will
also open if the cofferdam is blocked.
6) Check that exhaust gas is coming out of the exhaust trap
vent line (to verify that cofferdam is open).
CAUTION! Exhaust gas and liquid – watch out !

7) Purge cofferdam in several sequences if required.

Drain exhaust trap between each sequence.
8) Disconnect purging hose.
9) Close exhaust trap drain valve.
10) Log the amount of leakage, -evaluate the result.
Fig. 1
Note! For handling special cargoes, ref. chapter 5.
 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 3 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa

2 PURGING INTERVALS, - LOGGING OF PURGING RESULT

LOADING VOYAGE DISCHARGE

1. Shortly before 1. 1-2 days after loading. 1. Shortly before
loading. discharging.
2. If no leakage at step 1, purge every 2. Shortly after
fortnight. discharging.
3. If leakage is detected at step 1, or at a
later stage during the voyage, purge this
pump every day.
4. If pumps are used for cargo circulation
during the voyage, the cofferdam must be
purged before start and after stop.

Note! Neglecting of purging can result in a blocked cofferdam and lack of leakage control.

The purging form should be filled in with the results from every purging operation. Each horizontal line
in the form represents one cargo in one tank from loading till discharging. If a ship loads and
discharges some tanks more frequently than other, an extra form should be filled in for those tanks.

RESULT:
If no leakage, write OK.
If leakage, write amount of leakage in litres and
type of leakage. Open cofferdam:
Type of Date of (Example: 1H= 1 litre hydraulic oil, 1C= 1 litre cargo, Yes= air or liquid coming through Note action taken -
Tank no.
cargo purging 1 H/C= 1 litre mixture of hydraulic oil and cargo). No = blocked cofferdam new parts installed etc.

PURGING ROUTINE FOR FRAMO SUBMERGED CARGO PUMPS

SHIP NAME:__________________________________ VOYAGE NO.: __________________________________
NOTE: Elec tronic c opy: [email protected]
In "Result" column: If paper copy: Frank Mohn Servic es AS
H = hydr. oil Ship owner: Elec tronic/ Paper copy
C = cargo
W= water condensate A B C D
For long voyages with
In "Open cofferdam" column: "no leakage at A"
Yes = air or liquid coming through
Shortly 1-2 days If no leakage at A go to C. Shortly Shortly
purge at least every
No = Blocked cofferdam before loading after load ing If leakage at A purge this pum p before unloading after unloading
every day fortnight.
Tank Cargo Date Result Open Date Result Open Date Result Open Average Date Result Open Date Result Open State ac tion taken,
No. c offer- c offer- c offer- result c offer- c offer- new parts installed, etc.
dam dam dam dam dam

Signed by: Chief Offic er Chief Engineer Pumpman

Example of FRAMO purging form

Filled in purging form to be sent to Shipowner and to Framo([email protected]).

(Green copy for the ship, red copy for the Shipowner and white copy for Framo.)

Ship’s crew to evaluate the purging results and to take necessary action – however in case the
ship’s crew needs advice, contact a Framo Service Station.
 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 4 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa

3 EVALUATION OF THE PURGING RESULT

3.1 Cargo leakage 3.2 Hydraulic oil leakage

A small leakage rate of up to about 0.5 l/day Hydraulic oil in the cofferdam normally
(and higher with light cargoes) during pump indicates shaft seal leakage, but might come
operation is normal. from flange face seals in pipe stack/ pump
head or damage in the pipe stack/pump head.
Acceptable leakage rate depends on the type of
cargo and possible consequences in case of A small leakage rate into the cofferdam up to
leakage. about 10 ml/h (0.25 l/day) from the mechanical
- Risk for clogging of pump cofferdam oil seal or lip seal during pump operation is
Cargoes like naphtha, condensate etc. normal. For short periods of time, higher
penetrates the shaft seals more easily than leakage peaks can occur.
lubricating oils, vegetable oils and other viscous
cargoes. If the leakage rate is increasing above
It is therefore recommended to carefully monitor acceptable level, the pump must be purged a
the leakage rate over a period of time, couple of times daily, and inspected as soon
preferable with different type of cargoes. as possible to find the reason for the leakage.
Intensify the purging if the leakage rate is
For critical cargoes, when the leakage rate is increasing above the acceptable level. If this
about 2 litres/day or higher, the pump must be is not keeping the leakage under control,
purged a couple of times daily and service close the hydraulic service valve. Depending
(pressure test-repair) carried out at first of the nature of the cargo consider to use the
opportunity. portable pump to discharge the cargo.

Intensify the purging if the leakage rate is

exceeding acceptable limits. If this is not 3.3 Blocked cofferdam
sufficient to keep the leakage under control it In general we do not recommend to operate
must, depending on the nature of the cargo, be the cargo pump with blocked cofferdam.
considered to discharge the tank using the For advice, depending of type of cargo etc.,
portable pump. contact a Framo Service Station.

Cargo leakage to cofferdam normally indicates

shaft seal leakage. But the leakage might come
from flange connections or damage (cracks/pin
holes) in pump/pipe stack (ref. chapter 4,
Trouble shooting).

The development of a cargo leakage can be

monitored if purging is done according to
instructions. Thereby maintenance work can be
planned, and unexpected shut down due to
leakage can be avoided.

Note! Always remember to pressure test the cofferdam with 3 bar to locate the leakage prior to any
dismantling of the cargo pump.
 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 5 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa

4 TROUBLE SHOOTING
Warning: To prevent damage from hazardous cargoes, take necessary precautions, wear safety
gear and avoid contact with spray/gases.

Symptom: POSSIBLE REASON: Remedy: *)

Not possible to purge the a) No or insufficient a) Check valves, hose connections and
cofferdam (no air, inert gas purging medium supply purging medium relief valve (open at approx.
or liquid coming out of the 3 bar).
check pipe when purging) b) Blocked cofferdam
system b) Check the exhaust trap and the piping on
(See also chapter 1) deck for blockage. Open if possible.
Note!
b1) Disconnect check pipe from pump unit
In case steam is used in (lower seal house) – watch out for possible
attempt to clear a blockage pressurized liquid in cofferdam!!
in pump cofferdam system By carefully purging check if the blockage is
pay special attention not to located in the check pipe or in the pump/
over pressurize the pipe stack cofferdam.
pump/pipe stack Depending on the nature of the medium
blocking the cofferdam system use steam or
solvent to dissolve the blockage.
Dismantling of pump might be required.

Note! Pressure test pump after assembly.

Cargo leakage to pump General Pressure test pump cofferdam system at approx.
cofferdam. 3 bar.
Note! Check for leakage – if required spray with soapy
(See also chapter 1)
Always pressure test pump water to locate the leakage.
prior to and after
dismantling. This is required
to locate possible leakage
and to confirm no leakage
upon completion of repair.

a) Worn cargo seal a) Replace cargo seal set.

Note; If no leakage is Also, carefully check ceramic sleeve for
detected by pressure test possible damage-wear.
it is likely that the cargo
leakage to cofferdam is
caused by worn cargo
seal. (the upper seal lip is
sealing when pressurizing
cofferdam).

b) Leaking seal element in b) Check for loose bolts and for pitting corrosion
flange connection in seal faces – in case of corrosion repair is
required.
When assemble,renew damaged seal
element.

c) Crack/pinhole in piping c) Contact a Framo Service Station.

*) Ref. instruction for maintenance and repair for actual pump.

 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 6 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa

Symptom: Possible reason: Remedy: *)

Hydraulic oil leakage to General Drain the pump return side prior to dismantling.
pump cofferdam. Disconnect pump head/unit from pipe
stack/casing.
(See also chapter 1)
Pressurize pump unit return side at approx 4 bar
and check for leakage to cofferdam side.
Pressure test pump pipe stack / casing at max 7
bar on cofferdam side and check for leakage to
return side.

a) Leaking shaft seal a)Replace shaft seal (replaced seal to be

reconditioned if feasible)

b) Leaking seal element in b) Check sealing surface for possible damage –

flange connection. repair if damaged.
When assemble, renew damaged seal
element.

c)Crack/pinhole in piping c) Contact a Framo Service Station.

*) Ref. instruction for maintenance and repair for actual pump.

Note!
Evaluate if changed parts as sleeves, mechanical seals etc. are possible to recondition.
Send these parts to a Framo Service Station and ask for an evaluation.
 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 7 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa

5 PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING SPECIAL TYPES OF

CARGOES
The main rule is to have the cofferdam clean, dry and vented to atmosphere through the exhaust trap vent
line, in order to detect leakages easily. However, when handling certain groups of cargoes it may be an
advantage to fill the cofferdam with liquid to improve the seal lifetime and to avoid solidifying cargo
blocking the cofferdam. Recommended type of liquid to be filled into the cofferdam for some groups of
cargoes is given below.
This is a general advice, only experience can define which liquid gives the best result for the great number
of different types of cargoes. In addition to this advice charters instruction, Material Safety Data sheet and
any ATC instructions shall be taken into consideration during cargo operation and handling.

Acid and basic cargoes Solidifying cargoes (molasses, etc.)

After discharging and purging is finished, Fill cofferdam with fresh water. Flushing the
it may be an advantage to flush fresh water cofferdam with a low flow of water should also be
through the cofferdam to remove all considered.
residues after a leakage.

Note! Remember that some of these types Heated oil products (fuel oil, crude oil)
of cargoes are very hazardous Fill cofferdam with diesel oil or a light lubricated
oil (VG10) to keep any leakage into cofferdam in
Polymerising cargoes. (TDI, MDI) liquid form. (This is especially important after
Fill cofferdam with dioctyl phthalate(DOP) to stripping and during tank cleaning.)
limit the risk of blocking the cofferdam.

CLOSED Filling
Vent. line To fill liquid in the cofferdam, disconnect the
exhaust trap piping from the pump top plate. Using
CLOSED
a suitable adapter, fill the liquid through the
cofferdam check pipe. Open the purging connection
CLOSED
to ventilate the cofferdam during filling. (Connect an
open female coupling or similar).
Open purging
connection
Fig. 2
Flushing
Flushing of liquid through the cofferdam can be
CLOSED arranged in the following way:
- Connect liquid supply to the purging connection.
The supply line must be equipped with a valve
OPEN to regulate the liquid flow.
CLOSED
- Open drain valve on the exhaust trap, and
CLOSED collect the return liquid (fig. 3).
Liquid
return
Note!
When filling liquid in the cofferdam or flushing,
it is important that the hydraulic oil return pressure
always is higher than the pressure in the cofferdam.
Liquid
supply

Flexible hose with Valve for

snap-on coupling regulation of flow Fig. 3

Solidifying cargoes (in cargo tanks with heating coils)

To prevent the cargo to get solid (freeze) inside the suction well, circulate the cargo at intervals by
starting the cargo pump.
 No. 1000-0010-4
Framo Submerged Cargo Pumps Date/Sign.: 14Jan77/
PURGING INSTRUCTION Page: 8 of 8
Rev. J: 18Dec12/AGAa
6 EXAMPLE OF PURGING FORM