Step 4 of 5•3 minutes read
While generally safer and requiring less maintenance than regular cargo pumps, there are some inherent dangers and concerns with submerged FRAMO pumps.
While some FRAMO pumps are motor-driven, the vast majority are hydraulic. This requires storing, carriage and using a large quantity of hydraulic fluid not required for more traditional cargo pump set-ups. These carry the inherent risks of fire and spillage and potentially leak into the cargo, tainting or destroying it by polymerisation.
It should also be noted that many hydraulic lines are made of stainless steel to be protected against most cargo types. Stainless steel is very susceptible to chloride stress and brittleness caused by exposure to saltwater. The lines should be checked regularly for chloride stress, especially when exposed to the deck, and freshwater should be immediately rinsed if cleaned using salt water.
With the pump being situated within the cargo tank, the issues of accessibility for inspection, maintenance and repair must be addressed. Conventional cargo pumps can be inspected freely in the pump room and regularly maintained on loaded or ballast passages. This is not the case for FRAMO pumps.
The ship's planned maintenance system (PMS) must reflect the more arduous nature of the inspection of these pumps. Inspections can only occur when the tank has been fully stripped, cleaned, and gas-freed, and there are suitable permits to work in place for entering enclosed spaces. This will require full management and scrutiny as there are pumps in every tank, so the inspections will need to be carried out on every ballasted run to ensure that all pumps are inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Here or the PDF below you can find more information concerning this specific type of cargo pump.
Are you sure to perform this action?