Practice and discussion on maintenance of seawater pump at LNG terminal

Objective Seawater pumps serve as one of the core equipment at LNG terminals, and their normal operation is crucial to the safe and efficient production of these facilities. Proper overhaul and maintenance of these pumps are essential to enhance their safety, stability, efficiency, and longevity.

Methods This paper systematically summarizes the overhaul and maintenance essentials for seawater pumps, taking into account their foundational structure and operational principles. It delves into different components including visual appearance, the cooling system, shaft seal and bearing, impeller and pump casing, motor and electrical system, and the lubrication system. These components are discussed from the perspectives of main purposes, basic procedures, and operational techniques for overhaul and maintenance. Special focus is directed towards elucidating the overhaul and maintenance of the shaft seal and lubrication system in these pumps.

Results Rigorous adherence to the outlined overhaul and maintenance procedures and techniques can effectively ensure the safe and efficient functioning of seawater pumps in practical production scenarios. Despite this, the environmental impacts under extreme marine conditions and advancements in new technologies and materials still present significant hurdles for the engineering applications of seawater pumps. Consequently, it is imperative to take practical and efficient countermeasures to continually enhance the overhaul and maintenance efficiency and effectiveness of seawater pumps.

Conclusion The study concludes with several key recommendations. It suggests prioritizing further research and development towards innovative anti-corrosive coating materials and effective biological adhesion control methods to enhance the corrosion and biological pollution resistance of seawater pumps. Incorporating intelligent technologies such as sensors, data analysis, and cloud computing via the Internet of Things (IoT) into overhaul and maintenance procedures can enable realtime monitoring and alerts. Customized overhaul and maintenance strategies for seawater pumps should be devised, taking into consideration different operational conditions and service environments, to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, regular training for maintenance staff on new technologies and methodologies is proposed to keep their maintenance skills updated and enhance their proficiency in implementing these advanced technologies.