MARINE FRESH WATER HYDROPHORE

FRESH WATER HYDROPHORE

Hydrophore is a device which performs actions including pumping, storing and supplying water at a regular controlled pressure in marine ships.

If we use a centrifugal pump directly to the fresh water line, pump will cut in and cut off frequently due to small consumption which drastically drop the system pressure.

Hydrophore serves as a pressure vessel which keeps the system pressure in a particular range with the help of compressed air.

Pic: Hydrophore Tank

Working of a Hydrophore tank: -

• Hydrophore system consist of a hydrophore tank, pressure switches, level gauges, pressure gauges etc.
• Connections from the fresh water tanks are provided to the hydrophore tank.
• Water from the fresh water tank is passed through a filter to remove any dirt if present.
• The fresh water is then pumped into the hydrophore tank.
• The tank comprises of water along with compressed air which keeps the system under pressure.
• If water is consumed, water level will reduce and air pressure will drop.
• A pressure switch is connected to the tank so that whenever air pressure drops below a set pressure, approx. 2.5 bar, it will start the pump.
• The pump builds up water in the tank and when the pressure hits the maximum, approx. 4.5 bar set pressure, it will cut off by the pressure switch.
• The water used is then passed through a mineralizer where the water is purified and then is sent to various receiving unit.

Pic: Fresh water hydrophore system

Procedure to charge the hydrophore system: -

• Close outlet valve of the hydrophore.
• Start the hydrophore pump and keep an eye on sight glass.
• Once the sight glass is filled with 70% of water, then charge the tank with compressed air and put the system in automatic.
• The pump will stop at the desired set pressure and then charging will stop.
• Open the hydrophore outlet valve.
• Monitor the pump’s cut in and cut off pressure at regular intervals.

Reasons for continuous running of hydrophore pump: -

• Insufficient air pressure
• Due to wrong setting of air pressure switches or faulty pressure switches.
• Problem with pump such as loose suction, insufficient capacity, high water consumption etc.

Various mounting in hydrophore system: -

1. Liquid level meter
2. Pressure gauge
3. Pressure controller
4. Safety valve
5. Charge valve
6. Discharging valve
7. Control box