DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF DEWATERING PUMPING SYSTEM FOR DRY-DOCK

Dewatering is one of the dry-dock vital operation during the ship docking activity. The process of gradual removal of water from the dock floor using pump(s) is called the dewatering operation. The total dewatering time has greater importance in the ship maintenance schedule. This paper covers about the design aspects of dewatering activity of a dry-dock. The various selection & sizing criterion of pumps and system design are detailed in the below sections through a design case study is carried out from a reputed shipyard from India. The major challenge in the design is the selection of the large capacity pumps, capable to handle the huge variation in the flow rate and head (pressure) requirement during the complete dewatering process. This is due to the significant variation in suction pressure during the process due to water level changes. This requires a robust selection of pump, which also meets the stipulated dewatering time requirements as specified by dry dock operational requirements.