From Tiny Cracks to Big Fixes: The AME Team Save the Day on a Dredge

If there's one thing we've learned from working in the maritime world – even the smallest crack can sink the biggest ship...or at least cause a failure. In this case, it wasn’t a Titanic-sized iceberg, but a deceptively minor weld crack that caused coupling failure on a critical asset. Fortunately, AME's field service engineers  were on the job, ready to diagnose and remedy the situation.

In January, AME mobilized to a dredge after reports of failing couplings. After initial inspections, significant modifications were made by naval architects, particularly concerning support structures. While the vibration reduced substantially, and one of the pumps was operating without failure, one pump was still suffering coupling failures. We were called back to further evaluate and identify the root cause.

Upon inspection, our engineer discovered that the intake pipe exhibited substantial axial movement, causing a pronounced disturbance in the system. The main cause was identified as a lack of stiffness in the deck structure beneath the pipe stanchion.

The analysis also revealed a crucial detail: a crack in the weld beneath the intake support structure. This seemingly minor flaw had a cascading effect, causing the intake pipe to move excessively. The increased movement disrupted the support flow and placed undue stress on the impeller, leading to the coupling failure.

Discovery of the cracked weld reminds us of the importance structural integrity and detailed inspections have in maintaining operational efficiency. Our team not only pinpointed the issue but also ensured that the necessary repairs were carried out to prevent future failures. By reinforcing the support structures and addressing the deck's stiffness, we were able to stabilize the intake pipe and restore the system's functionality.

This incident serves as a valuable reminder of the complexities involved in mechanical engineering on vessels and the expertise required to navigate challenges. At AME, we're equipped with the knowledge and experience to tackle even the most intricate issues, ensuring that our clients' vessels operate at peak performance.