Failure modes and effects analysis (FMECA)

Project: Fuel supply system Date: 23/02/2010

FMECA Adam
Group: Group 3 Prepared by:
Gosztolai

Local effect Failure

Potential failure System effect of Compensating Severity x
Identification Function of potential detection Remarks
mode potential failure provisions Likelihood
failure method

Supplies fuel to Loss in fuel Insufficient Insufficient fuel Pressure sensor Make up fuel can Severity would be 1
marine diesel pressure due to fuel pressure pressure of and alarm, visual be added to the or two if no 2nd
engine. leakage of of complete complete detection of system under engine
Pressurises the components. pressure pressure broken pipeline constant
fuel received from This is only likely breakdown breakdown by operator. surveillance
the supply tank in on the high
two stages, adjusts pressure side of
Fuel supply the temperature the pump, in
and filters. piping, mixing 3x3=9
system
Recirculates spilled tank, heater, and
fuel from engine filters.
before second
pressure stage in
the mixing tank.
Primary fuel No fuel Engine will slow Pressure sensor Immediate Severity would be 1
pump system supply at all down and and alarm rectification or two if no 2nd
fails eventually stop. engine
High pressure
boost pumps can
run dry if not 3 x 4 = 12
stopped
immediately and
can suffer serious
damage

Primary fuel Excess fluid If not detected Pressure sensor Requires Severity would be 1
pump pressure cannot be can break and alarm immediate or two if no 2nd
relief regulating handled, pipelines or investigation. engine
valve (PRRV) pressure will mixing tank or Excess pressure
fails rise cause major downstream the
electrical or non-return valves
mechanical can be released
damage to through the
4 x 3 = 12
primary pump pressure relief
from overload valve on mixing
tank. Any further
supply is catered
for by the
individual PRRV's
of the primary
pumps

Pressure relief Excess Can cause Pressure sensor Immediate Severity would be 1
valve fails on pressure serious electrical and alarm replacement is or two if no 2nd
pumps cannot be or mechanical required to engine
handled, damage to prevent effect on
4 x 3 = 12
pressure can positive whole system
rise to displacement should the
dangerous pumps or to primary fuel pump
levels adjacent pipeline PRRV fail
Non-return valve Return flow Backflow can Pressure sensor Requires Severity would be 1
(NRV) fails can occur occur at positive and alarm immediate or two if no 2nd
displacement detection to avoid engine
pumps causing damage to
3x3=9
serious electrical pumps. Shut-off
and/or valves should be
mechanical installed
damage

Filters get highly Filtration Contaminants can Pressure sensor Conditions of the Regular fuel quality
contamined or quality cause damage to and alarm, fuel filter can be checks are
damaged due to decreases, engine and/or quality check on determined by necessary to prevent
large pressure drop decrease its maintenance or carrying out fuel contamination
contaminants through filter lifetime. Pressure overhaul quality check on
can become drop might cause engine supply,
5 x 2 = 10
excessive insufficient fuel Cleaning or
thus flowrate pressure and replacement is
reduces at engine stall necessary
large engine and/or lubrication
loads problems leading
to engine damage

High pressure Decrease in Pressure drop Pressure sensor Immediate Severity would be 1
boost pumps fail fuel supply, might cause and alarm on investigation is or two if no 2nd
pressure drop insufficient fuel high pressure required. Might engine
pressure and side not cause the
engine stall stop of the engine 3 x 4 = 12
and/or lubrication if load is
problems leading signifiicantly
to engine damage decreased

Heater fails Temperature Failure in Temperature Should be

of fuel combustion sensors repaired or
decreases process leading replaced, but full
to inefficiency engine shut-down
operation, engien might not be 4 x 4 = 16
stall, or knocking necessary
can occur causing
seriour damage
 Spill return path Excess fuel is Can lead to Pressure sensor Excess fuel can
form engine fails not returned excess pressure and alarm, and be carried away
in combustion temperature by another
chamber sensor pipeline. Make-up 4 x 3 = 12
fuel can be added
if necessary.