Best Practices for Handling Flame Failure or Fuel Pump Tripping in Auxiliary Marine Boilers
The marine auxiliary boiler is vital onboard for supplying steam for various operations such as heating, fuel treatment, and cargo systems. However, one of the more alarming situations that marine engineers may face is a flame failure or fuel pump tripping.
These events are more than just inconveniences—they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step response to handle such situations safely and efficiently.
Why Flame Failure Happens
Flame failure means that the burner flame has extinguished unexpectedly. This triggers the boiler’s safety interlocks and immediately shuts down fuel supply to prevent unburnt fuel accumulation—a potential cause of furnace explosion.
🔍 Common Causes:
- Low fuel pressure or airlock in supply line
- Dirty or clogged burner nozzle
- Faulty ignition transformer or spark electrode
- Photo cell (flame eye) malfunction
- Low atomizing steam or air pressure
- Water contamination in fuel oil
Step-by-Step: What To Do During Flame Failure
1 Acknowledge the Alarm
- Boiler trips automatically.
- Silence alarms.
- Inform duty engineer or officer.
2 Don’t Restart Immediately!
- Always treat a flame failure as a red flag.
- Never bypass or override flame failure trips.
3 Diagnose the Problem
- Check fuel oil pump pressure.
- Inspect burner for carbon deposits or clogging.
- Verify spark plug and ignition transformer function.
- Test flame eye/photo cell (dirty or defective units won’t detect the flame).
- Confirm proper atomization air or steam pressure.
4 Purge the Furnace
- Before restarting, purge the furnace with air to remove any unburnt fuel.
- Refer to boiler manual for purge duration (usually 2–5 minutes).
- Never skip purging—it’s critical for safety.
5 Restart Safely
- Once the issue is fixed and furnace is clear, reset the system.
- Follow standard startup sequence carefully.
What To Do If the Fuel Pump Trips
If the fuel pump stops suddenly, the burner will also shut down—leading to flame failure.
Possible Reasons:
- Electrical overload or motor fault
- Blocked suction filter
- Air in the suction line
- Worn-out pump bearings
- Incorrect fuel temperature or viscosity
Action Steps:
- Check for overload trip on motor breaker.
- Inspect and clean filters.
- Bleed air from the system.
- Check for suction or return line leaks.
- Once resolved, reset the motor and start the pump.
- Resume boiler startup with proper purging.
Pro Tips for Engineers
- Log all events in the engine room logbook.
- Inform the Chief Engineer if unsure about any fault.
- Keep burner and fuel systems well-maintained to reduce risk.
- Test flame sensors and safety trips during regular PMS.
- Always respect interlocks—they are there for your protection.
Conclusion
Handling a flame failure or fuel pump trip requires calmness, method, and safety awareness. Never rush to restart the boiler. Always diagnose the root cause, purge the system, and follow safe procedures. Your actions not only protect the machinery—but also the ship and crew.
