ANALISIS DAMPAK PENYUMBATAN SEA CHEST FILTER TERHADAP TEKANAN POMPA COOLING SEA WATER DAN TEMPERATUR MINYAK LUMAS AUXILIARY ENGINE DI MT. GUNUNG KEMALA

Abstract

The Sea Water Cooling System is a vital system in maintaining the operational temperature stability of ship machinery, particularly the Auxiliary Engine. The reliability of this system is influenced by the condition of the Sea Chest Filter, which functions as the initial filter before seawater is delivered to the Sea Water Pump. This study aims to analyze the effect of sea chest filter blockage on the decrease in cooling sea water pump pressure and its impact on the cooling system onboard MT. Gunung Kemala. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach through observation and interviews conducted during sea practice. The results show that blockage of the sea chest filter caused by mud and marine organisms obstructs seawater flow, resulting in a decrease in pump pressure from the normal range of 2.0–3.0 bar to approximately 1.8 bar. This pressure drop leads to ineffective heat transfer in the heat exchanger, causing the lubricating oil temperature of the auxiliary engine to exceed normal limits. Corrective actions were carried out through filter cleaning and preventive maintenance, which successfully restored pressure and temperature to stable conditions. Therefore, the condition of the sea chest filter has a direct effect on sea water pump performance and the effectiveness of the cooling system, making routine maintenance essential to ensure reliable ship operations.