As the shipping industry transitions to cleaner fuels, ammonia as marine fuel is gaining momentum. Alfa Laval is at the forefront of enabling this shift. Through research, product development, and strategic partnerships, the company is building the expertise and solutions needed for a safe and efficient transition to alternative fuels, reports Alfa Laval.
Addressing challenges with an innovative portfolio
The unique properties of ammonia, including its low flash point, high toxicity, and low calorific value, pose distinct challenges for its use as a fuel. Ammonia-fuelled ships require advanced systems for tank containment, boil-off management, fuel supply, and purge/vent control. Drawing on its extensive expertise with fuels like methanol and LPG, Alfa Laval is now accelerating the development of new technologies for ammonia.
Developing steam boiler technology as a 2-in-1 solution
A steam boiler can offer a comprehensive solution to the challenges of using ammonia as a marine fuel. The Alfa Laval Aalborg ammonia dual-fuel boiler system can be a cost-effective, multi-purpose system for ammonia-capable ships. Together with meeting the ship’s heat demand through steam generation, it can help to safely handle boil-off ammonia evaporation, and effectively remove ammonia vapor in the purge/vent stream, without adding bulky equipment. At present, the ammonia dual-fuel boiler design concept is under development, in collaboration with its partners.
Collaborating for ammonia fuel supply system
The new Alfa Laval FCM Ammonia, designed for secure use of ammonia includes a fuel supply system (FSS) as the primary solution for feeding the fuel to the engine. This base system is integrated with fuel valve train (FVT) for isolating the engine from upstream systems and vent treatment system (VTS) for ensuring a controlled vent release into the atmosphere. The dedicated automation system of FCM Ammonia regulates all critical functions of FSS, FVT and VTS.
FCM Ammonia is available for purchase, with a tested and capable supply chain. The marine design will be consolidated by the end of 2024 with the first marine delivery expected by end of 2025, in line with the timeline for the first dual-fuel ammonia marine engines.
Widest heat transfer portfolio for future fuels
Alfa Laval offers the widest and most comprehensive heat transfer portfolio in the market. Alfa Laval Semi-welded Plate Heat Exchanger (SWPHE) portfolio has been used for ammonia heating and cooling in refrigeration systems for many years. The SWPHE are likewise suitable and used for ammonia fuel gas supply system (FGSS), where the ammonia flows through welded channels. With a maximum design pressure of up to 65 bar, SWPHEs provides optimized operations while minimizing ammonia hold-up volume. Apart from SWPHE, Alfa Laval also offers printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHE) for ammonia FGSS applications that requires higher design pressures.
Tank management solutions for ammonia carriers
Alfa Laval’s brand, Scanjet offers the SURVEYOR system as a tank management solution for ammonia carriers. This versatile solution provides accurate cargo monitoring and overfill prevention. With features like full volume calculations and pump/valve control integration, SURVEYOR optimizes cargo and bunker operations while meeting stringent safety standards.
To support its customers with the fuel portfolio, Alfa Laval has a strong service network with fuel experts around the globe. Alfa Laval Marine Service offers worldwide and 24/7 support throughout the lifecycle of the equipment, ensuring greater uptime and optimized performance.
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Source: Alfa Laval
