High-pressure diaphragm pumps for LPG and ammonia in fuel gas supply systems on ships

In addition, the IMO (International Marine Organization) has introduced drastic limits for ships. These limits cannot be met by ships powered by heavy fuel oil or can only be met with considerable retrofitting costs.

Dual-fuel engines, which allow the alternative combustion of heavy fuel oil or gases such as LPG, are considered an effective measure for reducing toxic exhaust gases.

LPG is produced during oil and gas exploration and refinery processes. It mainly consists of a mixture of propane and butane. Under normal pressure conditions, this mixture changes to a liquid state from around -20°C and is therefore much easier to transport, store and cool. In addition, the lower carbon content compared to heavy fuel oil means that around 10% less CO₂ is produced during combustion.

Another alternative solution for the complete elimination of CO₂ is attracting more and more attention: the use of ammonia as a fuel for ship engines. When ammonia is burned, only water and nitrogen oxides remain. Nitrogen oxides can be converted using SCR catalytic converters, as in a diesel car. The prerequisite for an environmentally friendly implementation of the ammonia approach is the production of "green ammonia" using renewable energies. However, meeting the total demand poses a major challenge.

Ammonia is highly toxic and harmful to health and the environment, even in very small quantities. Safe process technology and hermetically tight systems are therefore of great importance.