Methanol fuel preparation room with separation device

By designing a methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device and utilizing the density difference between methanol and water for physical separation, the safety, functionality and environmental friendliness issues of the methanol fuel preparation room are solved, and efficient and low-cost separation of methanol and water is achieved.

CN120697885APending Publication Date: 2025-09-26DALIAN SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510443844.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-10
Publication Date
2025-09-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methanol fuel preparation rooms have deficiencies in safety, functionality and environmental friendliness. It is difficult to effectively separate the mixture of methanol and water, and existing technologies may lead to high energy consumption and wastewater treatment burdens for chemical treatment.

Method used

A methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device is designed. The density difference between methanol and water is utilized to perform preliminary separation through the principle of gravity sedimentation. A grid side plate and overflow side plate structure are used to achieve physical separation of methanol and water, avoiding chemical treatment.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient and low-cost separation of methanol and water, reduces energy consumption and wastewater treatment burden, simplifies operating procedures, and improves safety and environmental protection.

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Abstract

A methanol fuel preparation room with separation devices is characterized in that the preparation room is provided with side bulkheads and a top bulkhead, the separation devices are arranged in the preparation room and at the intersections of the top bulkhead and the two side bulkheads, each separation device comprises a first square shell and a second square shell, and the second square shell is located in the first square shell; two side plates of the first square shell are overflow side plates with openings in the tops, the other two side plates of the second square shell are grid side plates, the grid side plates and the overflow side plates are spaced, a lower bottom plate of the first square shell is obliquely arranged relative to the horizontal plane, and the end, connected with the side bulkhead, of the lower bottom plate of the first square shell is lower than the other end of the lower bottom plate of the first square shell. And an upper bottom plate of the second square shell is horizontally arranged. A round hole is formed in a top plate of the second square shell, and a mixture containing methanol and water flows into the separation device from the round hole. The method disclosed by the invention has the characteristics of high efficiency and strong adaptability on primary purification of methanol, is beneficial to environmental protection, is beneficial to conforming to the environmental protection standard and is beneficial to reducing the treatment cost.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of design and construction of marine methanol fuel ships, and in particular relates to a methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device. Background Art

[0002] With increasing global environmental protection requirements and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightening ship emission standards, traditional fuel-powered vessels are facing tremendous pressure to transition. Against this backdrop, methanol, as a clean and efficient alternative fuel, has attracted widespread attention due to its lower sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions. Methanol fuel not only effectively reduces environmental pollution but also offers excellent energy efficiency and relatively low costs, thus gradually demonstrating its unique value in the shipping industry.

[0003] To ensure the safe operation and efficient use of methanol-fueled vessels, the structural design of the methanol fuel preparation room is particularly important. This preparation room is a key link between the methanol storage tanks and the engine, responsible for completing a series of operations such as fuel delivery, metering, and pretreatment to ensure the stability and reliability of the fuel supply system. A reasonable structural layout not only improves system efficiency but also significantly reduces potential safety risks.

[0004] Specifically, the design of the methanol fuel preparation room needs to consider the following aspects: (1) Safety: Relevant international specifications and standards must be strictly observed, effective fire and explosion prevention measures must be taken, and necessary leak detection and emergency shut-off devices must be installed.

[0005] (2) Functionality: It should have a certain ability to filter impurities, prepare for methanol fuel to enter the main engine, and be easy to maintain.

[0006] (3) Environmental friendliness: The impact on the surrounding environment must be fully considered during design, and measures must be taken to reduce noise pollution and heat emissions.

[0007] Therefore, a scientific and rational design of the methanol fuel preparation room structure is of great significance to the development of methanol-fueled ships and is also one of the important means to achieve the goal of green shipping. With the advancement of technology and the accumulation of practical experience, it is believed that methanol-fueled ships will have a broader application prospect in the future. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a methanol fuel preparation room for a methanol fuel ship, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: A methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device, the preparation room having side bulkheads and a top bulkhead, the separation device being arranged inside the preparation room at the intersection of the top bulkhead and the two side bulkheads, the separation device comprising a first square shell and a second square shell, the second square shell being located inside the first square shell, the first square shell being composed of a top plate, side plates, and a lower bottom plate, the second square shell being composed of a top plate, side plates, and an upper bottom plate, the first square shell and the second square shell both using the top bulkhead of the preparation room as a top plate and the two side bulkheads of the preparation room as two of their side plates, the other two side plates of the first square shell being overflow side plates with openings on top, and the other two side plates of the second square shell being grid side plates.

[0009] There is a distance between the upper bottom plate and the lower bottom plate, and there is a distance between the grid side plate and the overflow side plate. The lower bottom plate is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the end connected to the side bulkhead is lower than the other end. The upper bottom plate is horizontally set.

[0010] A circular hole is opened on the top plate of the second square shell, and a mixture containing methanol and water flows into the separation device through the circular hole.

[0011] The above-mentioned methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device is further provided with an independent arrangement above the deck, and an opening is provided at the bottom of the preparation room, through which the mooring parts of the cable pass.

[0012] The above-mentioned methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device further has a purge pipe connected to the top of the preparation room.

[0013] The above-mentioned methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device further requires a test of the separation device before the fuel preparation room is started. A small amount of clean water is injected into the separation device, and the water flow is observed to ensure that the water flow is smooth without blockage or abnormality.

[0014] The above-mentioned methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device further has a discharge port provided at a lower position of the lower base plate.

[0015] In the above-mentioned methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device, further, a mixture containing methanol and water enters the second square shell through a feed pump.

[0016] The present invention has the characteristics of high efficiency and strong adaptability for the initial purification of methanol: High Efficiency: Utilizes simple physical properties (density difference) to achieve initial separation of methanol and water, resulting in high separation efficiency. Nitrogen is collected by a grid plate and discharged from the top of the chamber, eliminating suffocation.

[0017] Strong adaptability: It can be widely used in various separation scenarios containing methanol and water mixtures.

[0018] It can be beneficial to the environment, help meet environmental standards, and reduce processing costs.

[0019] The methanol-water separation device of the present invention primarily relies on the density difference between methanol and water and the principle of gravity sedimentation, making the entire separation process entirely physical rather than chemical. The following are several significant environmental advantages of this physical separation method: (1) Reduce the use of chemical reagents: avoid pollution and reduce processing costs.

[0020] (2) Reduced energy consumption: Chemical treatment methods require high-temperature heating or high-pressure operation, which consume a lot of energy. In contrast, physical separation methods based on gravity sedimentation consume less energy and only require a simple mechanical structure to achieve efficient separation.

[0021] (3) Reduce the burden of wastewater treatment: The wastewater generated during chemical treatment usually contains complex chemical components and requires multiple stages of treatment to meet discharge standards. The wastewater generated by physical separation methods is mainly unseparated water and a small amount of impurities, which is relatively simple to treat and has lower costs.

[0022] (4) Easy to manage and operate: The operation process of the physical separation method is relatively simple, and the technical requirements for operators are low, which reduces the possibility of human error. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the separation device; Figure 2 It is the distribution of various gases and substances in the separation device; Among them, 1-grid side plate, 2-overflow side plate, 3-upper bottom plate, 4-lower bottom plate, 5-top plate, 6-circular hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] A methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the preparation room has side bulkheads and a top bulkhead, and a separation device is provided inside the preparation room and at the intersection of the top bulkhead and the two side bulkheads. The separation device includes a first square shell and a second square shell. The second square shell is located inside the first square shell. The first square shell is composed of a top plate, side plates, and a lower bottom plate. The second square shell is composed of a top plate, side plates, and an upper bottom plate. The first square shell and the second square shell both use the top bulkhead of the preparation room as the top plate and the two side bulkheads of the preparation room as two of their side plates. The other two side plates of the first square shell are overflow side plates with openings on the top, and the other two side plates of the second square shell are grid side plates.

[0026] There is a distance between the upper bottom plate and the lower bottom plate, and there is a distance between the grid side plate and the overflow side plate. The lower bottom plate is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the end connected to the side bulkhead is lower than the other end. The upper bottom plate is horizontally set.

[0027] A circular hole is opened on the top plate of the second square shell, and a mixture containing methanol and water flows into the separation device through the circular hole.

[0028] The mesh side panels of the second square shell, located at the top of the device, serve as the first-stage filtration device, primarily removing solid particles and macromolecular impurities from the mixed flow to prevent these impurities from entering the subsequent separation units and causing blockage or otherwise affecting separation efficiency. The mesh side panels also stabilize the flow, ensuring even distribution of the mixture entering the separation zone, thereby ensuring the continuity and stability of the separation process. The mesh side panels collect nitrogen, causing it to adhere to the mesh, and ultimately exhaust it from the top of the cabin through a purge pipe, preventing suffocation.

[0029] The overflow side panels of the first square shell are positioned below the grid plate, with an upper opening. This allows the lighter methanol component to flow along the plate surface and out through the top, while the denser water and other impurities remain below. This design effectively improves methanol-water separation efficiency while simplifying the equipment structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0030] The lower plate is tilted at the bottom of the unit. Its angle effectively guides separated water and other dense impurities to the lowest point for discharge through the connected discharge pipe. This tilted design not only facilitates the rapid removal of impurities but also reduces the impact of residual matter on separation efficiency.

[0031] The fuel preparation room is located above the main deck, without direct connection to the main hull, accommodation areas, or main engine. The liquids within the preparation room have no common interface with the main deck. This overall layout is minimally modified compared to the parent ship, improving design efficiency.

[0032] Working principle: When a mixture of methanol and water flows into the separation device provided by the present invention, it first passes through the mesh side plates to remove large impurities, and then enters the separation area formed by the overflow side plates. Within this area, methanol, because its density is lower than that of water, gradually rises and is discharged through the upper edge of the overflow side plates; water, due to its higher density, remains below. Finally, water and other impurities are guided by the lower bottom plate to the discharge port, achieving effective separation of methanol and water.

[0033] Preliminary preparation: 1. Material Preparation: Select the appropriate separation structure volume based on the volume of methanol-water mixture to be processed (e.g., flow rate per minute, water ratio, etc.). Ensure that all components (e.g., grid plates, overflow plates, inclined bottom plates, etc.) are properly installed.

[0034] 2. Check the equipment: make sure all connections are well sealed and leak-free, especially key areas such as inlets, outlets, and discharge ports.

[0035] 3. Test before starting: Pour a small amount of clean water into the device and observe the water flow to ensure that the water flow is smooth without blockage or abnormality.

[0036] Run steps: 1. Feed: Turn on the feed pump and evenly feed the methanol-water mixture to be treated into the grid plate area at the top of the separation device.

[0037] 2. Pretreatment: When the mixture flows through the mesh plate, large particles of impurities are intercepted and the cleaned mixture flows to the overflow plate.

[0038] 3. Gravity sedimentation separation: As the mixture enters the space below the overflow plate, the lighter methanol component gradually rises and flows out through the upper edge of the overflow plate; while the denser water and impurities remain below.

[0039] 4. Collect methanol: The methanol flowing out from the upper edge of the overflow plate can be collected into a designated container through a pipe for further treatment or direct use.

[0040] 5. Waste discharge: Water and impurities on the inclined bottom plate will flow along the slope to the lowest point and be discharged out of the system through the discharge port. If necessary, it can be connected to the wastewater treatment facility for subsequent treatment.

[0041] 6. Monitoring and Adjustment: During operation, the operating status of the device should be regularly checked, including whether parameters such as temperature and pressure are normal, and whether there are any leaks. The feed rate should be adjusted according to the actual situation to maintain the stability and efficiency of the separation process.

[0042] Maintenance: 1. Regular cleaning: At regular intervals (depending on the specific situation), shut down the device and thoroughly clean the internal components, especially the residue on the grid plate, to prevent long-term accumulation and blockage.

[0043] 2. Check for wear: Check each component for wear or damage, and replace damaged parts in a timely manner.

[0044] 3. Anti-corrosion treatment: For metal parts, take appropriate anti-corrosion measures to extend the service life of the equipment.

[0045] 4. Record data: Record relevant data before and after each operation, such as feed volume, discharge volume, running time, etc., to facilitate analysis of equipment performance and optimization of operating procedures.

Claims

1. A methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device, characterized in that: The preparation room has side bulkheads and a top bulkhead. A separation device is provided inside the preparation room, at the intersection of the top bulkhead and the two side bulkheads. The separation device includes a first square shell and a second square shell. The second square shell is located inside the first square shell. The first square shell is composed of a top plate, side plates, and a lower bottom plate. The second square shell is composed of a top plate, side plates, and an upper bottom plate. The first square shell and the second square shell both use the top bulkhead of the preparation room as the top plate and the two side bulkheads of the preparation room as their two side plates. The other two side plates of the first square shell are overflow side plates with openings on the top, and the other two side plates of the second square shell are grid side plates. There is a gap between the upper bottom plate and the lower bottom plate, and there is a gap between the grid side plate and the overflow side plate. The lower bottom plate is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the end connected to the side bulkhead is lower than the other end. The upper bottom plate is set horizontally. A circular hole is opened on the top plate of the second square shell, and a mixture containing methanol and water flows into the separation device through the circular hole.

2. The methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol fuel preparation room is independently set above the deck, and the liquid in the preparation room has no common interface with the main deck.

3. The methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a purge pipe connected to the top of the preparation room.

4. The methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before starting the fuel preparation room, the separation device needs to be tested. Inject a small amount of clean water into the separation device and observe the water flow to ensure that the water flow is smooth without blockage or abnormality.

5. The methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A discharge port is provided at a low position of the lower base plate.

6. The methanol fuel preparation room with a separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mixture containing methanol and water enters the second square shell through a feed pump.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Methanol fuel cabin layout structure and methanol dual-fuel ship

    CN117227898A

  • Collecting and discharging system for isolating void cabin methanol leakage

    CN117864302A

  • Novel methanol daily cabin and use method

    CN118270170A