Ammonia fuel ship water mist capturing system
By using seawater and freshwater spraying systems and wind lock controls, the problem of difficult layout of ammonia-fueled ships has been solved, achieving more flexible layout and higher safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI MERCHANT SHIP DESIGN & RES INST
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the layout of ammonia-fueled ships is restricted by toxic areas, which makes ventilation systems and overall ship layout difficult, especially for small ships that are unable to meet strict safety requirements.
Seawater and freshwater are used as the water source to absorb leaked ammonia. A spray system and an airlock are connected through a high-pressure pipeline. When the ammonia concentration exceeds the standard, water mist is sprayed to absorb the ammonia and the airlock is closed to capture and limit the diffusion of ammonia.
It improves the overall layout flexibility of the ship, limits the spread of ammonia fuel, and provides greater safety assurance.
Smart Images

Figure CN122009459A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ammonia fuel ship safety system design technology, specifically relating to an ammonia fuel ship water mist capture system. Background Technology
[0002] Against the backdrop of global carbon reduction and environmental protection, carbon-free ammonia fuel is gradually becoming a new favorite in the industry. However, its most significant characteristic—toxicity—also presents challenges for ship design. As a new marine fuel, ports and classification societies in various flag states have imposed various restrictions on the layout of ammonia-fueled ships from a safety perspective. Considering the volatility and high toxicity of ammonia, classification societies typically have toxic zone requirements for ammonia-related areas. Taking DNV's Type C tanks as an example, the scope of toxic zones is generally shown in the table below:
[0003] Breathable mast 25m Secondary shielding with ventilation, or mechanical ventilation outlet 10m, and 4m above the deck Refueling station connector 10m FPR, TCS, refueling station entrance 5m Carnot cycle internal combustion engine exhaust outlet 10m, and 4m above the deck
[0004] The presence of toxic zones restricts the overall layout of ships. For example, frequently used cabins cannot be located within toxic zones, and ventilation inlets for safe areas cannot be located there. Ventilation inlets for TCS / FPR / refueling stations can be located within the toxic zone of the ventilated mast, but must be at least 10 meters away from the mast. These restrictions pose significant challenges to the overall layout and ventilation duct design of ships. Furthermore, the newly released MSC.1 / Circ.1687 document in 2025 introduces even stricter requirements, such as stipulating that ventilation inlets for TCS, FPR, and double-walled ventilation ducts will also create a 5-meter toxic zone. Therefore, ventilation inlets for these locations cannot be adjacent and must be spaced at least 5 meters apart. With these numerous requirements combined, the ventilation system and overall ship layout for some small vessels, especially feeder container ships in the 1300 TEU class, are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to implement. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system, comprising:
[0006] Water sources, including both seawater and freshwater, are used to absorb the leaked ammonia.
[0007] The water system includes a pipeline system connecting the water source and each monitoring chamber, and the water system is a high-pressure pipeline.
[0008] The capture end includes a spray system installed in each monitoring chamber and connected to the water circuit. When the ammonia concentration in the chamber exceeds the standard, the capture end starts spraying water mist to absorb the ammonia in the chamber.
[0009] Furthermore, the freshwater source includes a technical water tank, and the seawater source includes a seawater main pipe;
[0010] A freshwater supply pipeline, comprising three parallel freshwater branches, each of which is equipped with a freshwater pump and a freshwater valve;
[0011] The seawater supply pipeline includes three parallel seawater branches, each equipped with a seawater pump and a seawater valve.
[0012] Furthermore, the first freshwater branch line is provided with a first normally open valve, a first filter valve, a first freshwater pump, a first check valve, and a second normally open valve in sequence from the technical water tank to the capture end.
[0013] Furthermore, the second freshwater branch line is provided with a first normally closed valve, a second filter valve, a second freshwater pump, a second check valve, and a second normally closed valve in sequence from the technical water tank to the capture end.
[0014] Furthermore, the third freshwater branch line is provided with a third normally open valve, a third filter valve, a freshwater booster pump, a third check valve, and a fourth normally closed valve in sequence from the technical water tank to the capture end.
[0015] Furthermore, the first seawater branch line is provided with a third normally open valve, a fourth filter valve, a first seawater pump, a fourth check valve, and a fourth normally open valve in sequence from the main seawater pipe to the capture end.
[0016] Furthermore, the second seawater branch is provided with a fifth normally closed valve, a fifth filter valve, a second seawater pump, a fifth check valve, and a sixth normally closed valve in sequence from the main seawater pipe to the capture end.
[0017] Furthermore, the third seawater branch is provided with a seventh normally closed valve, a sixth filter valve, a seawater booster pump, a sixth check valve, and an eighth normally closed valve in sequence from the seawater main pipe to the capture end.
[0018] Furthermore, the freshwater pump and the seawater pump are respectively connected to a freshwater pump starter and a seawater pump starter, and both the freshwater pump starter and the seawater pump starter are connected to the main control box.
[0019] Furthermore, it also includes:
[0020] The closed end includes the air dampers located in the ship's ventilation system corresponding to each monitored compartment. When the ammonia concentration in the compartment is detected to exceed the standard, the air dampers at the inlet and outlet of the ventilation system of that compartment are closed.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:
[0022] This invention is beneficial for both the overall layout of the ship and the restriction of the spread of ammonia fuel, thus providing a higher level of safety for the crew. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This invention relates to an ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system.
[0026] Attached Figures and Their Names: 1. Freshwater Pump Starter No. 1; 2. Freshwater Pump Starter No. 2; 3. Freshwater Booster Pump Starter; 4. Freshwater Pump No. 1; 5. Freshwater Pump No. 2; 6. Freshwater Booster Pump; 7. Technical Water Tank; 8. Main Control Box; 9. Seawater Pump Starter No. 1; 10. Seawater Pump Starter No. 2; 11. Seawater Booster Pump Starter; 12. Seawater Pump No. 1; 13. Seawater Pump No. 2; 14. Seawater Booster Pump; 15. Seawater Main Pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0028] Combination Figure 1 The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system proposed in this application includes:
[0029] Water sources, including both seawater and freshwater, are used to absorb the leaked ammonia.
[0030] The water system includes a pipeline system connecting the water source and each monitoring chamber; the water system is a high-pressure pipeline.
[0031] The capture end includes a spray system installed in each monitoring chamber and connected to the water circuit. When the ammonia concentration in the chamber exceeds the standard, the capture end starts spraying water mist to absorb the ammonia in the chamber.
[0032] The closed end includes the air dampers located in the ship's ventilation system corresponding to each monitored compartment. When the ammonia concentration in the compartment is detected to exceed the standard, the air dampers at the inlet and outlet of the ventilation system of that compartment are closed.
[0033] Freshwater sources include technical water tanks, and seawater sources include seawater mains.
[0034] The freshwater supply pipeline consists of three parallel freshwater branches, each equipped with a freshwater pump and a freshwater valve.
[0035] The seawater supply pipeline consists of three parallel seawater branch lines, each equipped with a seawater pump and a seawater valve.
[0036] The three freshwater branches are equipped with a No. 1 freshwater pump, a No. 2 freshwater pump, and a freshwater booster pump, respectively. One branch is a normally open pipeline, and the other two are normally closed pipelines. The three seawater branches are equipped with a No. 1 seawater pump, a No. 2 seawater pump, and a seawater booster pump, respectively. One branch is a normally open pipeline, and the other two are normally closed pipelines.
[0037] The ship is equipped with both seawater and freshwater sources to absorb leaked ammonia. The two sources have distinct functions: seawater is primarily used for outdoor applications, such as supplying water curtains outside the refueling station, preparation area, and TCS (Total Control System) doors; supplying water curtains for side protection at the refueling station; supplying water mist systems at ventilation inlets and outlets of the vent mast and ammonia fuel-related areas; and supplying water mist systems at the safety assembly station, life rafts, and the superstructure's aft and side bulkheads. Freshwater is primarily used for indoor applications, such as supplying water mist systems inside the refueling station, preparation area, tank compartments, and TCS. There are connecting pipes and valves between the seawater and freshwater sources, allowing for temporary emergency supply if one source is unavailable.
[0038] The system's control logic is as follows: by equipping ammonia concentration sensors, it monitors the ammonia concentration in key areas to determine if an ammonia leak has occurred. When an ammonia leak occurs, such as when the ammonia concentration in the fuel preparation room exceeds the standard, the system automatically shuts down the exhaust fan and air damper in the fuel preparation room, as well as the air damper at the ventilation inlet of the fuel preparation room, to prevent ammonia from escaping and affecting other areas on the ship. At the same time, it automatically sprays water mist into the fuel preparation room to absorb the ammonia in the room, and this water is collected and stored in a dedicated container.
[0039] In summary, these are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the present invention and the contents of the specification are within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A water mist capture system for ammonia-fueled ships, characterized in that, include: Water sources, including both seawater and freshwater, are used to absorb the leaked ammonia. The water system includes a pipeline system connecting the water source and each monitoring chamber, and the water system is a high-pressure pipeline. The capture end includes a spray system installed in each monitoring chamber and connected to the water circuit. When the ammonia concentration in the chamber exceeds the standard, the capture end starts spraying water mist to absorb the ammonia gas in the chamber.
2. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The freshwater source includes a technical water tank, and the seawater source includes a seawater main pipe; A freshwater supply pipeline, comprising three parallel freshwater branches, each of which is equipped with a freshwater pump and a freshwater valve; The seawater supply pipeline includes three parallel seawater branches, each equipped with a seawater pump and a seawater valve.
3. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first freshwater branch line is provided with a first normally open valve, a first filter valve, a first freshwater pump, a first check valve, and a second normally open valve in sequence from the technical water tank to the capture end.
4. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second freshwater branch line is provided with a first normally closed valve, a second filter valve, a second freshwater pump, a second check valve, and a second normally closed valve in sequence from the technical water tank to the capture end.
5. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The third freshwater branch line is provided with a third normally open valve, a third filter valve, a freshwater booster pump, a third check valve, and a fourth normally closed valve in sequence from the technical water tank to the capture end.
6. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first seawater branch line is provided with a third normally open valve, a fourth filter valve, a first seawater pump, a fourth check valve, and a fourth normally open valve in sequence from the seawater main pipe to the capture end.
7. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second seawater branch line is provided with a fifth normally closed valve, a fifth filter valve, a second seawater pump, a fifth check valve, and a sixth normally closed valve in sequence from the main seawater pipe to the capture end.
8. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The third seawater branch line is provided with a seventh normally closed valve, a sixth filter valve, a seawater booster pump, a sixth check valve, and an eighth normally closed valve in sequence from the seawater main pipe to the capture end.
9. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The freshwater pump and the seawater pump are respectively connected to a freshwater pump starter and a seawater pump starter, and both the freshwater pump starter and the seawater pump starter are connected to the main control box.
10. The ammonia-fueled ship water mist capture system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Also includes: The closed end includes the air dampers located in the ship's ventilation system corresponding to each monitored compartment. When the ammonia concentration in the compartment is detected to exceed the standard, the air dampers at the inlet and outlet of the ventilation system of that compartment are closed.