Ammonia processing system and ship including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ammonia processing system. The ammonia processing system may comprise: a fuel storage unit which stores ammonia; a fuel supply unit which receives ammonia delivered from the fuel storage unit and supplies the ammonia to a consumer; a fuel supply valve which is provided between the fuel supply unit and the consumer to cut off supply of the ammonia; and a processing device which processes ammonia discharged from the consumer, wherein the processing device comprises: a scrubber unit which sprays the ammonia discharged from the consumer with an absorbent to absorb the ammonia; and an absorption tank unit which stores the absorbent and absorbs ammonia directly injected into the stored absorbent.

Description

Ammonia treatment system and vessel containing same

[0001] The present invention relates to an ammonia treatment system and a vessel including the same.

[0002] Typically, ships are propelled by diesel engines that generate driving force using diesel oil, gas engines that generate driving force using gas such as LNG, and dual fuel engines that generate driving force using a mixture of diesel oil and gas.

[0003] Recently, with the growing demand for eco-friendly / high-efficiency engines due to the strengthening of IMO environmental regulations, research on propulsion systems using various fuels is actively underway.

[0004] Ammonia is attracting attention as an environmentally friendly fuel because it does not contain carbon, but it has the disadvantage of being relatively easy to burn and use compared to conventional fuels.

[0005] For example, when ammonia is used as a fuel, its combustion reactivity is lower than that of other fuels, so the exhaust gas contains unburned ammonia (ammonia slip). Unburned ammonia is known to be a toxic substance and can be another cause of environmental pollution.

[0006] The present invention was created to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an ammonia treatment system for recovering and reusing ammonia discharged when an ammonia-propelled vessel is stopped to the maximum extent possible.

[0007] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

[0008] An ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a fuel storage unit for storing ammonia; a fuel supply unit for receiving ammonia from the fuel storage unit and supplying ammonia to a demander; a fuel supply valve provided between the fuel supply unit and the demander to block the supply of ammonia; and a treatment device for treating ammonia discharged from the demander; wherein the treatment device may include: a scrubber unit for spraying an absorbent onto ammonia discharged from the demander to absorb ammonia; and an absorption tank unit for storing an absorbent and absorbing ammonia directly injected into the stored absorbent.

[0009] Specifically, the location where ammonia is injected in the absorption tank may change depending on the pressure of ammonia discharged from the above demand source.

[0010] Specifically, the level of the absorbent stored in the absorption tank may change depending on the pressure of the ammonia discharged from the above demand source.

[0011] Specifically, a neutralizing agent can be injected into the above absorption tank.

[0012] Specifically, a packing part may be provided in the scrubber part or the absorption tank part.

[0013] Specifically, ammonia water is discharged from the lower part of the absorption tank, and the ammonia water can be circulated to the upper part of the scrubber part.

[0014] Specifically, a circulation pump is provided in the circulation line through which the ammonia water is circulated to the upper part of the scrubber section, and a neutralizing agent can be injected at the front or rear end of the circulation pump.

[0015] Specifically, ammonia water is discharged from the lower part of the absorption tank, and the ammonia water can be delivered to a bilge tank, an incinerator, an oxidation catalyst, or a nitrogen oxide reduction device.

[0016] Specifically, vent gas is discharged from the upper part of the scrubber section, and the vent gas can be transmitted to the vent mast and discharged to the outside.

[0017] Specifically, dilution gas can be supplied to the vent mast.

[0018] A vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the ammonia treatment system.

[0019] An ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fuel storage unit that stores ammonia; a fuel supply unit that receives ammonia from the fuel storage unit and supplies ammonia to a demander; a fuel supply valve that is provided between the fuel supply unit and the demander and blocks the supply of ammonia; a knockout drum that recovers ammonia from ammonia discharged from the demander; and a recovery tank that pressurizes the ammonia recovered from the knockout drum and delivers it to a fuel recovery line.

[0020] Specifically, when the demand source is stopped in an emergency, ammonia is delivered from the fuel supply valve to the knockout drum, the pressure of the recovery tank drops to receive ammonia from the knockout drum, ammonia is delivered from the knockout drum to the recovery tank, the recovery tank pressurizes the ammonia delivered from the knockout drum, and when the pressure of the ammonia in the recovery tank is higher than a reference pressure, ammonia can be delivered to the fuel recovery line.

[0021] Specifically, it may include an inert gas supply unit that supplies inert gas to the knockout drum or the recovery tank.

[0022] Specifically, the inert gas can prevent contact between ammonia and oxygen in the knockout drum and increase the pressure in the recovery tank.

[0023] Specifically, the present invention includes a treatment device for treating vent gas discharged from the knockout drum, and the treatment device may include a scrubber unit for absorbing ammonia by spraying an absorbent into the vent gas discharged from the knockout drum; and an absorption tank unit for storing an absorbent and absorbing ammonia from the vent gas directly injected into the stored absorbent.

[0024] A vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the ammonia treatment system.

[0025] The ammonia treatment system according to the present invention can minimize the amount of ammonia emitted when an ammonia-propelled vessel is stopped, thereby preventing environmental pollution caused by ammonia emission.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an ammonia treatment system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a scrubber as a conventional treatment device.

[0029] Figure 3 is a drawing showing an absorption tank as a conventional treatment device.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a first treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a second treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a third treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a fourth treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a fifth treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a vent mast used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a first method for treating ammonia water in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a second method for treating ammonia water in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a third method for treating ammonia water in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing an ammonia treatment system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when operating a demand source.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is generally stopped.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is normally stopped and then restarted.

[0043] Figure 17 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is stopped in an emergency.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention after the fuel supply valve is depressurized.

[0045] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention after depressurizing the recovery tank.

[0046] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is stopped in an emergency and then restarted.

[0047] Hereinafter, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that it may include other components, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0048] Hereinafter, “water” may be interpreted to mean a substance for absorbing ammonia, including detergents, absorbents, etc., and is not limited by the type, pH, phase, etc. of the substance.

[0049] Hereinafter, “ammonia gas” or “ammonia fuel” may be used interchangeably, and “ammonia gas” or “ammonia fuel” may mean a substance containing ammonia, and when expressed as ammonia gas, the state of the substance containing ammonia may be gaseous or liquid.

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an ammonia treatment system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, the ammonia treatment system (1) may include a fuel storage unit (10), a fuel supply unit (20), a fuel supply valve (30), and a demand source (40).

[0053] The fuel storage unit (10) may be a facility equipped in the ammonia treatment system (1) capable of storing ammonia, and may include any type of facility, and the fuel storage unit (10) may be a tank-type storage facility.

[0054] In this specification, it is clarified that the term "ship" is a concept that includes not only a merchant ship that transports cargo from the point of origin to the destination, but also a marine structure that floats at a certain point on the sea and performs a specific task.

[0055] The fuel supply unit (20) is connected to one or more fuel storage units (10), and can heat ammonia to a temperature suitable for supply to a demander (40) and pressurize ammonia to a pressure suitable for supply to the demander (40). For example, ammonia having a pressure of 50 to 300 bar and a temperature of 10 to 50 degrees can be supplied to the demander (40). The fuel supply unit (20) may be a low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS).

[0056] The fuel supply unit (20) is composed of equipment such as a heater (21), a pump (22), a return cooler (23), and a recovery tank (24), as well as various valves and sensors for pressure control, flow control, venting, and nitrogen supply, and may also include auxiliary equipment such as a service tank, a nitrogen supply system, a glycol system, a gas-liquid separator, and a vent mast.

[0057] The fuel supply valve (30) is located between the fuel supply unit (20) and the demand unit (40), and when the fuel supply unit (20) in the fuel supply line (L1) operates abnormally, it can effectively block the fuel supply to the demand unit (40) by separating the fuel supply unit (20) and the demand unit (40). The fuel supply valve (30) may be composed of valves for double blocking and discharge, venting, pressure control, nitrogen supply, etc., as well as filters, various sensors, etc. The fuel supply valve (30) is a mechanism in which control valves for controlling the supply of ammonia to the demand unit (40) are centrally arranged, and may be a fuel valve train (FVT).

[0058] The demand source (40) may be an ammonia propulsion engine or an ammonia power generation engine. The demand source (40) may use ammonia to propel a ship or generate electricity to be used on the ship.

[0059] The fuel recovery line (L2) connects the demand source (40) and the recovery tank (24), and the excess ammonia that is not combusted at the demand source (40) can be transferred to the recovery tank (24) through the fuel recovery line (L2). This excess ammonia can have a pressure of 50 to 300 bar.

[0060] The recovery tank (24) can separate the excess ammonia recovered from the demand source (40) into liquid ammonia (LA) and gaseous ammonia (GA). The liquid ammonia (LA) separated by the recovery tank (24) can be recovered through the fuel recovery line (L2). The fuel recovery line (L2) can be equipped with a return cooler (23) for cooling the liquid ammonia (LA).

[0061] Liquid ammonia (LA) can be transferred to the fuel recovery line (L2) through a recovery tank line (L3) connecting the recovery tank (24) and the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0062] In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a line connecting the recovery tank (24) and the fuel storage unit (10) may be provided, and ammonia may be transferred from the recovery tank (24) to the fuel storage unit (10) using the line.

[0063] In this way, the surplus ammonia that is not burned at the demand source (40) can be recovered, and the liquid ammonia (LA) separated by the recovery tank (24) can be supplied again to the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0064] Meanwhile, the gaseous ammonia (GA) separated by the recovery tank (24) can be delivered to the treatment device (50) through the vent line (L4). The treatment device (50) can reduce the concentration of the gaseous ammonia (GA). The vent gas discharged from the treatment device (50) can be discharged to the outside through a vent mast (not shown).

[0065] Exhaust gas discharged from a demand source (40) can be delivered to a nitrogen oxide reduction device (60) along an exhaust gas line (L5). The nitrogen oxide reduction device (60) receives liquid ammonia (LA) or gaseous ammonia (GA) from a fuel storage unit (10), and uses the received ammonia as a reducing agent for nitrogen oxides (NOx) to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), thereby removing nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas. This nitrogen oxide reduction device (60) can be a selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

[0066] In the ammonia treatment system (1), ammonia stored in the fuel storage unit (10) can be used to remove nitrogen oxides, so there is no need to provide a separate ammonia generating device for the nitrogen oxide reduction device (60) or an ammonia aqueous solution such as urea.

[0067] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a scrubber as a conventional treatment device.

[0068] The scrubber (51) is a device that sprays water, an absorbent, etc. onto polluted gas introduced into the scrubber (51) so that pollutants are absorbed into the water, etc. and the pollutants are removed. The vent gas from which pollutants have been removed through the scrubber (51) can be released into the atmosphere.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, the scrubber (51) includes a packing portion (P), and water or the like is sprayed from the upper portion of the scrubber (51), and ammonia gas is injected from the lower portion of the scrubber (51) so that the water and ammonia gas come into contact at the packing portion (P) and the ammonia gas can be absorbed into the water. Accordingly, the vent gas from which the ammonia gas has been removed is discharged to the outside from the upper portion of the scrubber (51), and the ammonia water collected at the lower portion of the scrubber (51) can be discharged to the outside of the scrubber (51).

[0070] Figure 3 is a drawing showing an absorption tank as a conventional treatment device.

[0071] Referring to Figure 3, the absorption tank (52) is a storage facility that stores water, absorbent, etc. above a certain level, and by directly injecting ammonia gas into the water, etc. stored in the absorption tank (52), the ammonia can be absorbed into the water stored in the absorption tank (52).

[0072] The scrubber (51) continuously supplies water, so the concentration of ammonia water discharged from the scrubber (51) is relatively low, and ammonia can be supplied at a lower pressure compared to directly supplying ammonia gas into water. However, if a continuous supply of water is required and the flow rate increases significantly, the treatment of ammonia gas may become difficult.

[0073] The absorption tank (52) has a simple structure in that it supplies ammonia water to stored water, does not use electricity, and can process ammonia gas even when the flow rate increases, such as when ammonia must be discharged urgently. However, as the amount of ammonia dissolved in the stored water increases, the absorption capacity of the absorption tank (52) may decrease, and since ammonia gas is directly injected into the water, ammonia must be supplied at high pressure when the water level of the stored water rises.

[0074] In the ammonia treatment system (1), both a scrubber (51) and an absorption tank (52) are used. The scrubber (51) is used when the demand source (40) is normally shut down, and the absorption tank (52) can be used to treat a large amount of ammonia gas when the demand source (40) is urgently shut down. In this case, water must be supplied to each device for efficient absorption of ammonia gas, and the ammonia water generated from each device must be treated separately.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a first treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, the treatment device (50) can have an absorption tank (52) connected to the bottom of the scrubber (51) so that it can perform the functions of both the scrubber (51) and the absorption tank (52).

[0077] Ammonia gas is injected into the lower part of the absorption tank (52). The ammonia gas can be absorbed into the water stored in the absorption tank (52). Any excess ammonia gas that is not absorbed can be transferred to the scrubber (51) from the upper part of the absorption tank (52).

[0078] At this time, water is injected into the upper part of the scrubber (51), so that the water and excess ammonia gas come into contact in the packing part (P) provided in the scrubber (51), and the excess ammonia gas can be absorbed into the water. The primary ammonia water in which the excess ammonia gas has been absorbed can be injected again into the upper part of the absorption tank (52).

[0079] Primary ammonia water is sprayed from the upper part of the absorption tank (52), so that the excess ammonia gas collected in the upper part of the absorption tank (52) can be absorbed into the primary ammonia water. Since the ammonia concentration of the primary ammonia water is relatively low, it can be reused to absorb the excess ammonia gas in the absorption tank (52).

[0080] A certain amount of secondary ammonia water can be discharged depending on the supply pressure of the ammonia gas supplied to the absorption tank (52).

[0081] A bilge tank is provided at the bottom of the absorption tank (52), so that ammonia water can be delivered to the bilge tank.

[0082] In this way, the efficiency of the ammonia treatment device can be improved by integrating the scrubber (51) and the absorption tank (52), and the height of the packing part (P) provided in the scrubber (51) can be reduced due to the increased efficiency.

[0083] In addition, since the scrubber (51) and the absorption tank (52) are integrated, there is no need to separately equip the scrubber (51) and the absorption tank (52) with a water supply device, an ammonia water discharge device, etc.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a second treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, the treatment device (50) can be configured to perform both the functions of a scrubber (51) and an absorption tank (52), by integrating an absorption tank section (502) that functions as an absorption tank into the lower portion of a scrubber section (501) that functions as a scrubber.

[0086] Water can be injected into the upper part of the scrubber part (501), and ammonia gas can be injected into the lower part of the absorption tank part (502). At this time, the ammonia gas can be absorbed into the water stored in the absorption tank part (502), and the excess ammonia gas that is not absorbed here can pass through the scrubber part (501) and be absorbed into the water injected from the upper part of the scrubber part (501).

[0087] The water level of the absorption tank (502) can be controlled according to the supply pressure of the ammonia gas supplied to the absorption tank (502). To control the water level of the absorption tank (502), a discharge valve (CV) can be controlled to discharge a certain amount of ammonia water from the absorption tank (502).

[0088] Table 1 below shows the water level of the absorption tank (502) according to whether the supply valve (V1) is open or closed and the pressure of the ammonia gas supplied through the supply valve (V1).

[0089] When the supply valve (V1) is closed or the supply valve (V1) is opened and the pressure of the ammonia gas is greater than 1 barg, the water level of the absorption tank section (502) can be controlled to 1 m. When the pressure of the ammonia gas is greater than 1 barg, the ammonia gas can be injected into the absorption tank section (502) while overcoming the differential pressure generated in the absorption tank section (502), and a large amount of the ammonia gas can be absorbed in the absorption tank section (502).

[0090] On the other hand, when the supply valve (V1) is open and the pressure of the ammonia gas is less than 1 barg, the water level of the absorption tank (502) can be controlled to 0 m. When the pressure of the ammonia gas is low, it is not easy for the ammonia gas to be injected into the absorption tank (502), so it is desirable to lower the water level of the absorption tank (502), and the ammonia gas is injected from the upper part of the absorption tank (502). In this case, the ammonia gas can be mainly absorbed in the scrubber (501).

[0091] Condition Supply valve close Supply valve open PT high pressure (>1 barg) PT low pressure (<1 barg) Discharge valve water level control 1 m0 m

[0092] Additionally, an ammonia neutralizing agent may be injected into the upper portion of the absorption tank (502) to improve the ammonia absorption capacity of the absorption tank (502).

[0093] In addition, a packing part (P) may be provided at the lower end of the absorption tank part (502). The packing part (P) can increase the contact time between water and ammonia. In addition, when the ammonia treatment system (1) is installed on a ship, the water stored in the absorption tank part (502) may be concentrated to one side as the ship moves. In this case, ammonia absorption can occur in the packing part (P), and the sloshing phenomenon of water due to the rocking of the ship can also be minimized.

[0094] In addition, the ammonia treatment system (1) needs to be equipped with a knockout drum (not shown) to recover ammonia in a liquid state before the ammonia gas is released to the outside, but the treatment device (50) can replace the knockout drum (not shown) and perform the role of recovering ammonia gas.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a third treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, ammonia gas is injected into the lower part of the absorption tank section (502) through the absorption tank lower line (L41), and ammonia gas can be injected into the upper part of the absorption tank section (502) along the absorption tank branch line (L411) that branches from the absorption tank lower line (L41) and connects to the upper part of the absorption tank section (502).

[0097] The absorption tank branch line (L411) may be equipped with a branch valve (V2), and when the pressure of the ammonia gas is high, the branch valve (V2) may be shut off, and the ammonia gas may be supplied to the lower part of the absorption tank section (502), and when the pressure of the ammonia gas is low, the branch valve (V2) may be opened to supply the ammonia gas to the upper and lower parts of the absorption tank section (502). When the pressure of the ammonia gas is low, it is difficult for the ammonia gas to be injected into the lower part of the absorption tank section (502) due to the pressure of the water stored in the absorption tank section (502), and the ammonia gas may be mainly injected into the upper part of the absorption tank section (502) through the branch valve (V2).

[0098] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a fourth treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 7, a vent section (503) may be provided at the upper portion of the scrubber section (501). Exhaust gas may be directly injected into the treatment device (50), and ammonia may be separated within the treatment device (50) and the vent gas may be discharged through the vent section (503).

[0100] Depending on the supply pressure, ammonia gas can be injected into the lower part of the absorption tank (502) when the supply pressure is high, and can be injected into the upper part of the absorption tank (502) when the supply pressure is low.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a fifth treatment device used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 8, ammonia gas can be supplied to the lower part of the absorption tank (502), and ammonia water can be discharged from the lower part of the absorption tank (502). The pH and flow rate of the ammonia water discharged from the lower part of the absorption tank (502) can be measured, and a neutralizing agent with an appropriate pH can be supplied in an appropriate amount according to the ammonia concentration and flow rate of the ammonia water. The ammonia water is neutralized by the neutralizing agent, and the ammonia water can be returned to the scrubber part (501) and reused.

[0103] A return pump (RP) can be used to return the ammonia water to the scrubber unit (501), and a neutralizing agent can be supplied from the front or rear end of the return pump (RP).

[0104] The neutralizing agent can be injected into the upper part of the absorption tank (502) to improve the ammonia absorption performance of the absorption tank (502).

[0105] The above neutralizing agent is a substance capable of neutralizing ammonia, and may be an acidic substance such as sulfuric acid.

[0106] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a vent mast used in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 9, the vent gas discharged from the processing device (50) can be discharged to the outside through the vent mast (70).

[0108] At this time, if the vent gas is discharged at a low velocity from the vent mast (70), the vent gas diffuses slowly. If the vent gas diffuses slowly, the vent gas may be transmitted to the ground, so it is necessary to increase the diffusion speed of the vent gas.

[0109] Therefore, by supplying a high-velocity dilution gas to the vent mast (70), the flow rate of the gas discharged from the vent mast (70) can be increased, and the concentration of ammonia contained in the gas can be reduced. The dilution gas can preferably be nitrogen or air.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a first method for treating ammonia water in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to Fig. 10, ammonia water can be discharged from the bottom of the absorption tank (52), and the discharged ammonia water can be directly supplied to the nitrogen oxide reduction device (60). The pH and flow rate of the ammonia water can be measured, an appropriate pH and an appropriate flow rate can be calculated, and ammonia water with an appropriate pH and an appropriate flow rate can be supplied to the nitrogen oxide reduction device (60).

[0112] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a second method for treating ammonia water in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 11, ammonia water can be discharged to the bottom of the absorption tank (52), and the discharged ammonia water can be oxidized using an oxidation catalyst. Ammonia water can be supplied within a range that can maintain a temperature at which a reaction can occur in the oxidation catalyst.

[0114] Additionally, the temperature of the oxidation catalyst can be heated using an air heater (AH).

[0115] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a third method for treating ammonia water in an ammonia treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to Figure 12, ammonia water can be discharged to the bottom of the absorption tank (52), and the discharged ammonia water can be transferred to an incinerator to incinerate the ammonia water.

[0117] In this way, the ammonia treatment system (1) according to the present invention integrates a scrubber and an absorption tank, thereby reducing the amount of water used by reusing ammonia water discharged from the scrubber in the absorption tank, and increasing the ammonia recovery rate by doubly absorbing ammonia in the absorption tank and the scrubber.

[0118] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing an ammonia treatment system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Hereinafter, descriptions of common parts with those in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and the treatment device (50) below may be an integrated form of a scrubber (51) and an absorption tank (52), and the treatment device (50) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 may be applied below.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 13, the ammonia treatment system (1) may include a fuel storage unit (10), a fuel supply unit (20), a recovery tank (24), a fuel supply valve (30), a demand unit (40), a treatment device (50), an inert gas supply unit (80), and a knockout drum (90).

[0121] The vent gas discharged from the treatment device (50) can be discharged to the outside through a vent mast (not shown). Generally, if a certain amount of toxic ammonia exceeding a certain level is discharged to the outside through the vent mast (not shown), a safety hazard may arise. To prevent liquid ammonia from being discharged to the outside, a knockout drum (90) capable of separating ammonia into gas and liquid may be installed.

[0122] Since the knockout drum (90) is a safety device, valve installation may be restricted. For example, valve installation may be restricted in the knockout drum (90) because a malfunction of the valve may cause an explosion due to a blockage of the ammonia discharge passage. Due to the restriction of valve installation, the knockout drum (90) and the vent mast are connected in an open state, which limits the pressurization and recovery of the liquid within the knockout drum (90). Therefore, in the present invention, a recovery tank (24) is provided separately from the knockout drum (90) to pressurize and recover the ammonia.

[0123] When the demand source (40) stops, the knockout drum (90) can receive ammonia fuel from the fuel supply valve (30) or the recovery tank (24), transfer gaseous ammonia to the treatment device (50), and transfer liquid ammonia back to the recovery tank (24).

[0124] When the demand source (40) stops, the recovery tank (24) can receive ammonia from the fuel recovery line (L2), pressurize the ammonia, and supply it back to the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0125] Ammonia fuel can be supplied from a fuel storage unit (10) to a demand source (40), discharged from the demand source (40) and delivered to a fuel supply line (L1) through a fuel recovery line (L2), delivered to a recovery tank (24) along a third line (L30), or delivered to a knockout drum (90) along a fifth line (L50).

[0126] The inert gas supply unit (80) can supply inert gas to the recovery tank (24) or the knockout drum (90). The inert gas supply unit (80) is configured to supply inert gas such as nitrogen gas (N2) or carbon dioxide gas (CO2), and may include a device for generating inert gas or a device for storing inert gas. The inert gas supply unit (80) can supply inert gas to the recovery tank (24) or the knockout drum (90) so that ammonia does not come into contact with oxygen in the recovery tank (24) or the knockout drum (90). The inert gas can be supplied to the recovery tank (24) to increase the pressure of the recovery tank (24).

[0127] Meanwhile, since the knockout drum (90) is installed at a higher position than the recovery tank (24), the ammonia fuel in the knockout drum (90) moves to the recovery tank (24) by gravity, so that the liquid ammonia in the knockout drum (90) can be recovered from the recovery tank (24) without providing a separate transfer means or pressurizing the ammonia fuel.

[0128] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when operating a demand source.

[0129] Referring to Fig. 14, a pressure measuring device (PT) may be provided in the recovery tank (24), and the pressure of the recovery tank (24) may be measured by the pressure measuring device (PT).

[0130] When the demand source (40) is in operation, the third valve (V30), the fourth valve (V40), and the fifth valve (V50) are closed to prevent ammonia fuel from being supplied from the demand source (40) to the recovery tank (24), the second valve (V20) is closed to prevent ammonia fuel from being supplied from the knockout drum (90) to the recovery tank (24), and the first valve (V10) and the sixth valve (V60) are opened to maintain the pressure of the recovery tank (24) at 25 barg. Accordingly, liquid may not be generated within the recovery tank (24).

[0131] Open the 7th valve (V70) to send inert gas to the knockout drum (90) to prevent ammonia from coming into contact with oxygen.

[0132] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is generally stopped.

[0133] In the case of a normal stop of the demand source (40), it may mean that the valves provided in the fuel supply valve (30) are operating normally, and in the case of a normal stop of the demand source (40), ammonia fuel can be recovered from the fuel supply unit (20).

[0134] Referring to Fig. 15, the first valve (V10) and the sixth valve (V60) can be opened to maintain the pressure of the recovery tank (24) at a certain level, where the pressure may be a pressure at which ammonia is maintained in a liquid state. The seventh valve (V70) is opened to send an inert gas to the knockout drum (90) to prevent ammonia from coming into contact with oxygen.

[0135] And by opening the third valve (V30), ammonia fuel can be recovered from the fuel recovery line (L2). The ammonia fuel can be delivered from the recovery tank (24) to the knockout drum (90) along the first line (L10).

[0136] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is normally stopped and then restarted.

[0137] Referring to Fig. 16, the first valve (V10) and the sixth valve (V60) can be opened to maintain the pressure of the recovery tank (24) at a certain level, where the pressure may be a pressure at which ammonia is maintained in a liquid state. The seventh valve (V70) is opened to send an inert gas to the recovery tank (24) to prevent the ammonia from coming into contact with oxygen.

[0138] And the third valve (V30) is closed, and the fourth valve (V40) can be opened when the demand source (40) is in operation. At this time, ammonia fuel can be delivered from the knockout drum (90) to the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0139] Figure 17 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is stopped in an emergency.

[0140] An emergency stop of the demand source (40) may mean that the valves installed in the fuel supply valve (30) are not functioning properly, such as when they are broken. In the case of an emergency stop of the demand source (40), a large amount of ammonia fuel is discharged in a short period of time. If all of the discharged ammonia fuel is discharged to the outside from the knockout drum (90), environmental problems may arise and ammonia fuel is wasted. Therefore, a knockout drum (90) is required to accommodate a large amount of ammonia discharged in a short period of time.

[0141] Accordingly, the ammonia treatment system (1) is equipped with a knockout drum (90), and ammonia fuel from the demand source (40) is discharged to the knockout drum (90) through the fifth line (L50).

[0142] Meanwhile, since a clogging during the ammonia discharge process can cause a safety accident, in order to prevent a safety accident, no additional valves can be installed in the fifth line (L50) and the knockout drum (90) other than the fifth valve (V50) that blocks the connection to the knockout drum (90). Therefore, a problem arises in that the ammonia fuel cannot be pressurized in the fifth line (L50) and the knockout drum (90).

[0143] To solve this problem, the ammonia treatment system (1) is equipped with a recovery tank (24), and the ammonia fuel recovered by the knockout drum (90) can be pressurized by using the recovery tank (24) in the event of an emergency stop of the demander (40), and the pressurized ammonia fuel can be delivered to the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0144] That is, in the case of an emergency stop of the demand source (40), the ammonia fuel of the demand source (40) is delivered to the knockout drum (90), the ammonia fuel is delivered from the knockout drum (90) to the recovery tank (24), and the recovery tank (24) can pressurize the delivered ammonia fuel and supply the ammonia to the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0145] Referring to Fig. 17, when the demand source (40) is stopped in an emergency, the first valve (V10) and the fourth valve (V40) are closed to prevent ammonia fuel from being delivered to the recovery tank (24), and the second valve (V20) and the third valve (V30) are closed to prevent ammonia fuel from being discharged from the recovery tank (24).

[0146] By closing the 6th valve (V60) and the 7th valve (V70), the pressure of the knockout drum (90) can be lowered to prevent the inert gas from being delivered to the recovery tank (24) or the knockout drum (90), thereby facilitating the supply of ammonia fuel.

[0147] The fifth valve (V50) can be opened to discharge ammonia fuel from the fuel supply valve (30) into the recovery tank (24). At this time, the fuel supply valve (30) can be depressurized.

[0148] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention after the fuel supply valve is depressurized.

[0149] Referring to Fig. 18, after the fuel supply valve (30) is depressurized, the fifth valve (V50) can be closed. At this time, since it is necessary to lower the pressure of the recovery tank (24) in order to supply ammonia fuel from the knockout drum (90), the first valve (V10) can be opened to lower the pressure of the recovery tank (24). At this time, in order to increase the pressure of the knockout drum (90) and prevent ammonia from coming into contact with oxygen, the seventh valve (V70) can be opened to supply an inert gas to the recovery tank (24).

[0150] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention after depressurizing the recovery tank.

[0151] Referring to Fig. 19, after the recovery tank (24) is depressurized, the first valve (V10) is opened to lower the pressure in the recovery tank (24), and the second valve (V20) is opened to supply the fuel inside the knockout drum (90) to the recovery tank (24). Preferably, the knockout drum (90) is installed at a higher position than the recovery tank (24), so that the ammonia fuel in the knockout drum (90) can move to the recovery tank (24) by gravity.

[0152] By opening the 7th valve (V70) and supplying inert gas to the recovery tank (24), ammonia is prevented from coming into contact with oxygen, and the supply of ammonia fuel from the knockout drum (90) to the recovery tank (24) can be ensured smoothly.

[0153] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the operation process of the ammonia treatment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the demand source is stopped in an emergency and then restarted.

[0154] Referring to Fig. 20, the first valve (V10) and the sixth valve (V60) can be opened to maintain the pressure of the recovery tank (24) at a certain level, where the pressure may be a pressure at which ammonia is maintained in a liquid state. The seventh valve (V70) can be opened to send an inert gas to the knockout drum (90) to prevent ammonia from coming into contact with oxygen.

[0155] And when the third valve (V30) is closed and the pressure of the recovery tank (24) becomes higher than the reference pressure, the fourth valve (V40) can be opened. At this time, ammonia fuel can be transferred from the recovery tank (24) to the fuel recovery line (L2).

[0156] In this way, the ammonia treatment system (1) according to the present invention can recover the discharged ammonia to the maximum extent when the demand source (40) is normally shut down or in an emergency stop, thereby preventing environmental pollution caused by ammonia discharge and reducing ammonia waste.

[0157] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may include a combination of the above embodiments or a combination of at least one of the above embodiments and a known technology as another embodiment.

[0158] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, this is intended to specifically explain the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent that modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0159] All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific protection scope of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Fuel storage unit for storing ammonia; A fuel supply unit that receives ammonia from the fuel storage unit and supplies ammonia to a demander; A fuel supply valve provided between the fuel supply unit and the demand unit to block the supply of ammonia; and A treatment device for treating ammonia emitted from the above demand source; The above processing device, A scrubber section that absorbs ammonia by spraying an absorbent onto ammonia emitted from the above demand source; and An ammonia treatment system comprising an absorption tank section for storing an absorbent and absorbing ammonia directly injected into the stored absorbent.

2. In paragraph 1, An ammonia treatment system in which the location where ammonia is injected in the absorption tank changes depending on the pressure of ammonia discharged from the above demand source.

3. In paragraph 1, An ammonia treatment system in which the level of absorbent stored in an absorption tank changes according to the pressure of ammonia discharged from the above demand source.

4. In paragraph 1, An ammonia treatment system in which a neutralizing agent is injected into the above absorption tank.

5. In paragraph 1, An ammonia treatment system in which a packing part is provided in the above scrubber part or the above absorption tank part.

6. In paragraph 1, Ammonia water is discharged from the lower part of the above absorption tank. An ammonia treatment system in which the above ammonia water is circulated to the upper part of the scrubber section.

7. In paragraph 6, A circulation pump is provided in the circulation line through which the ammonia water is circulated to the upper part of the scrubber section. An ammonia treatment system in which a neutralizing agent is injected at the front or rear end of the above circulation pump.

8. In paragraph 1, Ammonia water is discharged from the lower part of the above absorption tank. An ammonia treatment system in which the above ammonia water is delivered to a bilge tank, incinerator, oxidation catalyst or nitrogen oxide reduction device.

9. In paragraph 1, Vent gas is discharged from the upper part of the above scrubber section, An ammonia treatment system in which the above vent gas is delivered to a vent mast and discharged to the outside.

10. Fuel storage unit for storing ammonia; A fuel supply unit that receives ammonia from the fuel storage unit and supplies ammonia to a demander; A fuel supply valve provided between the fuel supply unit and the demand unit to block the supply of ammonia; A knockout drum for recovering ammonia from ammonia discharged from the above demand source; and An ammonia treatment system including a recovery tank that pressurizes ammonia recovered from the knockout drum and delivers it to a fuel recovery line.

11. In Article 10, In case of emergency stop of the above demand source, Ammonia is delivered from the fuel supply valve to the knockout drum, The pressure in the recovery tank drops to receive ammonia from the knockout drum. Ammonia is delivered from the above knockout drum to the above recovery tank, The above recovery tank pressurizes the ammonia delivered from the knockout drum, An ammonia treatment system in which ammonia is delivered to the fuel recovery line when the pressure of ammonia in the above recovery tank is higher than the standard pressure.

12. In paragraph 10, An ammonia treatment system including an inert gas supply unit that supplies inert gas to the knockout drum or the recovery tank.

13. In paragraph 12, The above inert gas is, Prevent contact between ammonia and oxygen in the above knockout drum, An ammonia treatment system for increasing the pressure of the above recovery tank.

14. In paragraph 10, Including a treatment device for treating the vent gas discharged from the above knockout drum, The above processing device, A scrubber section that absorbs ammonia by spraying an absorbent into the vent gas discharged from the knockout drum; and An ammonia treatment system comprising an absorption tank section for storing an absorbent and absorbing ammonia from the vent gas directly injected into the stored absorbent.

15. A vessel comprising an ammonia treatment system according to paragraph 1.

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