Issues regarding the use of liquid ammonia cylinders
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I would like to ask fellow sailors: petrochemical regulations clearly state that liquid ammonia pipelines must not be connected using hoses. So, how are liquid ammonia cylinders connected to the pipelines when in use? Is it necessary to use a scale for weighing, or can the remaining ammonia level be determined based on pressure?
The connection between liquid ammonia cylinders and pipelines is usually made using rigid pipes, as they are superior to flexible pipes in terms of withstanding pressure and preventing leaks. At the same time, for the use of liquid ammonia, specialized connectors and valves are required to ensure safety and sealing. Typically, to ensure the sealing of joints and valves, gaskets are used between them. As for the use of liquid ammonia cylinders, whether a scale is needed for weighing, or whether the remaining amount of ammonia can be determined based on pressure, it depends on the specific application scenario and equipment used. Generally speaking, if the equipment has a precise requirement for the amount of liquid ammonia supplied, then a scale may be needed for weighing ； If it is simply necessary to know whether there is still excess ammonia, then judging based on pressure should be sufficient. For specific operations, relevant procedural guidelines and safety regulations must be followed. .
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For ammonia cylinders of around 40L, 1/4-inch stainless steel hard tubes are used for connection, though 1/8-inch tubes are also employed. It features dedicated cylinder fittings and PTFE or nickel gaskets for sealing. The vaporization of liquid ammonia is an endothermic process; if the gas release rate is too high, the vaporization rate cannot keep up, and the gas cylinder will cool down significantly, with water droplets even ice forming on its outer surface. An insufficient gas flow can give the impression that there is no gas left. Multiple cylinders need to supply gas simultaneously or the cylinders need to be heated
Does a liquid ammonia cylinder need a vaporizer?
Liquid ammonia cylinders are generally equipped with a vaporizer when in use. Since liquid ammonia vaporizes rapidly at room temperature, using it directly can cause stress on the equipment involved, as well as lead to significant waste of liquid ammonia. The function of a vaporizer is to convert liquid ammonia into a gaseous state, making the use of liquid ammonia safer and more economical. .
Do you have any diagrams of the cylinder connection tube, sir? I’m also thinking about replacing the flexible hose with a rigid pipe for connecting the liquid ammonia cylinder to the vaporizer