Problems with ammonia spherical tank compressors
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I would like to get everyone’s advice on this. My liquid ammonia storage tanks are equipped with ammonia compressors for unloading purposes; the liquid ammonia stored in these tanks is mainly used to supply the ammonia compression refrigeration units. The problem is that there is no separate liquid ammonia transfer pump in these systems. My idea is to use the ammonia compressors to draw air from one of the tanks and use that pressure to push liquid ammonia into another tank, thereby transferring it for use as a supplement. I’m not sure if this will work Thank you
If the method suggested by the original poster is used, corresponding pipes will need to be added between the ammonia compressor and the two spherical tanks in order to make it work, which is still a bit complicated. Therefore, if it’s not an urgent need, it is advisable to install an additional dedicated pump for transporting liquid ammonia.
I am planning to use the gas equilibrium tubes from two ball tanks, and I will also need them during unloading.
This is feasible, but for such a large ammonia tank, if there is a large pressure difference within the system, it will likely take an hour to apply pressure – isn’t that a waste of energy? It would be better to install a small ammonia pump, as it consumes less power and can generate pressure more quickly.
It should be feasible; both during transfer and unloading, the ammonia compressor is needed to draw air out of the spherical tank in order to pressurize another tank or tank truck, which then enables the transfer and unloading process. This approach is likely to be very safe and convenient
Using a compressor is feasible. However, when ammonia is pumped out, there is no heat input, so liquid ammonia cannot evaporate and pressure cannot be built up; alternatively, an additional ammonia evaporator is required. This process has been in use in compound fertilizer plants for many years. A small liquid ammonia pump can be installed.
Personally, I think it’s best not to use it, as the pressure is difficult to control. Since the design of your storage tank ensures that both positive and negative pressures remain within certain limits, especially the negative pressure which is usually very low, when the system is activated and the temperature drops, the resulting instantaneous negative pressure might cause the tank to collapse； The pressure at the outlet is also difficult to control; sudden increases in pressure can cause the safety interlock to fail to activate and shut down the system. So if you don’t want an accident, it’s better to use the ammonia transfer pump as usual
There’s no need for that: In our case, the liquid ammonia storage tanks are integrated into the cooling system in an automatic manner, relying on the pressure within the tanks; no pumps or compressors are required. The inlet pressure of the ammonia compressor is around 0.2 MPA, while the outlet temperature is around 90 degrees. After cooling, the temperature of the liquid ammonia is around 40 degrees, with a pressure of around 1.5 MPA. The compressors are equipped with various interlocks related to low inlet pressure and outlet temperature, among other factors.
Which expert has the drawings for ammonia unloading tools? Take a look
No problem; pay attention to the temperature changes in the tank being used for storage, and it’s best to turn on the spray water for heat exchange.