Alfa Laval’s Fuel Conditioning Module (FCM) LPG
The competition of LPG as a gas is raising. Not just does LPG basically remove sulfur exhausts, it has a reduced expense than numerous various other gas as well as is quickly offered worldwide. In action, MALE Energy Solutions has actually created the brand-new LPG-fueled male B&W ME-LGIP aquatic engine. Alfa Laval, having actually currently offered gas boosters for the very first methanol-fueled chemical vessels, was chosen as the excellent companion to establish, provide as well as check the engine’s low-flashpoint gas supply system (LFSS).
Alfa Laval’s Fuel Conditioning Module (FCM) LPG has actually currently effectively finished examinations at the male Energy Solutions Research Center in Copenhagen in which it was revealed to fulfill– as well as also surpass– the gas supply needs of the male B&W ME-LGIP engine. Tests with the gas shutoff train as well as a substitute engine lots started in 2nd quarter 2018, adhered to by online examinations making use of the center’s 4T50ME-X model engine in very first quarter 2019.
Compared to methanol, LPG should be pumped at a greater supply stress to avoid stage adjustments as well as to handle a broad make-up range. Alfa Laval created the system not just for effectiveness, yet likewise to work ideally under the complete variety of procedure problems.
To provide LPG at the 53 barg stress the engine needs, the FCM LPG includes brand-new pumping modern technology as well as efficient high-pressure warmth exchange, which are constructed right into low-pressure as well as high-pressure skids.
The high stress skid has a purification phase consisting of 2 independent chambers, which permits it to be serviced with the system in constant procedure– a configuration obtained straight from the booster experience with methanol.
A brand-new automation as well as control system matches the LPG circulation to rising and fall engine lots without unneeded warmth input from the pumping as well as blinking of light portions in the LPG.
“On board, the FCM LPG will be run from the engine control room by the same people who usually deal with traditional fuels and equipment,” states,” states Roberto Comelli, Global Sales Manager Fuel Conditioning Systems atAlfa Laval “The FCM LPG automation safeguards engine performance offers the same ease of use found in other Alfa Laval products. That built-intelligence is key to reliability, efficiency and safety.”
An added attribute of the FCM LPG is its LPG recuperation feature, which offers complete fluid LPG recuperation as well as partial LPG gas recuperation when the engine or gas shutoff train is removed. Recovering LPG as opposed to completely venting it to environment is greater than simply cost-effective.
“Legally there is nothing that now prohibits occasional venting of LPG into the atmosphere,” statesComelli “However, the relevant regulations and international guidelines make clear that venting of hydrocarbons should be avoided whenever possible. LPG is also heavier than air and does not disperse like LNG does, so it’s important to minimize the effects of an unexpected venting event.”
AMMONIA NEXT?
“Both sets of test results verify the booster’s ramping functions and its ability to match the output pressure to our engine’s changing load,” states Ren é Sejer Laursen, Promotion Manager at MALEEnergy Solutions “In fact, almost no influence from the engine load can be seen, which demonstrates the effectiveness of Alfa Laval’s automation and control.”
“This was a testing phase not only for the FCM LPG, but also for the ME-LGIP engine design,” statesComelli “For Alfa Laval, it was a privilege to test the very first LPG booster system on the first two-stroke marine engine to use LPG as fuel. As we move from the prototype FCM LPG towards a final marine design, we are proud to continue our longstanding cooperation with MAN Energy Solutions in meeting the fuel needs of a changing marine industry.”
The 2 business also see opportunities for the FCM LPG as a booster for ammonia.
“We at MAN Energy Solutions see a strong potential in the use of ammonia as fuel,” statesSejer Laursen “The FCM LPG has already been evaluated for the purpose, and we’ve seen that it can be made compatible with ammonia for only a small investment.”
“Given our previous work with MAN Energy Solutions in the area of low-flashpoint fuels, we were well acquainted with the specific challenges involved,” statesComelli “Naturally, we were eager to continue our partnership and to build on the positive experience with methanol.”
