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FINAL REPORT
Submitted by:
Submitted to:
Selin Ozkiyici
Spring, 2023
1
ABSTRACT
The use of alternative transportation fuels is increasing with concerns about global
warming, various pollution in water and air due to the release of carbon dioxide and other gases.
This project is aimed to produce hydrogen, which is an alternative transportation fuel, by using
ammonia. In this report, transportation of liquid ammonia from a heat exchanger to a catalytic
reactor is studied. A main stainless pipe with a parallel backup pipe with elbows that provide
movement at an angle are used. Three types of valves including ball, globe and check valve is
used to control the flow, preventing a backward flow and stop it if it is necessary. Two flowmeter
per pipe is used to measure the flow. In order for liquid ammonia to be pumped upwards to the
reactor, a centrifugal pump is used. Proposed design in both two and three dimensional is given.
With assuming 0.2 m pipe diameter, Reynold’s number is found higher than 4000, which
indicates turbulent flow. Pump power is found as 1.26 kW after the calculations using Bernouilli
equation with considering friction loss and shaft work. Finally, safety and environemental
considerations is given to have a safe and environmentally friendly system.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................... 2
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. 4
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................... 5
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 6
2.THEORY ................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Material of construction ...................................................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Pipes .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.2 Valves ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1.2.1 Globe Valve .................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2.4 Check Valve.................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2.5 Ball Valve ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.1 Centrifugal Pumps ......................................................................................................... 10
2.4 Flowmeter .......................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Piping Layout .................................................................................................................... 11
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .......................................................................................... 14
3.1 Assumptions ....................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Reynolds Number .............................................................................................................. 14
3.3 Pump Power Calculation .................................................................................................. 16
3.4. Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 19
5.CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................... 20
6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 21
3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Globe Valve [8] .......................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2: Check Valve [11] ........................................................................................................ 9
Figure 3: Ball Valve [14] ........................................................................................................... 9
Figure 4: Centrifugal Pump [17] ............................................................................................. 10
Figure 5: Coriolis Flowmeter Working Principle [20] ............................................................ 11
Figure 6: Piping Layout of the System .................................................................................... 12
Figure 7: Three-dimensional Drawing of the System ............................................................. 13
Figure 8: Three-dimensional Drawing of the System With an Angle ..................................... 13
Figure 9: Moody Chart [23] .................................................................................................... 17
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 14
Table 2: Interpolation for density at 40°C ............................................................................... 15
Table 3: Interpolation for dynamic viscosity at 40°C .............................................................. 16
Table 4: Materials with corresponding resistance coefficients ................................................ 18
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1. INTRODUCTION
Hydrogen energy can be produced from various methods such as steam methane
reforming, electrolysis, biomass gasification, and more. The process in this project is based on
the production of hydrogen using the electrolysis method, in which water is decomposed into
hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current. In the electrolysis method, two electrodes are
placed in water containing salt and minerals and connected to the power source, and a direct
current is applied. The electrodes attract ions with opposite charges, thus dissociating hydrogen
and oxygen. During electrolysis, oxidation-reduction reactions also occur with the effect of
electricity. This method is described as more environmentally friendly than other hydrogen
production processes based on fossil fuels. Therefore, the product that emerges in the
production of hydrogen based on electrolysis is defined as green hydrogen. According to the
research of the IEA, it has been determined that 830 million tons of 𝐶𝑂2 emissions will be
prevented annually when the electrolysis method is used instead of fossil fuels to obtain
hydrogen. This data indicates that hydrogen can be an effective solution to combat climate
change [1].
In this scope of the project, liquid ammonia is used as a hydrogen carrier. Liquid
ammonia has a low boiling point of −33.34. Because of the liquid ammonia is a toxic substance,
it can be harmful if exposed. Liquid ammonia, which can be reused under appropriate storage
and transportation conditions, is economical and environmentally friendly. The low density of
hydrogen gas and the need for high-volume storage can create problems in the storage and
transportation of the gas. During the process where liquid ammonia is used as a carrier,
hydrogen binds to liquid ammonia, increasing the hydrogen-carrying capacity of ammonia. In
this way, hydrogen can be transported at a higher density in ammonia. This allows hydrogen to
be transported, stored, and used more easily [1].
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In order to realize the planned process within the scope of this project, a suitable pipe
system should be designed according to the pipe type and the materials used. Hence, it is
necessary to consider the piping materials and process parameters such as pressure and
temperature. The main purpose of this project is to design the most efficient and cost-effective
system of piping from the drum to the heat exchanger unit which is being evaporator.
For this process, stainless steel is the most appropriate pipe type when considering the
characteristics of fluid transported in the pipeline and ambient conditions. In this process, three
pumps, one at the exit of the tank, four check valves, one global valve, and one flowmeter were
used. The placement of these materials has been determined according to the most efficient
operation of the system.
2.THEORY
Ammonia has little impact on ferrous alloys. Because ammonia act as weak alkali, it
can be handled in steel and cast-iron equipment, with the exception of high-temperature
conditions that necessitate the use of stainless steel types UNS S43000 and S30400. At all
concentrations up to the boiling point, stainless steels exhibit excellent resistance to ammonia.
[3] Stainless steel can also withstand high operating pressures, because of its extremely high
tensile strength. Due to its strong corrosion resistance, stainless steel also reduces the risk of
ammonia leaks in harsh environments. It is extensively used in the food processing industries
for piping, vessels, and equipment and is widely accessible commercially. [4] In addition, there
are 6 stainless steel elbows used to change both main and backup pipes direction at 90° angle.
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2.1.2 Valves
On pipelines and piping systems, valves are installed to cut off flow through pipe
sections, direct fluid from one place to another, isolate piping sections for maintenance, protect
piping from rupture, and prevent fluid loss. Design codes and regulatory requirements specify
that sections of long-distance pipelines carrying natural gas and other compressible fluids must
be isolated by setting mainline block valves at certain intervals. [5]
Ammonia react with copper in order to create soluble complexes and potentially harmful
stress corrosion cracking. Even small quantities of ammonia can induce stress corrosion in the
atmosphere in an ammonia-environment. Copper and copper alloy valves are typically not
appropriate for ammonia uses. [7] Stainless steel valves could be used instead when dealing
with liquid ammonia.
The design of spring-loaded in line check valves is simple, widely used, and easy to
understand. Figure shows the valve in both the open and closed states. The arrows show the
direction of the flow. The flow should have sufficient pressure (force) when it enters the input
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port of the valve to outweigh the cracking pressure and the spring force. The disc is pushed by
the pressure, which also causes the orifice to open and permit flow through the valve. The back
pressure and spring force the disc against the orifice and seal the valve shut when the input
pressure is no longer high enough or there is sufficient back pressure. The spring enables a
quick reaction time for closing, together with the disc's small travel distance. [10] Spring loaded
in-line check valve is selected for this design due to its ability to perform well in high pressure.
Ball valves are very durable valves that work well in situations where simple on/off
operation is required. They are resilient and continue to function consistently after numerous
cycles. Additionally, they close securely even after extended periods of inactivity and offer
remarkable dependability. The valve can also be opened or closed to different degrees to control
the flow rate. [13]
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2.3 Pumps
A pump is a mechanical device that transports a liquid from low to high pressure. In
principle, the pump converts the flow of energy from mechanical to fluid. This can be employed
in processes where a lot of hydraulic force is required. The liquid will pick up from a specific
depth due to the pump's low suction force, but the pump's high expulsion force will cause the
liquid to pick up till it reaches the desired height. [15] Pumps are supposed to transport fluids
under the hardest circumstances and overuse without unexpected problems and with the least
amount of maintenance. [15]
Centrifugal pump designs provide easy and low-cost solutions to most low pressure,
high capacity pumping applications requiring low viscosity fluids such as water, solvents,
chemicals, and light oils. Common applications include irrigation, chemical transfer in
petrochemical facilities, water supply and circulation. [18]
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2.4 Flowmeter
The demand for Coriolis mass flowmeters has continuously grown over the past few
decades. They are now widely recognized in a number of sectors, including the chemical,
pharmaceutical, and oil and gas industries. One of their benefits is that, unlike other instruments,
they measure real mass flow in addition to volumetric flow. Coriolis mass flowmeters' high
accuracy, rangeability, and repeatability are further factors in the market for why they have
experienced rapid growth. [19]
An actuator in the Coriolis flowmeter causes a tiny tube to vibrate continually around
its natural frequency. The deflection of this vibrating tube is measured over time by two sensors
placed along the tube. The same deflection is measured by both sensors simultaneously in the
absence of fluid flowing through the tube. The mass of the fluid, however, poses an extra twist
to the tube when a gas or liquid flows through it because of the fluid's inertia. The "phase shift,"
or difference between the two, provides a precise indicator of the mass flow through the tube.
A larger phase shift results from a higher mass flow rate, which is proportional to this phase
shift. [20]
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stream containing rest of the mixture that will be used as the fuel in heating the reactor. A shown
in Figure 6, liquid ammonia is pumped from a horizontal cylindrical tank to a heat exchanger
(evaporator). Liquid ammonia composition in the tank is 99.999 wt.% and kept at 25 °C and 12
bars. 15 tons an hour of liquid ammonia at 25 °C must be fed to the heat exchanger operating
at 30 bars to be evaporated into gas ammonia at 40 °C before feeding to the top of the catalytic
reactor.
The pipe material was chosen as stainless steel 304 because of its advantages in terms
of price and high oxidation resistance. A backup pipe is used to be ready for the risks of damage
to the main pipe. The outlet pipe separates into two pipes as main and backup after exiting the
heat exchanger. 90° elbows help rotating the direction of pipes. Same materials are used in both
pipes. First, after separating into two pipes, a ball valve followed by a flowmeter is used to
regulating the flow of liquid ammonia. Then, after flowing for 40 meters, ammonia pumps
liquid ammonia 50 meters upward to the inlet of the reactor with a centrifugal pump. Because
of the check valve, a possible backward flow is prevented, that is, an upward flow is observed
against gravity. Finally, flow is again controlled by a global valve and a flowmeter before
flowing for 20 meters into the catalytic reactor.
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Figure 7: Three-dimensional Drawing of the System
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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Assumptions
Table 1: Assumptions
Assumption Reasoning
The piping layout is at sea level. So, all measurements are
Sea Level (z=0) calculated as they are at sea level.
Incompressible Fluid Ammonia has a negligible compressibility factor. So, it can
be considered incompressible.
Steady-State Process There is no mass change depending on time i.e., there is no
accumulation.
Isothermal Process Ammonia is in liquid state at constant temperature of 40°C
from the heat exchanger and reactor.
Diameter of the pipes is assumed to be The optimal price and diameter for stainless steel pipes are
0.2 m considered.
Initial velocity is zero Liquid starts flowing from rest.
Pump efficiency is estimated to be Typical centrifugal efficiency for large pumps are 70%
%70
𝜌∗𝐷∗𝑣
𝑅𝑒 = 1
𝜇
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Table 2: Interpolation for density at 40°C
20 ℃ 609
𝑘𝑔
𝑚3
40 ℃ X
𝑘𝑔
𝑚3
50 ℃ 561
𝑘𝑔
𝑚3
𝑘𝑔
When this interpolation is done, density of liquid ammonia at 40 ℃ is found as. 577 .
𝑚3
𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠
The mass flow rate of liquid ammonia is given as 15 .
ℎ
𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠 1000 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
15 ∗ = 15000 3
ℎ 1 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠 ℎ
The volumetric flow rate, 𝑉̇ can be calculated by dividing mass flow rate to density.
𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 15000 ℎ 𝑚3
= = 25.9 4
𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑘𝑔 ℎ
577 3
𝑚
𝑚3 1ℎ 𝑚3
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 25.9 ∗ = 0.00722 5
ℎ 3600 𝑠 𝑠
𝜋 ∗ 𝐷2 𝜋 ∗ (0.2)2
𝐴𝑐 = = = 0.0314𝑚2 6
4 4
Velocity can be calculated with the volumetric flow rate and cross-sectional area as,
𝑉̇ = 𝐴𝑐 ∗ 𝑣 7
𝑚3
̇𝑉 0.00722
𝑣= = 𝑠 = 0.23 𝑚 8
𝐴𝑐 0.0314 𝑚2 𝑠
According to the Engineering Toolbox the dynamic viscosity (𝜇) of liquid ammonia at 20 ℃ is
138 𝑥 106 (𝑃𝑎 ∗ 𝑠 ), the dynamic viscosity of liquid ammonia at 50 ℃ is 103 𝑥 106 (𝑃𝑎 ∗ 𝑠 )
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[21]. The dynamic viscosity of liquid ammonia at 40 degrees can be found, by interpolating
these values.
𝑘𝑔
When interpolation is done, viscosity at 40 °C is found as 0.000114 𝑃𝑎. 𝑠 = 0.000114 .
𝑠.𝑚
From the found properties, Reynold’s number can be calculated by equation 1 as,
𝑘𝑔 𝑚
𝐷𝑥𝑝𝑥𝑣 (0.2𝑚) ∗ (577 3 ) ∗ (0.23 )
𝑚 𝑠
𝑅𝑒 = = = 232824.561 10
𝜇 𝑘𝑔
0.000114
𝑠 ∗𝑚
Since, the Reynolds Number is higher than 4000, the flow is considered to be turbulent.
where,
Ws : Shaft work
𝒇𝑭 : Fanning factor
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L: Length of the pipe = 60 m
K: Friction constant
Fanning factor can be found from Moody Chart, given in Figure 9 Since absolute pipe
roughness (𝜀) for stainless steel is 0.000015 m [22], relative pipe roughness can be calculated
from,
𝜀 0.000015 𝑚
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 = = = 0.000075
𝐷 0.2 𝑚
𝜀
With Re = 232824.561 and = 0.000075, fanning factor can be found from moody chart as
𝐷
0.0151.
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Table 4: Materials with corresponding resistance coefficients
Shaft work of the system now can be found from Bernoulli equation,
𝑛 𝑛
𝑣22 𝑣12 𝑃2 𝑃1 𝑓𝐹 𝐿 𝑣2 𝑣2
𝑊𝑠 = 𝑔(𝑧2 − 𝑧1 ) + [( ) − ( )] + [( ) − ( )] + ∑ + ∑𝐾
2 2 𝜌 𝜌 𝐷 2𝑔 2𝑔
𝑘=0 𝑘=0
𝑘𝑔
𝑚̇ 4.16 𝑠 𝑚3
𝑣̇ = = = 0.00721
𝜌 𝑘𝑔 𝑠
577 3
𝑚
𝑃𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 = 𝑣̇ ∗ 𝜌 ∗ 𝑊𝑠
𝑚3 𝑘𝑔
𝑃𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 = 0.00721 ∗ 577 3 ∗ 491.3 𝐽 = 2043.9 𝑊
𝑠 𝑚
Real pump power can be found from estimated 70% pump efficiency as,
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3.4. Discussion
To calculate the flow type, properties of liquid ammonia is found according to the
operationg conditions of the system. With assuming the diameter of pipe as 0.2 m, flow is found
to be turbulent since Reynold’s number is higher than 4000. Pump power calculation is done
by considering the friction loss and shaft work. Friction loss is calculated as 0.79 from friction
factor and resistance coefficient of the materials. Shaft work is found to be 491.3 J with
Bernouilli equation. Finally, multiplying the ideal pump power with estimated efficiency which
is 0.7 gave the real pump power as 1.26 kW. This design can be improved by having a shorter
distance from heat exchanger to reactor to reduce the cost. In addition, putting the system in
where the liquid ammonia is produced can be more effective in terms of having an easier
transportation to the units.
The piping layout has been designed in accordance with the necessary environmental
and safety protocols of the existing governments and the European Union. This design aims to
produce, transport and store liquid hydrogen from liquid ammonia safely. All materials that will
be provided are compatible with each other. They were also selected according to cost and
environmental protocols.
Liquid ammonia is stored at a lower temperature than sample liquids such as 45 °F. An
insulation in both main and backup pipes will be used during storage and transportation. In this
way, possible heat changes with the outdoor space and its effects on the transportation of the
product will be prevented. However, there will be a temperature due to the possible friction that
liquid ammonia will create while transmitting in the pipe, but it was assumed that this will be
negligible and will not have a net effect on the structure of the product. Being cost and
environmentally friendly is one of the most important factors when choosing pipe type.
However, even if a less costly pipe type can be found, type-80 stainless steel pipe will be used
foreseeing the damages that may occur.[17] This pipe is also easier to clean, and more resistant
to possible reactions and abrasions, makes it more robust and reliable than other steel pipes. At
the same time, since the foundation of this system that was established will be placed in Turkey,
it is necessary to choose its location well and to make it protected from earthquakes since its
region is an earthquake zone.[18] Sensors based on mass-volume relationship will be used
software support will be provided for possible leaks. [19] Attained employees will intervene
immediately in a possible danger. Since the used sensor is very sensitive to small leaks, the flow
can be continuing to flow without major damage until the problem is solved. [20] At the same
time, a backup pipe is used in case a potential leak cannot be prevented by external interventions.
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Liquid ammonia will flow from heat exchanger to the catalytic reactor with the help of
a pump. There are two ball valves for both main and backup pipe connecting parallel, so that
the flow of the liquid, which reaches the desired temperature level, has a controlled flow when
it exits the heat exchanger. In order for liquid ammonia to be fed into the reactor that is 50
meters high, centrifugal pumps will be used along with elbows that provides movement in 90°
angle. While the liquid flows upward, check valves per pipeline will help preventing the liquid
from flowing back. Then, before feeding into the reactor, a globe valve followed by a flowmeter
will be used to control the flow and stop it if it is necessary. Finally, a level controller is
connected to the reactor to check the liquid level in the tank. Thus, whether if the reactor is fed
properly and optimally will be known. At the same time, the correct coloring of these
instruments will be necessary for the appearance, use and safety of the facility. [24]
5.CONCLUSION
The purpose of this project was to obtain liquid hydrogen from liquid ammonia. A piping
layout to transport liquid ammonia from heat exchanger to a catalytic reactor is designed. A
backup pipe, compatible with the main pipe, is added to be ready for possible risks that main
pipe could have. Both of the pipes and elbows that helps the liquid to move in an angle is
stainless steel. There is an insulation in both pipes to keep the system away from possible
pressure and temperature changes. The heat caused by friction during the flow of our liquid in
the pipe is negligible according to the calculations. In addition, globe, check, and a ball valve
is added per pipe with a flowmeter to control the flow and prevent it to be flow backwards. The
flow is calculated as turbulent from Reynold’s number being high enough. Friction loss is
calculated as 0.79 from friction factor and resistance coefficient of the materials. Shaft work is
found to be 491.3 J with Bernouilli equation. There is a centrifugal pump with a calculated
power of 1.26 kW to pump liquid ammonia to be fed into the reactor. On the catalytic reactor,
a level controller is used to observe the liquid in it. Finally, safety and environmental
considerations are done to be compliant with the governments European Union safety protocol
involved in the plan.
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6. REFERENCES
[2] Della Rovere, C. A.; Ribeiro, C. R.; Silva, R.; Alcântara, N. G.; Kuri, S. E. Local mechanical
properties of radial friction welded supermartensitic stainless steel pipes. Materials
& Design (1980-2015) 2014, 56, 423–427.
[5] Shashi Menon, E. Meters and valves. Transmission Pipeline Calculations and Simulations
Manual 2015, 431–471.
[6] Types of industrial valves - applications, advantages, and disadvantages: Plant Automation
Technology https://www.plantautomation-technology.com/articles/types-of-industrial-
valves-applications-advantages-and-disadvantages (accessed Jul 5, 2023).
[8] Housedigital. Why use a ball valve vs Globe Valve?: Difference between a ball & globe
valve https://www.bmengineering.co.uk/why-use-a-ball-valve-versus-a-globe-valve/
(accessed Jul 5, 2023).
[9] Shashi Menon, E. Meters and valves. Transmission Pipeline Calculations and Simulations
Manual 2015, 431–471.
[13] Valves, A. L. What are Ball Valves? Working Principle, Advantages and Precautions for
Use. - Adamant Live Valves https://www.adamant-valves.com/blog/what-are-ball-valves-
working-principle-advantages-and-precautions-for-use/
[14] Full Bore Brass Ball Valve For Water PN 40 | Valve, Flex Hose, PPR Pipe
https://kas.com.tr/en/product/full-bore-brass-ball-valve-for-water-pn-40/
[15] Agarwal, T. Motor Pump: Working Principle, Types, Specifications, and Differences
https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-pump-working-principle-types/
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[16] Thin, K. C.; Khaing, M. M.; Aye, K. M. Design and Performance Analysis of Centrifugal
Pump. World Academy of Science 2008, No. 46.
[19] Anklin, M.; Drahm, W.; Rieder, A. Coriolis Mass Flowmeters: Overview of the Current
State of the Art and Latest Research. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation 2006, 17 (6).
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2006.07.004
[20] Coriolis Mass Flow Measuring Principle - Process Solutions Corp. Measure Flow in
Houston Texas https://psctexas.com/coriolis-mass-flow-measuring-principle/
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