At the SMM trade fair in Hamburg, Germany, Svanehøj has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its product lineup: the world’s first high-pressure centrifugal pump designed specifically for ammonia fuel applications. The HP NH3 Booster Pump, introduced during the event held from September 3-6, boasts impressive capabilities with a fuel injection pressure of up to 100 bar and a flow rate of 37 cubic meters per hour. Its compact dimensions—2,100 x 780 x 1,450 mm—make it ideally suited for integration into ammonia fuel supply systems.
This innovative pump is built on the foundation of Svanehøj’s proven deepwell low-pressure fuel pump design, which has a successful history in ammonia applications. According to Johnny Houmann, Chief Sales Officer at Svanehøj, the decision to leverage the existing centrifugal pump design was driven by customer demand for a high-pressure solution that maintains the same high standards as their low-pressure models. “We determined early in the R&D process that our centrifugal pump design would be the optimal choice for efficiency and maintenance. We are confident that this new pump, with its established design, will meet the high expectations of our customers,” Houmann stated.
The HP NH3 Booster Pump features a hermetically sealed design with no mechanical shaft seals, employing a magnetic coupling to transmit torque from the motor. The coupling’s containment shroud is crafted from magnesium-stabilized zirconium oxide, offering excellent temperature stability.
For added safety, Svanehøj has incorporated an optional fail-safe mechanism to serve as a second barrier. In the rare event of a breach in the containment shroud, this mechanism will activate to prevent the release of pumped media from the coupling housing.
Maintenance is streamlined with the pump’s fully drainable design, allowing it to be removed in a single piece. It includes a single, media-lubricated ceramic ball bearing for all axial loads and features a robust drive system with a carbon-reinforced, easily accessible timing belt.
Houmann also highlighted the industry’s growing interest in ammonia fuel solutions: “While no commercial ships are currently operating on ammonia fuel, the maritime market is increasingly investing in green ammonia technologies. With ammonia-fueled ship engines expected to be commercially available by 2025, Svanehøj is committed to supporting the shipping industry’s energy transition with both low- and high-pressure pump solutions for the emerging green ammonia market.”
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