Measure more innovatively. Implement more optimally. Burn more sustainably. Detailed optical analysis of ammonia utilization

Why is the precise
and optimal handling
of ammonia so important?

Ammonia is increasingly becoming a key energy source for a sustainable future. Whether as a hydrogen carrier, in industry or as an alternative fuel – its potential CO₂-free use makes it a key component of the energy transition. However, due to its high toxicity and pungent odor, ammonia requires the highest safety standards during transport, storage and use. Precise measurement techniques can detect dangerous leaks in good time and significantly increase the efficiency of combustion. LaVision offers state-of-the-art optical measurement technologies that make ammonia visible, optimize injection processes and analyse flows in detail.

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

A rapidly growing market for the use of ammonia

The demand for ammonia as an alternative fuel is growing rapidly. According to market analyses, global demand could rise to over 500 million tons per year by 2035. Ammonia is seen as a climate-friendly alternative to heavy fuel oil and diesel, particularly in the shipping and heavy industry sectors.

Maritime industry: low-CO₂ fuel for large marine engines and industrial applications

Hydrogen economy: use as a hydrogen carrier for transportation & storage

Industry and power generation: Alternative for carbon-intensive high-temperature processes

Agriculture and chemicals: further development for low-emission use

Ammonia injection visualized using LaVision optical measurement technology

Making ammonia visible - FlowBOS for leakage detection and flow analysis

Ammonia is particularly critical to handle due to its toxic properties. Even the smallest leaks can pose serious health risks and must be detected immediately. LaVision’s FlowBOS technology uses high-precision Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) imaging to visualize invisible ammonia flows:

  • Real-time visualization of ammonia gas flows
  • Ensuring the tightness of ammonia lines & storage tanks
  • Fast and reliable detection of leaks to prevent accidents
  • Minimization of health and environmental hazards through precise flow analyses
Ammonia flame captured using LaVision optical measurement technology for combustion and flow analysis

Optimum ammonia combustion thanks to comprehensive injection and flow analyses

The efficiency and safety of ammonia combustion depend to a large extent on optimum injection and flow distribution. As conventional optical methods for fuels are severely limited for ammonia, LaVision offers innovative solutions for the visualization and combustion analysis of gaseous ammonia:

  • SprayMaster for ammonia injection: Investigation of the homogeneity & distribution of ammonia gas flows
  • ParticleMaster for droplet size and flow analysis of evaporating ammonia.
  • High-speed cameras for high-resolution investigations of injection and gassing processes
  • High-resolution spatial visualization for the detection of mixing effects and evaporation processes
Ammonia storage tank in the Midwest USA for fertilizer production

Ammonia as a fuel for industrial marine & large engines (combustion analysis)

Ammonia is seen as a promising fuel in the maritime industry. Large ship engines could be operated with ammonia in the future in order to drastically reduce CO₂ emissions. Precise injection and combustion optimization is crucial for success. LaVision provides support with innovative imaging technology to maximize the efficiency of these engines:

  • Optimization of the ammonia injection process in marine engines
  • Maximizing combustion quality through aerodynamic investigations
  • Increased efficiency through real-time monitoring of the ammonia flow
  • Visualization and control of nitrogen oxides NOx

LaVision - Your partner for ammonia measurement technology

With many years of experience in optical measurement technology, LaVision offers industry-leading solutions for research, development and industrial applications in the field of ammonia. Our technologies are used worldwide by leading research institutions and industrial partners.
LaVision optical measurement system visualizing liquid ammonia flow and behavior in industrial processes

Technology leader for ammonia measurement technology in research and development

Measuring systems for industrial quality assurance & process monitoring

Modular, scalable systems for precise and efficient analyses

Used by global OEMs and ammonia technology leaders

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about ammonia measurement technology

Ammonia is highly toxic and can be hazardous to health even in low concentrations. Undetected leaks in industrial plants or storage systems can quickly lead to dangerous situations. LaVision’s FlowBOS system enables immediate visual detection of ammonia gas flows to minimize risks.

Chemical sensors often require a response time and can be affected by environmental influences. Optical methods offer instant, highly accurate and non-contact detection of ammonia flows. Therefore, FlowBOS from LaVision provides reliable real-time data without delay.

High-speed images enable a detailed analysis of injection dynamics, evaporation and combustion propagation in a very high temporal and spatial resolution. This is essential for optimizing combustion efficiency in engines and industrial plants.

DaVis is the leading image processing software for flow and spray analysis. It offers comprehensive evaluation options for ammonia spray analyses and flow visualizations in a powerful software package.

Latest news

Yara Eyde: The world's first clean ammonia-powered container vessel

World's First Commercial-use Ammonia-fueled Vessel

Ammonia - fuel for the future

Ammonia - an alternative CO2 -neutral fuel?

Highly efficient ammonia-based systems for climate-friendly energy supply

Let's advance the future of ammonia technology together!

The future belongs to sustainable fuels – with LaVision, you can rely on maximum precision, efficiency and safety for the optimum use of innovative energy sources.

Name *
Email *

By submitting the form, you agree to the processing of your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Name *
E-Mail *

Mit Absenden des Formulars erklären Sie sich mit unserer Verarbeitung Ihrer Daten gemäß der Datenschutzerklärung einverstanden.