Hiroyuki Fujisawa of Ebara Elliott Energy Addresses the Benefits of Sealless Ammonia Pumps

Power producers worldwide are turning to ammonia as a potential fuel for power generation, driven by decarbonization goals and energy security concerns, as it offers the advantage of being carbon-free at the point of combustion and serves as a versatile carrier for hydrogen. At the 2025 Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS 2025), Turbomachinery International talked with Hiroyuki Fujisawa of Ebara Elliott Energy about the pumps required for these ammonia applications.

Fujisawa addressed the benefits of sealless pump designs such as canned motor pumps and magnetically coupled pumps: These units do not emit leakage and can handle ammonia’s hazardous toxic, flammable, and odorous properties, keeping personnel safe while working in close proximity to the equipment. In addition, Fujisawa highlights ammonia as a next-generation fuel for power generation enabled by sealless pumps.

TURBO: What makes sealless pumps a safer and more environmentally friendly option compared to pumps with mechanical seals?

Fujisawa: Obviously, a sealless pump does not emit any leakage outside [the system] compared to mechanically sealed pumps. With ammonia’s toxicity, flammability, and bad smell, a sealless pump provides more safety for personnel working around the pumps.

TURBO: How do you see the use of sealless pumps evolving in ammonia applications over the next decade?

Fujisawa: People want to utilize ammonia as a next-generation fuel for power generation, thermal usage within their ethane plants, and more. For example, power plants are much closer to residential areas than traditional fertilizer plants, so handling the ammonia safely is key for the next generation of ammonia applications.