The IMO 2020 sulphur regulation is less than 6 months away and the world is still pondering about the utility of scrubbers. While various studies and analysis have almost sealed the deal in favour of closed loop scrubbers yet most of us are unaware of how we can do this in a cost-effective way as a long term solution. To counter this, the Alfa Laval has launched a Pure SOx cleaning system that provides future proof cost-saving flexibility to scrubbers.
Here’s an insight on that as published in a press release published on the Alfa Laval website.
About the new system
Alfa Laval PureSOx gives customers the option of scrubbing in a closed loop scrubber, either by choosing a fully equipped hybrid system or by installing a hybrid-ready system that can be upgraded for closed-loop operation later. With the launch of a modular new PureSOx water cleaning system (WCS), these possibilities become even more attractive.
Why was this needed?
Though few in number and limited in scope, local bans on open-loop scrubbing have intensified the interest in hybrid scrubber solutions with closed-loop functionality. While marine customers are focused on complying with today’s needs at minimal cost, there is peace of mind in the ability to upgrade if regulations should become more stringent. Both considerations are integral to the new PureSOx water cleaning system (WCS).
“The new PureSOx WCS is a modular, customer-adapted solution that makes closed-loop operation with PureSOx even more cost-efficient,” says Erik Haveman, Sales Director, Exhaust Gas Cleaning. “Simply put, it offers vessels a future-proof system with options to expand capacity and save on operating costs.”
How does it aid in Closed Loop Scrubbers?
As before, the foundation of the PureSOx WCS is high-speed centrifugal separation. This is a core technology in which Alfa Laval has well over a century of experience, as well as the most effective method of cleaning water at sea. In the new modular system, the separator module can be combined with a flocculator or a membrane module for additional capacity, either directly or through a later upgrade.
Modular Additions Makes It Cost Effective
“The modular additions allow the best and most cost-effective fit for the customer’s needs, building on the proven effectiveness of the centrifugal separator,” says Haveman. “Vessels with high engine power, such as mega-container vessels and cruise ships, will benefit especially from the addition of membranes, which increase the volume of water that can be cleaned effectively.”
New features lower operating costs and increase safety
Still, more benefits are achieved through two features that are new to the PureSOx WCS. One is the ability to use either NaOH or non-hazardous Mg(OH)2 as the alkaline additive, based on which is desired or most affordable at the time. The other is the option of using seawater rather than fresh water for replenishing the water system, which yields lower energy costs.
“Unless it’s bunkered, fresh water has to be produced on board, which means using it for closed-loop scrubbing adds to the energy equation,” says Haveman. “Seawater replenishment makes economical use of water that’s readily available to the vessel.”
A flexible hybrid offering
With the new capabilities of the PureSOx WCS, Alfa Laval adds strength to an already convincing hybrid system offering. Hybrid PureSOx systems have excelled in a decade at sea, ever since the very first PureSOx system – also a hybrid – set sail on DFDS Ficaria Seaways in 2009.
For customers who hesitate to commit to a hybrid today, but who still wish to future-proof their scrubber investment, Alfa Laval provides PureSOx systems as hybrid-ready. This option, which is Alfa Laval’s standard for open-loop deliveries, includes the connections, hardware accommodations and software flexibility needed for a later hybrid upgrade. The upgrade can be done at a shipyard quay, or in some cases while the vessel is sailing.
Can it handle future regulations?
“PureSOx customers can be confident of complying with stricter regulations if they appear,” says Haveman. “Whether they choose a fully equipped hybrid system now or opt for a hybrid-ready system that can be upgraded later, they can count on the most effective water cleaning technology available. Alfa Laval has ten years of closed-loop operating experience to prove it.”
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Source: Alfa Laval
