Alfa Laval PureSOx Water Cleaning System (WCS) gives customers the option of scrubbing in closed-loop, either by choosing a fully-equipped hybrid system or by installing a hybrid-ready system, which can be upgraded for closed-loop operation later.
PureSOx water cleaning system
The local bans on open-loop scrubbing have intensified the interest in hybrid scrubber solutions
With the launch of a modular new PureSOx water cleaning system by Alfa Laval, these possibilities become even more attractive. In spite of being few in number and limited in scope, the 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 current 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).
Cost-efficient, customer-adapted solution
“The new PureSOx WCS is a modular, customer-adapted solution that makes closed-loop operation with PureSOx even more cost-efficient,” said Erik Haveman, Sales Director for Exhaust Gas Cleaning at Alfa Laval.
Erik Haveman adds, “Simply put, it offers vessels a future-proof system with options to expand capacity and save on operating costs.”
Modular options increase water-cleaning capacity
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.
“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,” said Erik Haveman, adding “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 closed-loop operating costs
Seawater replenishment makes economical use of water that’s readily available to the vessel"
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 will add to the energy equation,” stated Eric Haveman, adding “Seawater replenishment makes economical use of water that’s readily available to the vessel.”
Hybrid PureSOx systems
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, which was also a hybrid system, set sail on DFDS Ficaria Seaways in 2009.
For customers who hesitate to commit to a hybrid system, 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.
Highly effective water cleaning technology
“PureSOx customers can be confident of complying with stricter regulations, if they appear,” said Eric Haveman, adding “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.”
