Alfa Laval offers future proof scrubber options

The proven Water Cleaning System base model with a high-speed separator

Local bans on open loop exhaust gas scrubbing are causing shipowners to look more closely at closed loop solutions.

Alfa Laval PureSOx gives customers the option of closed loop scrubbing either by choosing a fully equipped hybrid system or by installing a hybrid-ready system that can be upgraded for closed-loop operation later.

Now the company has launched a new modular PureSOx water cleaning system (WCS), that adds to the attractions of these options.

“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.”

Modular options increase water-cleaning capacity

The foundation of the PureSOx WCS is high-speed centrifugal separation. This is both the most effective method of cleaning water at sea and a technology with which Alfa Laval has well over a century of experience.

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,” 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 closed-loop operating costs and increase safety

Further 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 – proven in 10 years at sea

With the new capabilities of the PureSOx WCS, Alfa Laval adds strength to an already convincing hybrid system offering. Hybrid PureSOx systems been proven in a decade at sea, ever since the very first PureSOx system – a hybrid – set sail on DFDS Ficaria Seaways in 2009.

For customers reluctant to commit to a hybrid today, but who still wish to future-proof their scrubber investment, Alfa Laval provides hybrid-ready PureSOx systems. 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 carried out alongside in a shipyard or, in some cases, while sailing.

“PureSOx customers can be confident of complying with stricter regulations if they arise,” 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.”