Ecochlor brings NanoVapor VOC gas-freeing to the maritime industry

NanoVector unit

Maynard, Mass., headquartered Ecochlor has reached an agreement to represent Woodlands, Texas, headquartered NanoVapor, Inc., in the maritime industry.

The NanoVapor technology is designed to improve crew safety while significantly reducing time and any environmental pollution related to gas-freeing VOCs from cargo or bunker tanks.

NanoVapor is finalizing testing with Lloyd’s Register for type approval with the expectation of completion by Marintec China 2019, when the product will be launched with a NanoVapor unit on display at the Ecochlor Stand N3D5N..

A single application can continue to suppress VOCs for days, says Ecochlor, adding that the NanoVapor degassing process is more cost effective than traditional methods of cleaning these types of tanks.

A NanoVapor unit consists of two components: a nano-suppressant liquid, TankSafe, and a portable delivery unit, Model ST-1000. The delivery unit operates using a compressed air source to create a high-flow air stream to inject the suppressant molecules into the tank. The molecular suppressant works up to 90% faster than current enclosed space procedures to quickly suppress VOC evaporation.

TankSafe is engineered from renewable materials, is readily biodegradable and leaves no residue or hazardous waste product behind for clean-up or disposal. The ST-1000 delivery unit is intrinsically safe and ATEX Zone 2 rated with no electrical or moving parts.

“This new technology will assist vessel owners with their IMO 2020 compliance, given the increased need for bunker tank cleaning with the change of fuel grades and specifications,” said Steve Candito, Ecochlor’s CEO. “We believe the NanoVapor unit will greatly improve enclosed space crew safety and provide a better solution for shipowners as they face fuel emission deadlines.

InterManager, the ship management trade association, recently released an industry guideline sharing best practice submissions from crew with a mindset to reduce risks in enclosed spaces.

“InterManager is watching closely for the arrival of NanoVapor by Ecochlor as it promises to be break-through technology for enclosed space procedures,” said InterManger Secretary General Kuba Szymanski, a long-time advocate for crew safety. “Just imagine having a chemical which will be able to suppress toxic vapors emission – would that be the technological advance which would help our seafarers? We sincerely hope so! Coupled with naval architects’ more responsible attitude to the design of spaces which require humans to work in, this technology should provide a much safer environment for crew. We can’t wait for NanoVapor to be available for our ships!”