Because of known environmental and human health impacts associated with sulphur and diesel particulates, Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) already exist in several parts of the world. The fuel sulphur cap limit in SECAs is 0.10% since January 1, 2015.
Mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), new limits for SOx emissions outside of SECAs are effective from January 1, 2020. The sulphur cap limit in bunker (dense, high sulphur) fuels is reducing from 3.50% to 0.50%. In lieu of using the 0.50% low sulphur fuel, ships can install an exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) to limit SOx emissions.
Open and closed
In response to these regulatory requirements, two types of wet scrubber technology have been developed: open loop and closed loop. In many cases, they are combined into a hybrid system that can employ the most appropriate technology, depending on the alkalinity in the marine environment or designated zero discharge areas in which the vessel will operate. The inside of a scrubber is an extraordinarily harsh environment. The hot acidic chloride solutions require the use of highly corrosion-resistant nickel alloys, such as Alloy 31 (N08031), Alloy C-276 (N10276) and Alloy 59 (N06059).
In wet marine scrubbers, the exhaust gas passes through a water stream, sulphur oxides are removed by reacting with the wash water to form sulphuric acid and the scrubbed gas leaves through the funnel. The sulphuric acid that is produced by the reaction with the wash water is neutralised by the alkalinity of the wash water. The wash water can usually be discharged into the open sea after being treated in a separator to remove any sludge.
Open loop utilises the natural alkalinity of seawater for neutralisation, while closed loop adds an alkali solution (typically sodium hydroxide) to perform neutralisation. Closed loop scrubber systems are necessary for marine areas with low natural alkalinity. Once cleaned, effluent can be safely discharged into the water.
When operating in a zero discharge region, the effluent must be collected in a holding tank for land-based disposal. Marine scrubbers of one type or another are part of engine management and critical to the safe operation of the vessel. If they don’t work, the shipowner can cause harm to the environment and human health, as well as risking significant legal consequences and damage to their reputation.
The new regulations will significantly improve air quality in many populated coastal and port areas, preventing pollution-related early deaths and asthma, as well as acid rain in these regions. With the help of nickel containing alloys, the marine industry will be ‘scrubbing up.’
