PureCool, enables methane slip reduction
(Posted on 07/10/20)
With IMO targeting a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, LNG is becoming a natural choice for shipowners in the transition to carbon-neutral fuels. Methane slip regulations are a possibility on the horizon, but Alfa Laval and global Swiss engine developer WinGD have already cooperated on a solution. The Alfa Laval PureCool system is the main component in WinGD’s iCER technology, an option for next-generation WinGD X-DF engines that slashes methane slip and significantly boosts fuel and energy efficiency.
As a growing number of vessels turn to LNG as fuel, many shipowners are concerned about the potential appearance of methane slip regulations. LNG produces less CO2 than other fossil fuels when burned, but a small percentage of methane can slip through the engine without being combusted. Since methane has a higher global warming potential than CO2, even this small source of emissions may come into focus in meeting IMO’s ambitious climate goals.
“With IMO aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to 2008 levels, LNG has a major role as a bridge fuel in moving towards a carbon-neutral future,” says David Jung, Business Development Manager at Alfa Laval. “However, the awareness of methane slip and its influence on global warming is increasing. New regulations are not unthinkable, and any improvement from today’s environmental benchmark is important. With or without regulations, WinGD’s iCER technology with the Alfa Laval PureCool system will help the shipping industry align more fully with climate goals by minimizing methane slip.”
Developed by Alfa Laval in close collaboration with WinGD, PureCool is the cascade exhaust gas cooling system at the heart of the iCER concept. Short for Intelligent Control by Exhaust gas Recycling, iCER is the first development presented in X-DF2.0, WinGD’s second-generation dual-fuel engine technology.
“The iCER option is a standalone installation adjacent to the engine,” says Jung. “During operation in gas mode, it improves combustion by cooling and recirculating about 50% of the exhaust gas through a low-pressure path with full turbocharger capacity. This minimizes methane slip, and the PureCool system provides the vital cooling function that makes it possible.”
The effectiveness of iCER with PureCool is nothing short of remarkable. Trials at WinGD’s dedicated engine test facility, which were the final step in a two-year testing programme, show a methane slip reduction of up to 50%.
“This is not fine-tuning or a marginal improvement of LNG technology,” says Jung. “This is a major environmental gain that truly strengthens LNG’s profile. With the PureCool system at its heart, iCER will cut methane slip by as much as half.”
Beyond the methane slip reduction, the iCER solution with PureCool offers engine buyers significant operational benefits – thus creating value even prior to potential compliance regulations. When combustion is improved with iCER, fuel consumption in gas mode is reduced by 3%.
“The PureCool system improves a vessel’s efficiency along with its emissions,” says Jung. “The fuel savings inherent to iCER can have a positive impact on a vessel’s Energy Efficiency Design Index.”
As iCER moves into the commercial phase and prepares for a first pilot installation, Jung is proud to see the PureCool system enter Alfa Laval’s compliance portfolio. It joins successful solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges, but it is the first such solution related to non-traditional fuel.
Latest News
Phoenix Lighting expands range
(Posted on 21/06/22)Phoenix Lighting has announced the launch of the Soar Series, an expansion of its product offering of... Read more
Konecranes Gen 6 MHC to upgrade Venetian port bulk handling
(Posted on 20/06/22)The FHP Group has ordered an eco-efficient Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbour Crane for... Read more
Shipping fuel and lubes prices skyrocket
(Posted on 12/06/22)More than 40 marine fuel suppliers from around the world have gathered at this year’s Posidonia... Read more
New Liebherr MHC breaks new ground
(Posted on 08/06/22)With its new mobile harbour crane, Liebherr is presenting ground-breaking technical developments and... Read more
ABS-approved sterntube-less ship concept to keep oceans clean
(Posted on 08/06/22)Thordon Bearings has welcomed the announcement by classification society ABS to award Approval in Principle... Read more
Wärtsilä opens world-leading Sustainable Technology Hub
(Posted on 03/06/22)Wärtsilä Corporation has opened its new technology centre, the Sustainable Technology... Read more
Wärtsilä and Anglo-Eastern reach major safety milestone
(Posted on 31/05/22)Wärtsilä Voyage, part of the technology group Wärtsilä, and ship manager Anglo-Eastern... Read more
Inmarsat Fleet Hotspot addresses connectivity requirement
(Posted on 31/05/22)Eight significant amendments have been agreed to update the landmark Maritime Labour Convention 2006... Read more
Trials of innovative Inmarsat solution wrap up in Singapore
(Posted on 25/05/22)Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has completed the first phases... Read more
Pacific Basin and Nihon Shipyard sign zero-emission vessels MoU
(Posted on 18/05/22)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has signed... Read more
