Alfa Laval Unveils Scrubber for Smaller Ships

Alfa Laval introduced its PureSOx Express, a new version of its open-loop scrubber system delivered as a fully enclosed module and specifically designed for use on board smaller ships.

Adapted for a simple and cost-efficient fit, the new system is engineered to reduce the investment cost, engineering time and physical work of installing a SOx scrubber on board vessels such as handymax bulkers or product tankers, where the cost of installing a scrubber for SOx compliance has sometimes outweighed the benefits.

“PureSOx Express uses the proven PureSOx technology that’s already used on hundreds of vessels”, says Steven Pieters, Sales Director, Exhaust Gas Cleaning. “But it can be lifted on board and connected without a specialized scrubber team, which means less work at the shipyard and an installation time of just 10–14 days. Not only is the initial investment lower, the vessel can return more quickly to its money-making operations.”

Prefabricated and preconfigured, PureSOx Express is designed for up to 75 metric tons of exhaust gas per hour and engine power up to 10 megawatts. This makes it a one-size-fits-all solution for many vessels of 40,000–65,000 deadweight tons to continue using HFO and comply with SOx emissions regulations.

But the scrubber is also hybrid-ready, with connections present for a later conversion to a hybrid system. “Customers who hesitate to commit to a hybrid can feel comfortable choosing PureSOx Express,” Pieters says. “PureSOx Express offers flexibility to add equipment for closed-loop operation down the road, should they need to meet stricter water discharge regulations.”

In addition to a packed scrubber bed, PureSOx Express features a water trap preventing any backflow to the engine. It is also steered with Alfa Laval Touch Control in the same way as other PureSOx systems.

“Since the first PureSOx system sailed in 2009, we’ve optimized our offering by learning from each installation,” Pieters says. “All that knowledge has also gone into PureSOx Express.”