SodaFlexx develops scrubber system for ships using baking soda
It says the baking soda-based exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) can lower sulphur emissions to compliant levels of 0.10-0.50%.
PHOTO: Exhaust gases flow from the funnel of a cruise ship. Getty Images
UK-based dry power EGCS firm SodaFlexx has developed a technology to treat exhaust gas emissions from ships using sodium bicarbonate powder, more commonly known as baking soda.
The sodium bicarbonate powder is delivered by SodaFlexx to ships in storage boxes. It is later injected directly into the ship’s exhaust system using a dosing system. Due to the heat and turbulence in the ship’s exhaust system, the sodium bicarbonate reacts to sulphur compounds to convert it to sodium sulphate, a pH-neutral salt.
The byproduct-sodium sulphate can be either released into the atmosphere or stored using SodaFlexx hybrid system, which can be later disposed of onshore.
SodaFlexx claims the EGCS can be installed within 16 weeks, and little to no modification is required onboard vessels. The system is currently installed on a bulk carrier owned by the Dutch building material firm Bontrup.
Several shipowners have equipped their vessels with scrubber systems to comply with International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 0.50% sulphur limit.
According to DNV data, the global scrubber-fitted fleet is expected to rise from 4,737 this year, to 4,922 in 2025.
Recent wide Hi5 spreads in Singapore and other ports could further present a good case for investments in scrubber-equipped vessels.
By Nithin Chandran
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