Alfa Laval launches PureSOx Express scrubbers for tankers

According to Alfa Laval, PureSOx Express is an open-loop PureSOx scrubber system built to comply with current regulations, delivered as a fully enclosed module and adapted for a simple, cost-efficient fit on smaller vessels. The company said this reduces the investment cost, engineering time and physical labour of installing a SOx scrubber and makes it simple for these vessels to continue using HFO and to comply with SOx regulations.

The Express model uses existing PureSOx technology but can be lifted and connected without a specialist scrubber team. The company said it estimates an installation time of between 10-14 days. The system is prefabricated and preconfigured, and designed for up to 75 tonnes of exhaust gas per hour and engine power up to 10-MW.

Alfa Laval sales director exhaust gas cleaning Steven Pieters said “Not only is the initial investment lower, the vessel can return more quickly to its money-making operations.”

The scrubber is also hybrid-ready, with connections present for a later conversion to a hybrid system. Mr Pieters said this offers flexibility and allows customers who hesitate to commit to a hybrid system another option. “PureSOx Express offers flexibility to add equipment for closed-loop operation down the road, should they need to meet stricter water discharge regulations.”

The scrubber also features a water trap to ensure safety by preventing any backflow to the engine. Steered with Alfa Laval Touch Control in the same way as its other PureSOx systems, it offers the same usage and connectivity options that have been used by Alfa Laval for the last decade.

The scrubber was conceived as a one-size-fits-all solution for smaller vessels between 40,000–65,000 dwt, which includes bulkers and product tankers, where the cost of installing a scrubber for SOx compliance has sometimes outweighed the benefit of doing so.

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