Krystallon Moves up a Gear
14/03/2006
Following continued research, development and testing Krystallon's sea water scrubbing solutions are now available for installed power units of up to 7MW.
As debate rages over how the marine industry can best reduce the environmental impact of its activities, Krystallon, a joint venture between BP Marine and Kittiwake, today announced that it has developed its sea water scrubbing abatement technology to cater for higher powered auxiliary engines on cruise and container vessels and main propulsion engines for ferries.
Following continued research, development and testing Krystallon's sea water scrubbing solutions are now available for installed power units of up to 7MW. Krystallon's first public display at a major industry exhibition will take place at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami on 14th to 16th March. Krystallon directors will meet the shipping community to provide advice on how to achieve sulphur regulation compliance economically by using abatement technology.
Chris Leigh Jones, managing director of Krystallon, said: "Until recently, changing the way vessels are fuelled was the only option for shipping companies to comply with forthcoming low sulphur legislation. Krystallon's independently-validated sea water scrubbing technology provides a new alternative that enables compliance with stringent environmental legislation whilst using the most cost effective fuels available." Krystallon sea water scrubbers are based on the principle of providing a reliable, effective technical solution that not only removes environmentally-harmful particulate and SOx but also provides the necessary monitoring to comply with reporting requirements. The Terramare Institute has been responsible for the initial environmental impact assessments, which reported no harm to the marine environment. Further testing is under way to complete peer review environmental impact assessment studies and ascertain future discharge water criteria.
A typical installation involves the installation of a sea water scrubber to each diesel engine on board vessels. Sea water is injected directly into the scrubber through which the exhaust emission is passed. This highly effective multi-stage process removes particulates and SOx from the engines exhaust and is unique to Krystallon. The system allows for direct sea water at relatively low volumes to be used and ensures the total weight of the system is minimised but maintains high levels of reliability and effectiveness.
Trials have achieved the removal of almost 100% of SOx and over 80% of all particulates from exhaust gases. The water treatment plant incorporates high performance cyclone technology developed from BP experience of oil production platforms. The system also ensures that all particulates are retained on board whilst the sea water is discharged back to the sea in a harmless manner. The system even removes any sediment drawn in from the harbour.
Krystallon has also recently appointed Andy Osborne as its new business development director. Andy was previously responsible for BP Marine fuel sales on the US West Coast and has a deep understanding of the growing air quality issues within ports and coastal regions.
For enquiries from the media, journalists and researchers only, the Krystallon Press Office can be contacted on 01782 751939/ 07769 901932 or e-mail: pshirley@theprfirm.co.uk