Project: Combined NOx-noise reduction system in ships
The CO objective of this project is to develop and install a novel combined catalytic and noise reduction system in the exhaust of existing marine engines for the drastic reduction of NOx gas emissions (>70%) and noise levels down to 35 dB(A)._x000D__x000D_Increasing shipping activities contribute significantly to the air and noise pollution in several sea and river regions in Europe. Emissions of NOx gases from shipping is due to combustion of frequently heavy marine fuels, and contribute to air pollution particularly around coastal areas and ports, by forming tropospheric ozone that is harmful to the human health. In addition, NOx emissions may cause acid depositions that can be detrimental to the natural environment and contribute to eutrophication. It is known that marine transportation is among the largest contributors to NOx deposition in the Mediterranean region, and according recent estimates the total NOx emissions exceed the 370 kton/year. A recent EU Commission report on ship emissions estimates that the NOx emissions from international shipping are expected to increase by a two-third even after the implementation of Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 (2008) concerning air pollution by ships. It also estimates that the NOx emissions from international shipping around Europe will surpass by 2020 the emissions from all land-based sources in the 25 EU member states combined._x000D__x000D_The key points of this project are:_x000D_• Selection of appropriate marine engine to install the reduction system._x000D_• Determination of NOx exhaust gas and noise emissions from selected marine engine prior and after installation of the system._x000D_• Development and optimization of an efficient and reliable reduction system._x000D_• Manufacturing of the optimized reduction system._x000D_• Installation of manufactured reduction system in selected marine engine._x000D_• Cost-benefit analysis from the installation of such reduction system in different types marine engines and burning fuels._x000D__x000D_At first the appropriate marine engine will be chosen from a number of engines of Louis Cruise Lines ships in which the system will be installed. The selection will be based to certain criteria about the engine (type, power, technical information, burning fuels, etc) as well as about the exhaust system and the ship (availability of space and time for modifications, useful life, etc). Then the appropriate selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit will be chosen and designed taking according to the technical specifications of the selected marine engine. Urea solution will be employed as reducing agent. A honeycomb type catalyst with be used to ensure high degree of “activity” and resistance against corrosion. A highly compact unit design will be produced to ensure low exhaust back-pressures and low ammonia slip. The system will contain three units: NOx catalytic reactor, urea unit, and control unit. The control unit will guarantee optimum and safe operation, and regulate the injection of reducing agent. A kinetic model will be used to optimize the operating conditions of the system. In addition, the catalytic system will contain in series a specially designed noise buffer unit which will absorb low and high frequencies, and therefore serve as an effective noise silencer, reducing noise down to natural background levels (35 dB(A)). The developed system will be manufactured fulfilling all necessary requirements. Then the system will be installed in the exhaust system of a marine engine by doing the appropriate modifications and constructions. Accurate NOx emissions and noise level measurements will be performed prior and after installation of the system to estimate its efficiency. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis of this system will be executed in order to assist shipping companies in making the decision on installing such a system. _x000D__x000D_The project will involve two SMEs with wide experience in environmental technologies combating marine pollution, and a research laboratory with extensive experience in kinetic studies. EPE is the largest private company in the Mediterranean area, offering complete services for the protection and clean-up of the industrial and marine environment. EPE invests in scientific R@D to develop novel environmental technologies with a thorough knowledge of the market needs. Emitech is a Dutch company that offers the most innovative and effective solutions for reducing air and noise pollution in marine-land transportation, in industry and the energy sector, by investing in R@D for sustainable environment. Both companies will benefit from this project not only from the revenue stream standpoint and consolidated market position but also on intellectual property and sustainable know-how produced. The share of shipping industry in anthropogenic emissions of NOx gases and noise pollution, COly in port areas, is becoming significant, and public concern has led to ongoing political pressure to reduce shipping gas emissions and noise pollution.
| Acronym | CONNORESS (Reference Number: 5109) |
| Duration | 01/05/2010 - 07/06/2013 |
| Project Topic | The aim is to develop and install a novel exhaust system in marine engines that reduces both NOx gas emissions and noise levels, and protects the environment around coastal areas and ports. It employs and combines an effective selective catalytic reduction unit with a reliable noise silencer unit. |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
After the completion of the installation the measurements we have done proved that we succeeded the expected NOX emissions' reduction (at the level of 88-90 %) and a significant noise reduction even though in a few cases was lower than the target of 35 dB._x000D_ |
| Network | Eurostars |
| Call | Eurostars Cut-Off 3 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Emitech B.V | Partner | Netherlands |
| 2 | Environmental Protection Engineering S.A. | Coordinator | Greece |