This measurment is necessary in order to achieve a highly improved level of environmental protection, as heavy fuel oil (HFO) is usually used on the high seas. With the use of heavy oil, approximately 50,000 ocean-going vessels of the international merchant fleet are responsible for 13% of global emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and 15% of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The so-called Global Sulphur Limit, also known as Sulphur Cap, must now be regulated worldwide from 2020.

Nozzles and mist eliminator for wet scrubbers reduce emissions

The installation of an exhaust gas purification system (scrubber) during the construction of a new ship or as a retrofit is one way of reducing emissions. Scrubbers are equipped with mist eliminators and nozzles. In essence, the exhaust gases go through a chemical process (gas scrubbing) in which a gas stream is brought into contact with a liquid stream and the pollutants are washed out as far as possible. For the products in the scrubber, this process means maximum material stress, since salty seawater is used as the medium. According to the manufacturer's specifications, sulphur oxides are separated almost 100%. The purified exhaust gases produced by the scrubber produce approximately the same exhaust gas values as low-sulphur marine diesel, which, has a considerably higher price.

In a relatively young market of exhaust gas purification by scrubbers in the marine environment, Lechler has the special position that mist eliminators and the corresponding nozzles for gas scrubbing come from one nozzle manufacturer and from one source. Lechler is making a major contribution today and in the future to ensure that the IMO regulations can be complied with.