What is Open-loop to closed-loop scrubber conversion?

A More Sustainable Shipping Industry

With the significant focus on sustainability, more and more environmental regulations appear to move the shipping industry towards zero emissions. At the latest, this is seen with the IMO 2020. Fortunately, one specific green tech solution ensures compliance with current and future environmental regulations. Let us get detailed about what an open-loop to closed-loop scrubber conversion is.

Marine exhaust gas cleaning systems, also referred to as scrubbers, have become imperative to obtain compliance with the IMO 2020 sulfur cap. Scrubbers can take three forms, being open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid. If you need to become more familiar with the differences between an open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid scrubber here beforme moving on. Yet, several countries have banned the use of open-loop scrubbers and scrubber wash water discharge to fight ocean acidification. You can see our complete list of countries that have adopted a ban here.

As of today, many vessels still operate with open-loop scrubbers. However, this is not a sustainable or viable solution as the discharge of sulfuric wash water into the oceans harms ecosystems and aquatic species, especially shellfish and coral, by causing ocean acidification. Although local prohibitions are a great start to accommodate a desulfurized shipping industry, it is just the beginning, as many in the shipping industry have requested a global effort to seek common ground. Therefore, it is also expected that the IMO will sanction a new work plan at its next Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), discussing environmental issues under IMO’s remit. This new work plan aligns with the regulations and bans for scrubber wash water discharges internationally. Here, they can decide when, where, or sanction scrubber wash water discharge. Moreover, with the new global restrictions in sight, it becomes impossible to maintain an open-loop scrubber operation.

New innovative solutions are required to comply with these new stringent environmental regulations. This is where open-loop to closed-loop scrubber conversion enters the picture.

What Is Open Loop To Closed Loop Scrubber Conversion

The Conversion to Compliance

The conversion to compliance becomes more and more crucial. Therefore, an increasing number of open-loop scrubbers are also designed as hybrid-ready, making it easy for shipowners to convert to a hybrid scrubber, operating in both open-loop and closed-loop mode.

You can quickly obtain full compliance with even the most stringent environmental regulations by converting your open-loop scrubber to a closed-loop or hybrid scrubber. Often, the conversion is from a closed-loop to a hybrid scrubber, which enables the scrubber to operate in open-loop and closed-loop mode. Yet, with the industry moving towards zero emissions, it is expected to see more conversions to closed-loop as well as more innovative closed-loop scrubber solutions. A conversion lets shipowners continue to operate their scrubbers, in which they have invested millions of dollars. Still, their pollution is reduced significantly.

A closed-loop scrubber is an exhaust gas cleaning system that reduces sulfur by 98%. The environmental advantage lies in pH neutralization, ensuring that the sulfuric wash water is neutralized. A closed-loop scrubber requires a marine water treatment unit (WTU) and a sludge handling facility. With a WTU, the bleed flow from the scrubber’s process tank is treated. The treatment of scrubber wash water consists of suspended solids removal, ensuring that no polluted wash water is discharged into the sea. Sludge is stored in a holding tank for safe and sustainable onshore disposal.

Learn more about marine scrubbers and their basic components here.

There is a financial gain, as well, because, with a closed-loop scrubber, you are still allowed to use heavy fuel oil (HFO), a high-energy content that is complex to refine. HFO is cheaper than low-sulfur fuels, enabling a competitive OPEX, especially with the increasing fuel prices (as you can get a real-time overview here). Consequently, closed-loop scrubber technology ensures that your vessel can operate compliantly and cost-efficiently now and in the future. Learn more about what a closed-loop scrubber is here. Learn more about what a closed-loop scrubber is here.

A scrubber and the connected WTU is a customized solution made to match your specific needs. At LiqTech, we have thoroughly developed a WTU based on innovative, patented membrane technology. It is a flexible solution; you can continually expand the solution to obtain more capacity. Besides conversion, installing closed-loop scrubbers as a completely new build system on your vessel is possible.

Learn more about our marine water treatment system

Marine Knowledge E-book

If you want to learn more about the marine industry, you can download our Marine Industry Knowledge e-book.

Learn everything worth knowing about marine scrubbers, wash water treatment, and how to comply with the IMO 2020 sulfur cap.

Read about emerging trends affecting the maritime industry, marine regulations, and how to stay compliant now and in the future.

At LiqTech, our goal is to minimize the negative impacts of living an improved lifestyle. With innovative clean technology, we reduce the harmful effects caused by various polluting industries, including the marine industry, in line with current and emerging environmental regulations. We want to share our knowledge with you; therefore, we have created a universe full of marine knowledge.

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