The PureSOx U-design, which is used on the majority of vessels, is a U-shaped configuration where the jet and absorber sections are separated by a natural water trap. In the updated version, available from 1 May, the exhaust gas flow through the scrubber has been heavily optimized. Alfa Laval says this allows a dramatic reduction in scrubber height – 26% in the jet section and 17% in the absorber section – as well as a reduction in weight.
A key factor in achieving the reductions was the minimization of back pressure, which has been done entirely without exhaust gas fans.
The company adds that the reduction in size and weight adds to the advantages of the PureSOx U-design, which include the natural water trap, simple connection to multiple inlets and easy switching between open-loop and closed-loop modes. A smaller scrubber facilitates placement and reduces installation costs, while a lighter scrubber reduces the impact on vessel stability. In some cases, the smaller U-design may also be placed lower in the ship, which will have further stability benefits.
