Washer outlet assembly

Abstract

A scrubber outlet assembly (100) is disclosed, the scrubber outlet assembly (100) comprising: a duct (200) having an inner surface (230), wherein the inner surface (230) has: a first portion (231) made of a first electrically conductive material; a second portion (232) made of a second electrically conductive material different from the first electrically conductive material; and a region (240) comprising at least a portion of the first portion (231) and at least a portion of the second portion (232). The scrubber outlet assembly (100) comprises a barrier (300) located inside the inner surface of the duct (200). The scrubber outlet assembly (100) defines a flow path through the duct (200), along which, in use, scrubbing water is able to flow from a scrubber (10), and the barrier (300) fluidly isolates the region (240) from the flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a scrubber outlet assembly and a scrubber outlet diffuser, such as a scrubber outlet assembly and a scrubber outlet diffuser for marine vessels, to a marine vessel including a scrubber outlet assembly and a scrubber outlet diffuser, to a parts kit for a scrubber outlet diffuser, and to a method of assembling a scrubber outlet assembly and a scrubber outlet diffuser. Background Technology

[0002] Ocean-going vessels, such as container ships, have engines powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO). This fuel contains sulfur, which, when burned in the ship's engine, forms sulfur oxides (SOx), which are emitted into the atmosphere as exhaust emissions.

[0003] Since 2005, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations shipping agency, has implemented global regulations to limit the amount of SOx and other exhaust gases emitted from the engines of ocean-going vessels. These regulations are set forth in Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention). In 2020, the IMO regulations were updated to limit the use of fuels by ocean-going vessels to a maximum sulfur content of 0.5%, down from 3.5% in previous years. Some ocean-going vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) or “scrubbers” to meet the SOx limits set by the IMO. Ocean-going vessels equipped with scrubbers can use fuels with sulfur content higher than the limits set by the IMO, such as HFO.

[0004] Scrubbers are installed in the exhaust gas systems of marine vessels to remove SOx and other particulate matter from exhaust gases from the vessels' engines or boilers. Scrubbers are also used in other industries where it is necessary or desirable to remove contaminants, odors, and / or corrosive components from the gas stream before it enters the environment, such as chemical processing facilities, power plants, and wastewater treatment facilities. Wet scrubbers and dry scrubbers are known in the art. In each case, the exhaust gas is exposed to an alkaline scrubbing material to neutralize the acidic exhaust gas and remove any impurities from the exhaust gas. In a wet scrubber, water, or another suitable fluid, is sprayed into the exhaust gas stream to remove SOx from it. In a dry scrubber, a dry reagent, such as lime, is sprayed into the exhaust gas stream for the same purpose, or the exhaust gas stream is passed through the dry reagent.

[0005] Wet scrubbers installed on ocean-going vessels typically use fresh or seawater as the scrubbing agent. In some cases, additives such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) and limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) are added to the water. In open-loop scrubbers, seawater is used as the scrubbing agent; it is sprayed into the exhaust gas stream to convert SOx into sulfates or sulfuric acid, and the effluent from the scrubber (also known as “washwater”) is discharged into the sea. Therefore, washwater is an acidic, high-temperature effluent that poses a risk of damage to the piping system at the scrubber outlet, primarily due to corrosion. In some cases, particularly on larger ocean-going vessels, diffusers are required at the scrubber outlet to increase the mixing level of the washwater with the surrounding seawater, thereby neutralizing the washwater as it is discharged into the ocean. The Marine Environment Protection Agency (MEPC) provides for example standards regarding washwater in Chapter 10 of resolution MEPC 259(68) of the Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems. For example, when the ship is stationary, the wash water should have a minimum pH of 6.5 at a distance of 4 meters from the discharge point where the wash water enters the surrounding ocean.

[0006] Corrosion-resistant coatings are known to be available to mitigate damage to piping systems. For example, diffusers are welded into pipes, and then the diffuser, pipe, and / or weld are coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a vinyl ester coating. The risk of corrosion, such as at welds, is partly due to the difficulty of properly coating the complex shape of the diffuser within the pipe. This can result in gaps or weaknesses in the coating, exposing the underlying material to corrosive wash water.

[0007] In one known solution, the scrubber outlet pipe and diffuser are made of the same corrosion-resistant material (specifically, austenitic stainless steel). In this case, a corrosion-resistant coating is not necessarily required. However, the risk of electrochemical corrosion still exists, such as between stainless steel pipes and the mild steel hulls of marine vessels to which they are connected.

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention aim to reduce the risk of corrosion in the washer outlet pipe system, while solving the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a washer outlet assembly comprising: a conduit having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has: a first portion made of a first conductive material; a second portion made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; a region including at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion; and a barrier located inside the inner surface of the conduit; wherein the washer outlet assembly defines a flow path through the conduit, wherein in use, wash water can flow from the washer along the flow path, and wherein the barrier fluidly isolates the region from the flow path.

[0010] Optionally, the scrubber outlet assembly is used on marine vessels. Optionally, the scrubber outlet assembly is used in industrial scrubber systems, such as scrubber systems for chemical processing facilities, power plants, or wastewater treatment facilities.

[0011] In the presence of wash water in the flow path, the barrier protects the area from potential electrochemical corrosion. The wash water may be an effluent from the scrubber. During use, the wash water may be acidic and may be at a higher temperature than, for example, seawater around a marine vessel. Therefore, the scrubber outlet component material and / or the hull material of the marine vessel in contact with the wash water may be more susceptible to corrosion, such as electrochemical corrosion. Thus, the possibility of electrochemical corrosion occurring between the first conductive material and a different second conductive material can be reduced or eliminated.

[0012] Optionally, the first conductive material is a corrosion-resistant material. This reduces the likelihood of corrosion occurring on a first portion of the inner surface of the pipe during use when that portion is exposed to the flow path and thus to wash water. For example, the first conductive material may be a metallic alloy, such as a nickel-chromium-based alloy, or stainless steel, such as austenitic stainless steel. Alternatively or additionally, the first conductive material and / or the second conductive material may be coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a vinyl ester coating.

[0013] Optionally, the barrier includes an electrically insulating material that bridges at least a portion of the first part and at least a portion of the second part.

[0014] In this manner, at least a portion of the barrier element is resistant to electrochemical corrosion. A portion of the barrier element, including an electrically insulating material, is in contact with a first and / or second portion of the inner surface of the pipe. In this manner, the possibility of electrochemical corrosion occurring between the barrier element and the corresponding first and / or second portions of the inner surface of the pipe can be reduced or eliminated.

[0015] Optionally, the barrier includes a material that resists corrosion and / or abrasion in the presence of wash water. Abrasion-resistant materials resist mechanical wear, such as in the presence of solid particles in the wash water that may rub or scratch the barrier during use. For example, the barrier may include materials selected from epoxy putty or resin, adhesives, and / or corrosion-resistant coatings, such as vinyl ester coatings. The material may be applied to the inner surface of the pipe.

[0016] Optionally, the barrier includes a tube surrounding the flow path.

[0017] Optionally, the tube is formed of an electrically insulating material. More optionally, the tube is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the tube may be formed of epoxy resin, such as glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) material, or vinyl ester. The tube is located within a conduit. The tube may protrude from within the conduit or may be completely contained within the conduit.

[0018] Optionally, the tube is bonded to the inner surface of the pipe by an adhesive between the tube and the pipe.

[0019] Optionally, the adhesive is electrically insulating. Optionally, the adhesive is disposed in the space between the inner surfaces of the tube and the conduit. Spacing the tube and the conduit apart improves the ease of manufacturing the washer outlet assembly and ensures a more uniform distribution of the adhesive in the space, for example, to prevent the formation of air bubbles and to improve the adhesion provided by the adhesive.

[0020] Optionally, the tube includes one or more protrusions on its outer surface. The one or more protrusions may be raised portions of the outer surface of the tube. That is, the protrusions may be integral with other portions or the remainder of the tube. Optionally, the protrusions are discrete parts provided on the outer surface of the tube, such as by bonding the protrusions to the outer surface of the tube. Optionally, the protrusions are elongated protrusions extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the outer surface of the tube. The protrusions may extend along the entire length of the tube. In other instances, the protrusions are arranged on the outer surface of the tube in any other suitable manner. The protrusions may facilitate alignment of the tube within a conduit during assembly, such as centered alignment of the tube within a conduit, to provide space between the tubes.

[0021] Optionally, the adhesive fills the space between the inner surface of the pipe and the conduit and contacts at least a portion of a first portion and at least a portion of a second portion of the inner surface of the conduit.

[0022] In this way, the adhesive can form part of a barrier used to isolate the area from wash water. The adhesive can be a casting material such as epoxy resin. The adhesive may be able to withstand thermal shock and / or physical impact, which can provide a more reliable bond between the pipes and conduits under harsh conditions that may exist on marine vessels in use.

[0023] Optionally, the scrubber outlet assembly includes a diffuser located in the tube and arranged to interrupt the flow path.

[0024] A diffuser can be used to apply turbulence to wash water flowing in a flow path during operation, and / or increase the velocity component of the wash water. This can reduce the pH level of the wash water at the scrubber outlet near the hull or marine vessel. For example, increased axial velocity may propel the wash water further away from the hull. Alternatively or additionally, increased radial or azimuthal angular velocity, or increased turbulence in the flow, can lead to increased entrainment or mixing of the wash water with seawater that is about to be discharged into the seawater.

[0025] Optionally, the diffuser is formed of an electrically insulating material. More optionally, the diffuser is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the diffuser may be formed of epoxy resin, such as glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) material, or vinyl ester. The diffuser may be formed of the same or similar material as the tube, or may be any other suitable material. The diffuser may include one or more diffuser components, such as fins or guide vanes. The diffuser may be mounted within the tube in any suitable manner, such as by bonding with an adhesive. The diffuser may be integral with the tube, such that the tube and the diffuser are a single unit. In this way, one or more joints between the diffuser and the tube are resistant to electrochemical corrosion.

[0026] Optionally, the pipe includes an open end, and the inner surface of the pipe includes an end portion extending between the open end and the region comprising the first portion and the second portion; and the pipe extends to or beyond the open end of the pipe to isolate the end portion from the flow path. In this way, the end portion, which may be the second portion, can be better protected from corrosion by the pipe. This is particularly advantageous when the open end is intended for connection to the hull of a marine vessel, and / or the end portion is formed of the same or similar material as the hull of the marine vessel, which may be more susceptible to corrosion in the presence of wash water.

[0027] A portion of the hull of a marine vessel may include an orifice. An open end may mate with the orifice to define a scrubber outlet for discharging fluid through the hull of the marine vessel. For example, a conduit may abut the orifice to define the scrubber outlet. Optionally, the conduit may extend through the orifice such that the open end defines the scrubber outlet. A scrubber outlet assembly may include the aforementioned portion of the hull of the marine vessel, for example, if the aforementioned portion of the hull is removed from the rest of the hull to assemble the scrubber outlet assembly.

[0028] Optionally, the conduit may include a first segment and a second segment connected to the first segment, wherein the inner surface of the first segment includes a first portion of the inner surface of the conduit, and the inner surface of the second segment includes a second portion of the inner surface of the conduit. Each of the first and second segments may be tubular. The first segment may be formed of a first conductive material and the second segment may be formed of a second conductive material. The first and second segments may be connected or secured to each other in any suitable manner, such as by welding, bonding, bolting, or clamping.

[0029] Optionally, the conduit includes a conduit section having an inner surface comprising a second conductive material, and a first conductive material disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the conduit section to define a first portion of the inner surface of the conduit. In this manner, the conduit may comprise a conduit material defining the conduit section, such as mild steel, and the first conductive material may comprise a corrosion-resistant cladding or coating or other tubular component on said portion of the inner surface of the conduit section.

[0030] Optionally, the tubular component is a sleeve. Optionally, the sleeve includes a flange portion for connection to a corresponding flange, such as at the inner end of the pipe section, when the sleeve is inserted into the pipe section. Optionally, the tubular component, such as the sleeve, or a portion thereof, is radially spaced from the inner surface of the pipe section. This provides a gap between the tubular component and the inner surface of the pipe section. In this way, a first portion of the inner surface of the pipe may be defined by the inner surface of the tubular component, a second portion of the inner surface of the pipe may be defined by the inner surface of the pipe section, and said area may include at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular component, at least a portion of the inner surface of the pipe section, and the gap. That is, the inner surface of the pipe includes the entire side of the pipe that would be exposed to the flow path in the absence of a barrier. The first and second portions of the inner surface of the pipe may still be close enough to each other that an increased risk of electrochemical corrosion is present in said area in the absence of a barrier. Therefore, a barrier is provided to fluidly isolate said area from the flow path. Optionally, an electrically insulating material, such as an adhesive or filler, is located in the gap, such that at least a portion of the first and second portions are separated by the electrically insulating material.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention provides a washer outlet diffuser comprising: an electrically insulating tube having a flow path through which washing water can flow from the washer during use; and a diffuser located within the tube and arranged to interrupt the flow path.

[0032] Optionally, the scrubber outlet diffuser is used on marine vessels, such as a scrubber outlet assembly for marine vessels.

[0033] Optionally, the electrically insulating tube is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the tube may be formed of epoxy resin, such as glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) material, or vinyl ester.

[0034] Optionally, the diffuser is electrically insulating. Further optionally, the diffuser is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the diffuser may be formed of epoxy resin, such as glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) material, or vinyl ester. Optionally, the diffuser and the tube are made of the same material. The diffuser may include one or more diffuser components, such as fins or guide vanes. The diffuser may be mounted within the tube in any suitable manner, such as by bonding with an adhesive. The diffuser may be integral with the tube, such that the tube and the diffuser are a single unit. In this way, one or more joints between the diffuser and the tube are resistant to electrochemical corrosion.

[0035] A third aspect of the invention provides a marine vessel comprising a scrubber outlet assembly according to the first aspect or a scrubber outlet diffuser according to the second aspect.

[0036] Alternatively, the ocean-going vessel is a container ship.

[0037] The washer outlet assembly may include any optional features of the washer outlet assembly discussed above in the first aspect. The washer outlet diffuser may include any optional features of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect.

[0038] Optionally, the marine vessel includes a scrubber system and an engine or boiler, wherein the scrubber system is used to remove sulfur oxides from the exhaust gas stream of the engine or boiler. The scrubber outlet assembly of the first aspect and / or the scrubber outlet diffuser of the second aspect may be part of the scrubber system.

[0039] Optionally, a second portion of the inner surface of the pipe of the scrubber outlet assembly is formed of the same material as the hull of the marine vessel. This allows the pipe to be fixed (e.g., welded) to the hull of the marine vessel while reducing the risk of electrochemical corrosion of the pipe and / or hull in contact with seawater. Alternatively, the second portion of the inner surface of the pipe of the scrubber outlet assembly may be formed of a material different from the hull material, such as a material with higher corrosion resistance than the hull material.

[0040] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a component kit for a washer outlet diffuser of the second aspect, the component kit comprising: an electrically insulating tube through which washing water can flow from the washer in use; and a diffuser, or a component configured to be assembled to form the diffuser, the diffuser or the component being located in the tube to interrupt the flow path.

[0041] The washer outlet diffuser may include any optional features of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect. For example, the pipe may include any optional features of the pipe of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect, and / or the diffuser may include any optional features of the diffuser of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect.

[0042] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a component kit for a washer outlet assembly of the first aspect, the component kit comprising: a conduit having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has: a first portion made of a first conductive material; a second portion made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; and a region including at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion, wherein the conduit has a flow path therethrough, wherein, in use, wash water is capable of flowing from the washer along the flow path; and a barrier, or a material configured to be assembled to form the barrier, the barrier or the material being disposed radially inside the inner surface of the conduit to fluidly isolate the region from the flow path.

[0043] Optionally, the parts kit for the washer outlet assembly includes a first section comprising a first portion of the inner surface of the conduit; and a second section comprising a second portion of the inner surface of the conduit; wherein the first and second sections are connected or connectable to form the conduit. Each of the first and second sections may be tubular.

[0044] The washer outlet assembly may include any optional features of the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect discussed above. For example, the conduit may include any optional features of the conduit of the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect discussed above, and / or the barrier may include any optional features of the barrier of the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect discussed above.

[0045] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a washer outlet assembly, the method comprising: providing a conduit having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has: a first portion made of a first conductive material; a second portion made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; and a region including at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion, wherein the conduit has a flow path therethrough, wherein, in use, washing water is capable of flowing from the washer along the flow path; and disposing a barrier on the radially inner side of the inner surface of the conduit to fluidly isolate the region from the flow path.

[0046] Optionally, the scrubber outlet assembly is used on marine vessels. Optionally, the scrubber outlet assembly is used in industrial scrubber systems, such as scrubber systems for chemical processing facilities, power plants, or wastewater treatment facilities.

[0047] Optionally, the first conductive material is a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the first conductive material may be a metallic alloy, such as a nickel-chromium-based alloy, or stainless steel, such as austenitic stainless steel. Alternatively or additionally, the first conductive material and / or the second conductive material may be coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a vinyl ester coating.

[0048] Optionally, the method includes applying a corrosion-resistant coating to the first portion and / or the second portion.

[0049] Optionally, the second portion of the inner surface of the pipe is formed of the same material as the hull of the ocean vessel. Alternatively, the second portion of the inner surface of the pipe may be formed of a material different from the hull material, such as a material having higher corrosion resistance than the hull material. Optionally, the pipe includes a pipe section, the second portion of the inner surface of the pipe being at least a portion of the inner surface of the pipe section, and the method includes connecting the pipe section to a portion of the hull of the ocean vessel. Optionally, the method includes welding the pipe section to said portion of the hull of the ocean vessel.

[0050] Optionally, the barrier includes an electrically insulating material, and the method includes arranging the barrier in the conduit such that the electrically insulating material bridges at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion.

[0051] Optionally, the method includes arranging a barrier in the conduit such that a portion of the barrier, including an electrically insulating material, contacts a first portion and / or a second portion of the inner surface of the conduit.

[0052] Optionally, the barrier includes a material that resists corrosion in the presence of wash water. For example, the barrier may include a material selected from the following: corrosion-resistant putty, epoxy resin, adhesive, and / or corrosion-resistant coating, such as a vinyl ester coating, and the method may include applying the material to the inner surface of the pipe.

[0053] Optionally, the barrier includes a tube, and the method includes arranging the tube radially inside the inner surface of the conduit such that the tube surrounds the flow path. Optionally, the method includes positioning the tube within the conduit such that the tube protrudes from within the conduit. Alternatively, the method includes positioning the tube within the conduit such that the tube is completely contained within the conduit.

[0054] Optionally, the method includes providing a diffuser in the tube such that the diffuser interrupts the flow path. Optionally, the diffuser is formed of an electrically insulating material. Further optionally, the diffuser is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the diffuser may be formed of epoxy resin, such as glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) material, or vinyl ester. The diffuser may be formed of the same or similar material as the tube, or may be any other suitable material. The diffuser may include one or more diffuser components, such as vanes or guide vanes. Optionally, the method includes assembling one or more diffuser components to form a diffuser. Optionally, the method includes bonding the diffuser to the tube, such as by using an adhesive. The method may include integrally forming the diffuser with the tube such that the tube and the diffuser are integral.

[0055] Optionally, the method includes bonding the pipe to the inner surface of the conduit by providing an adhesive between the pipe and the conduit. Optionally, the method includes placing the pipe in the conduit to form a space between the pipe and the conduit, and providing adhesive in the space. Optionally, the method includes filling the space between the inner surfaces of the pipe and the conduit with adhesive such that the adhesive contacts at least a portion of a first portion and at least a portion of a second portion of the inner surface of the conduit. Optionally, the adhesive is electrically insulating.

[0056] Optionally, the tube is formed of an electrically insulating material. More optionally, the tube is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the tube may be formed of epoxy resin, such as glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) material, or vinyl ester.

[0057] Optionally, the conduit includes an open end, and the inner surface of the conduit includes an end portion extending between the open end and the region comprising the first portion and the second portion; and the method includes arranging the pipe in the conduit such that the pipe extends to or beyond the open end to isolate the end portion from the flow path.

[0058] A portion of the hull of a marine vessel may include an orifice. Optionally, the method includes arranging a conduit such that the conduit adjoins or extends through the orifice, such that the open end defines a scrubber outlet.

[0059] Optionally, providing a conduit includes: providing a first segment comprising a first portion including an inner surface of the conduit; providing a second segment comprising a second portion including a second inner surface of the conduit; and connecting the first segment to the second segment. The connection forms a conduit. Each of the first and second segments of the conduit may be tubular.

[0060] Optionally, providing a conduit includes: providing a conduit segment having an inner surface comprising a second conductive material; and defining a first portion of the inner surface of the conduit, such as by providing a first conductive material covering a portion of the inner surface of the conduit segment.

[0061] Optionally, the method is a method of assembling the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect. Further optionally, the method includes providing a parts kit of the fifth aspect.

[0062] The washer outlet assembly may include any optional features of the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect discussed above. For example, the conduit may include any optional features of the conduit of the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect discussed above, and / or the barrier may include any optional features of the barrier of the washer outlet assembly of the first aspect discussed above.

[0063] A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a washer outlet diffuser, the method comprising: providing an electrically insulating tube through which washing water can flow from the washer during use; and positioning the diffuser in the tube to interrupt the flow path.

[0064] Optionally, the scrubber outlet diffuser is used on marine vessels. Optionally, the scrubber outlet diffuser is used in industrial scrubber systems, such as scrubber systems for chemical processing facilities, power plants, or wastewater treatment facilities.

[0065] Optionally, positioning the diffuser includes: providing diffuser parts configured to be assembled to form a diffuser; and assembling the diffuser parts to form a diffuser.

[0066] Optionally, the method includes securing the diffuser to the tube, such as by bonding the diffuser to the tube. Optionally, the method includes providing the tube and the diffuser such that the tube and the diffuser are integral.

[0067] Optionally, the method is a method of assembling the washer outlet diffuser of the second aspect. Further optionally, the method includes providing a parts kit of the fourth aspect.

[0068] The washer outlet diffuser may include any optional features of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect. For example, the pipe may include any optional features of the pipe of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect, and / or the diffuser may include any optional features of the diffuser of the washer outlet diffuser discussed above in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an example marine vessel including a washer outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0071] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example washer outlet assembly;

[0072] Figure 2B It shows Figure 1 A schematic front view of an example washer outlet assembly;

[0073] Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative example washer outlet assembly according to another embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0074] Figure 3B A schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative example washer outlet assembly according to another embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0075] Figure 4 A schematic isometric view of an example washer outlet diffuser according to the present invention is shown;

[0076] Figure 5 It shows the use of Figure 4 A schematic diagram and top-down view of an example parts kit for a washer outlet diffuser;

[0077] Figure 6 It shows the use of Figure 1 A schematic diagram and top-down view of an example parts kit for a washer outlet assembly;

[0078] Figure 7 Assembly is shown Figure 2A Example method of washing machine outlet assembly to any of the ones in Figure 3; and

[0079] Figure 8 Assembly is shown Figures 2A to 4 Example methods for the washer outlet diffuser of any of the following. Detailed Implementation

[0080] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an example of an ocean vessel 1, here a container ship, is shown, including a scrubber 10, a hull 20, a scrubber outlet 30, an engine 40, and a chimney 50. Exhaust gas from the engine 40 is passed through the scrubber 10 toward the chimney 50 for emission into the atmosphere. The scrubber is an open-loop scrubber configured to spray seawater onto the exhaust gas to remove pollutants from it. Specifically, the scrubber is configured to remove SOx from the exhaust gas, but in some instances, it is configured to remove nitrogen oxides (NOx), soot, or other combustion products from the exhaust gas.

[0081] Contaminated effluent from the scrubber (referred to herein as "wash water") is transferred to scrubber outlet 30 for discharge through hull 20 into the ocean surrounding the vessel 1. Scrubber outlet 30 is located below sea level during operation, the sea level being... Figure 1 The distance indicated by the line marked "SL" is the scrubber outlet 30 below sea level. Figure 1 (Indicated by arrow D) Up to 10 meters. In some instances, the distance D is up to 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters, or 20 meters below sea level. It should be understood that the distance of the scrubber outlet 30 below sea level may depend on the size and / or mass of the ocean vessel 1 in use.

[0082] The wash water contains sulfuric acid extracted from the exhaust gas in scrubber 10. Because the exhaust gas passing through scrubber 10 contains heat, the wash water is also at an elevated temperature compared to the surrounding ocean. Therefore, materials exposed to the wash water are at a greater risk of corrosion than materials exposed to, for example, seawater or fresh water.

[0083] Figure 2A and Figure 2BAn example scrubber outlet assembly 100 of a scrubber 10 of a marine vessel 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The scrubber outlet assembly 100 includes a conduit 200 comprising a first section 210 and a second section 220 connected to the first section 210. The first section 210 and the second section 220 are made of different conductive materials. In this manner, the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 includes a first portion 231 made of a first conductive material and a second portion 232 made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material. In addition to the tube 410 described below, the first conductive material... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The first material is shown with a shaded line leading to the left and upward, while the second conductive material is shown with a shaded line leading to the right and upward.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the first portion 231 of the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 is the inner surface of the first segment 210, and the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 is the inner surface of the second segment 220. In other examples, the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 are portions of the inner surfaces of the corresponding first segment 210 and second segment 220. The inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 includes the entire side of the pipe 200 that would be exposed to the flow path FP in the absence of the obstruction 300. Therefore, the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 includes the first portion 231 and the second portion 232. Each of the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 of the pipe 200 is tubular. When viewed along the flow path FP, each of the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 of the pipe 200 has a circular cross-section. In other instances, when viewed along the flow path FP, the first section 210 and / or the second section 220 of the pipe 200 have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, or elliptical cross sections.

[0085] In other examples, the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 are made of any suitable material, which may be different or the same, and a portion of the inner surface of the first segment 210 is coated with a first conductive material to form a first portion 231 of the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200, and a portion of the second segment 220 is coated with a second conductive material to form a second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200. In some examples, only one of the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 is coated with one of the first conductive material and the second conductive material, and the other of the first segment and the second segment is formed of the other of the first conductive material and the second conductive material.

[0086] As by Figure 2AThe washer outlet assembly, indicated by the arrow marked 100, has a flow path FP through which washing water can flow from the washer 10 during use. The inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 includes a region 240 comprising a portion of a first portion 231 and a portion of a second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200. In other embodiments, region 240 includes all of the first portion 231 and / or all of the second portion 232. Region 240 represents an area of ​​the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 that would be particularly susceptible to electrochemical corrosion during use, in the presence of washing water flowing along the flow path FP, without the barrier 300 discussed below. Specifically, the portions of the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 are sufficiently close to each other in region 240 such that an electrical connection between the two portions 231, 232 via an electrolyte such as the washing water could lead to preferential corrosion of one of the different first and second conductive materials of the inner surface 230.

[0087] In this example, the first segment 210 and the second segment 220, made of a first conductive material and a second conductive material, are adjacent to each other and connected to each other by welding. In other examples, the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 may be connected to each other by bonding or fixing, such as using a flange arrangement or other suitable connection. In some examples, the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 and / or the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 may be separated from each other, for example by a gap, by an electrically insulating material such as an insert or adhesive, and / or by another conductive material such as a welding material, while still being close enough to each other that an increased risk of electrochemical corrosion is presented in region 240.

[0088] The washer outlet assembly 100 includes a barrier 300 located radially inside the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the barrier 300 fluidly isolates region 240 from flow path FP. The barrier 300 includes a washer outlet diffuser 400 comprising a tube 410 spaced apart from the inner surface 230 of conduit 200 to define a space 320 between the tube 410 and the inner surface 230. The tube 410 surrounds the flow path FP. The barrier 300 also includes an adhesive 321 disposed in the space 320 to secure the tube 410 to the inner surface 230. The adhesive 321 contacts a first portion 231 and a second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of conduit 200. Specifically, the adhesive 321 completely fills the space 320 such that the barrier 300 contacts region 240.

[0089] like Figure 2BAs best shown, the outer surface 411 of the tube 410 includes four protrusions 412. Each protrusion 412 is a raised portion of the outer surface 411 of the tube 410. That is, the protrusions 412 are integral with the tube 410. The protrusions 412 are elongated and extend longitudinally along the length of the tube 410. The protrusions are circumferentially spaced equally around the tube 410. The protrusions facilitate alignment of the tube within the conduit 200 to provide space between tubes.

[0090] In some instances, one or more protrusions 412 are provided on the outer surface 411 of the tube 410, such as different parts bonded to the outer surface 411 of the tube 410. In some instances, the protrusion 412 is a circumferential protrusion 412 extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the outer surface 411 of the tube 410. In other instances, the protrusion 412 is arranged on the outer surface 411 of the tube 410 in any other suitable manner.

[0091] Both the tube 410 and the adhesive 321 are made of electrically insulating material. In other words, the barrier 300 includes an electrically insulating material bridging the portion of the first part 231 and the portion of the second part 232. In the example shown, the tube 410 is made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE), a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant material. In some examples, the tube 410 is made of any other suitable corrosion-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant material, such as vinyl ester. The adhesive 321 is made of epoxy resin casting. The adhesive 321 can withstand thermal and physical shocks, thereby providing a more reliable bond between the tube 410 and the pipe 200 under the harsh conditions of use, such as the proximity of high-temperature wash water and the scrubber outlet pipe to the hull 20 and thus the seawater surrounding the marine vessel 1.

[0092] In other instances, tube 410, or a portion thereof, contacts one or both of the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of conduit 200. In some instances, adhesive 321 does not completely fill space 320. In some instances, barrier 300 does not contact, or only partially contacts, region 240 of the inner surface 230 of conduit 200. For example, barrier 300 may be attached to a portion of conduit 200 other than region 240, such as the portion other than the inner surface 230 of conduit 200. In some instances, space 320 is absent, or is so small as to be negligible. In some instances, tube 410 is installed within conduit 200 in any suitable manner, such as by using a thin layer of adhesive between tube 410 and the inner surface 230 of conduit 200, or by securing tube to conduit 200 using suitable mechanical fastening mechanisms such as bolts, rivets, clips, etc. In some instances, there is no pipe, and the barrier 300 comprises an electrically insulating material, such as epoxy putty or resin, adhesive, corrosion-resistant coating (such as a vinyl ester coating), or any other suitable coating, which is applied to the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 to cover the area 240 and protect the area from the influence of the flow path FP.

[0093] In some instances, the conduit 410 comprises or is made of any suitable material, which may include conductive materials. In such instances, any portion of the barrier 300 that contacts the first portion 231 and / or the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 (such as adhesive 321) comprises an electrically insulating material. In this way, the possibility of electrochemical corrosion between the barrier 300 and the corresponding first portion 231 and / or the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 can be reduced or eliminated. In other instances, adhesive 321 is any other suitable adhesive 321.

[0094] The conduit 200 includes a first open end 250 and a second open end 260. The first open end 250 is used to receive washing water from the washer 10 during use. The first open end includes a flange portion 251 for connection to a component of the washer 10 upstream of the washer outlet assembly 100, such as a washer outlet valve (not shown) or a piping system (also not shown) connected to the washer 10. In other instances, the flange portion 251 is not present, and the conduit 200 can be connected to the upstream component of the washer 10 in any suitable manner, such as by welding, bonding, bolting, or fastening, for example, using snap fasteners, clasps, and / or clamps.

[0095] The second opening 260 is used to discharge washing water from the scrubber outlet assembly 100 during use. The second opening 260 can be connected to a portion of the hull 20 of the marine vessel 1. That is, the second section 220 of the pipe 200, and therefore the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200, extends from region 240 to the hull portion 21 during use. The hull portion 21 includes an opening 22, such as... Figure 2B As best shown, the second open end 260 defines or mates with the orifice 22 to define the scrubber outlet 30 of the marine vessel 1. In some instances, a conduit 200 (such as a second section 220 of the conduit 200) extends through the orifice 22 and the second open end 260 defines the scrubber outlet 30 of the marine vessel 1. The conduit 200 is welded to the hull portion 21, but in some instances it may be bonded or secured to the hull portion 21 by any other suitable means, or it may be integrally formed with the hull portion 21. In some instances, such as for ease of assembly of the scrubber outlet assembly 100, the hull portion 21 is removable or can be removed from the rest of the hull 20 of the marine vessel 1, and in some cases may be considered part of the scrubber outlet assembly 100.

[0096] In the illustrated example, the second conductive material is the same as the material of the hull portion 21, such as mild steel, which facilitates the connection of the pipe 200 to the hull portion 21. In other examples, the second conductive material is a corrosion-resistant material. The first conductive material is a corrosion-resistant material that reduces the likelihood of corrosion occurring on the first portion 231 of the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 exposed to a portion of the flow path. The first conductive material is austenitic stainless steel, specifically stainless steel with the trade name 254 SMO™. In other examples, the first conductive material is any other suitable corrosion-resistant material or metallic alloy, such as a nickel-chromium-based alloy. In some examples, the first conductive material and / or the second conductive material (optionally including the hull portion 21) are coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a vinyl ester coating.

[0097] In this example, pipe 410 overlaps with region 240 and extends from within pipe 200 to the second open end 260. This provides better protection for the second section 220 of pipe 200, and especially the second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of pipe 200, from corrosion. This is particularly advantageous when the second conductive material is susceptible to corrosion in the presence of washing water, such as if the second conductive material is the same as the hull material. In this example, corrosion-resistant putty 340 is applied to the end of pipe 410 closest to the first open end 250 of pipe 200 to form a transition zone between the first portion 231 of the inner surface 230 of pipe 200 and the inner surface of pipe 410, over which washing water can flow during use. Putty 340 also helps to retain adhesive 321 within space 320 during manufacturing. In some examples, putty 340 is not present. In some instances (not shown here), tube 410 and / or adhesive 321 extend from the first opening end 250 to the second opening end 260.

[0098] The scrubber outlet assembly 100 shown includes a diffuser 420 located within the pipe 410 and arranged to interrupt the flow path FP. The diffuser 420 is used to apply turbulence to the scrubber water flowing in the flow path during use, and / or to alter the velocity component of the scrubber water. This is to reduce the pH level of the scrubber water near the scrubber outlet 30 of the marine vessel 1, such as near the hull section 21. For example, a reduced axial velocity, an increased radial or azimuthal angular velocity, and / or increased rotation or turbulence in the flow can lead to increased entrainment or mixing of the scrubber water with seawater that is about to be discharged into the seawater.

[0099] Diffuser 420 is formed of the same or similar material as tube 410. Specifically, diffuser 420 is formed of a corrosion-resistant material, such as epoxy resin, glass fiber reinforced material (GRE), or vinyl ester. In other instances, diffuser 420 is formed of any other suitable material. Figure 2B and Figure 5Best understood, diffuser 420 comprises a plurality of diffuser parts 421a-421d assembled together to form diffuser 420. Diffuser parts 421a-421d are hub 421d and vanes or guide blades 421a-421c to influence the flow of wash water along flow path FP in use; however, in other instances, they may be any parts suitably shaped to influence the flow of wash water along flow path FP. Diffuser parts 421a-421d are bonded together to form diffuser 420, wherein vanes or guide blades 421a-421c radiate from hub 421d. Diffuser 420 is mounted within pipe 410 using adhesive bonding. In other instances, diffuser 420 is mounted within pipe 410 in any other suitable manner. In other instances, diffuser 420 is integral with pipe 410, such that pipe 410 and diffuser 420 are monolithic. In this way, the joint between the diffuser 420 and the tube 410 can resist electrochemical corrosion.

[0100] In another example (not shown in the figure), the conduit 410 is alternatively replaced by a plurality of electrically insulating gaskets. The gaskets are circumferentially spaced around the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 to overlap with the region 240. The gaskets are elongated and extend axially along the inner surface 230 of the conduit. In other examples, the gaskets are any other suitable shape and / or arranged in any other suitable manner, such as being arranged to extend around a portion of the circumference of the conduit 200. One or each of the diffuser vanes or guide blades 421a-421c is bonded to the respective gasket. In other examples, the diffuser 420 is secured to one or more of the gaskets in any suitable manner.

[0101] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a washer outlet assembly 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The washer outlet assembly 100 of the second embodiment is similar to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The first embodiment of the washer outlet assembly 100 is shown. Features of the second embodiment of the washer outlet assembly 100 that are also present in the first embodiment of the washer outlet assembly are given the same reference numerals.

[0102] Compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the conduit 200 of the washer outlet assembly 100 is formed of a single-length conduit, which we refer to herein as conduit segment 270. Conduit segment 270 is formed of a second conductive material. In other words, the conduit 200 includes conduit segment 270 having an inner surface 271 containing the second conductive material. The first conductive material is disposed on a portion of the inner surface 271 of conduit segment 270 to define a first portion 231 of the inner surface 230 of conduit 200. A second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of conduit 200 is defined by the remaining portion of the inner surface 271 of conduit segment 270 that does not contain the first conductive material.

[0103] The first conductive material is a corrosion-resistant nickel-chromium-based alloy, specifically the material identified by the trade name Inconel®. Inconel® is laser-coated onto the inner surface 271 of the pipe section 270 to provide a coating layer 280. In other instances, the first conductive material may be any other suitable corrosion-resistant material that can be coated or coated onto the inner surface 271 of the pipe section 270. In some instances, the first conductive material is also provided on the flange portion 251, such as extending from the flange portion 251 to region 240.

[0104] Figure 3B Another embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The common features of the illustrated embodiments share the same reference numerals. Furthermore, although in Figure 3B The implementation plan does not contain, for example Figure 3A The diffuser 420 shown is an example, but such a diffuser 420 may exist in other instances.

[0105] exist Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the first conductive material is provided in the form of a tubular component (specifically, a sleeve 290) inserted into the conduit section 270. The sleeve 290 contains the first conductive material. That is, in Figure 3BIn the illustrated example, the first portion 231 is defined by the inner surface 291 of the sleeve 290. The sleeve 290 includes a flange 292 for connection to the flange portion 251 of the pipe section 270. In the illustrated example, the sleeve 290, or a portion thereof, is radially spaced from the inner surface 271 of the pipe section 270. That is, the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 are separated from each other by a gap 295 between the sleeve 290 and the pipe section 270. In this example, the gap 295 is at least partially filled with an electrically insulating material in the form of an adhesive or filler material, such that the sleeve 290 and the pipe section 270 can be considered to be separated by an electrically insulating material. In other examples, an insert or other conductive material such as a welding material may be provided in the gap 295. However, in any case, the first and second parts remain close enough to present an increased risk of electrochemical corrosion in region 240 (i.e., in the absence of barrier 300), and therefore barrier 300 is provided to fluidly isolate region 240 from the flow path FP. In other instances, sleeve 290 contacts the inner surface 271 of pipe section 270, and such a gap 295 is absent.

[0106] In the example shown, the sleeve is made of austenitic stainless steel (specifically 254 SMO™). In other examples, the sleeve 290 contains any other suitable corrosion-resistant material or metal alloy (e.g., nickel-chromium-based alloys), such as those made of, and / or is coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a vinyl ester paint.

[0107] As defined earlier herein, the inner surface 230 of pipe 200 includes the entire side of pipe 200 that would be exposed to the flow path FP in the absence of obstruction 300. Figure 3A In the example shown, the inner surface 230 of the pipe 200 includes both: a first portion 231, defined herein by a corrosion-resistant coating 280; and a second portion 232, defined herein by the remaining portion of the inner surface 271 of the pipe section 270 not covered by the coating 280. Figure 3B In the example shown, the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 includes both: a first portion 231, defined herein by a portion of a tubular insert, specifically the inner surface 291 of the sleeve 290; and a second portion 232, defined herein by a portion of the inner surface 271 of the conduit segment 270 facing the flow path FP. In each case, the region 240 includes the area where the first portion 231 of the inner surface 230 transitions to the second portion 232, and specifically includes the corrosion-resistant cladding 280 forming the first portion 231 and / or the edge of the tubular insert.

[0108] exist Figures 2A to 3BIn each example, the total axial length of pipe 200 is approximately 1 m. In other examples, the length of pipe 200 is any suitable length, such as up to 200 mm, up to 500 mm, up to 1 m, or up to 2 m. The thickness of the first segment 210 and / or the second segment 220, or the pipe segment 270 of pipe 200, measured between the inner and outer surfaces of the respective first segment 210, second segment 220, or pipe segment 270 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of pipe 200, is between 5 mm and 100 mm, such as between 10 mm and 50 mm, between 15 mm and 30 mm, or between 20 mm and 25 mm, such as 23 mm. The thickness of space 320, measured in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of pipe 200 between pipe 410 and the inner surface 230 of pipe 200, is between 5 mm and 50 mm, such as between 10 mm and 40 mm, or between 20 mm and 30 mm, such as 25 mm. In some instances, the thickness of space 320 between pipe 410 and the inner surface 230 of pipe 200 is less than 5 mm. In some instances, the total axial length of pipe 410 is up to 2 m, such as up to 1 m, 700 mm, 500 mm, 300 mm, or up to 200 mm. In some instances, the thickness of pipe 410, measured in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of pipe 410 between the inner surface of pipe 410 and the outer surface 411 of pipe 410, is between 5 mm and 100 mm, such as between 10 mm and 50 mm, or between 20 mm and 40 mm, such as 30 mm. In some instances, the inner diameter of tube 410 is between 200 mm and 1 m, such as between 300 mm and 800 mm, between 500 and 700 mm, between 550 and 650 mm, such as 575 mm. In other instances, either the thickness or diameter discussed in this paragraph may be any other suitable value.

[0109] Figure 4 An example washer outlet diffuser 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The washer outlet diffuser 400 is... Figure 2A To the diffuser 400 shown in Figure 3.

[0110] Figure 5 It shows the use of Figures 1 to 4Example parts kit 500 for a washer outlet diffuser 400. Parts kit 500 includes a tube 410 and a kit of diffuser parts 421a-421d configured to be assembled to form a diffuser 420. In some instances, parts kit 500 includes a pre-assembled diffuser 420. The diffuser 420 can be combined with the tube 410 to form the washer outlet diffuser 400, such as by bonding the diffuser 420 to the tube 410.

[0111] Figure 6 It shows the use of Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example parts kit 600 of the washer outlet assembly 100 of the first embodiment is shown. The parts kit 600 includes a first segment 210 having a first portion 231 on its inner surface; and a second segment 220 having a second portion 232 on its inner surface. The first segment 210 and the second segment 220 are connectable to form a conduit 200. In some instances, the conduit 200 is provided in an assembled state, such as where the first segment 210 and the second segment 220 are welded to each other. The parts kit 600 also includes a pipe 410 and diffuser parts 421a-421d that are combinable to form a washer outlet diffuser 400 located radially inside the conduit 200 during the formation of the washer outlet assembly 100.

[0112] In another embodiment (not explicitly shown separately in the figures), the parts kit 600 includes a pipe section 270 and a first conductive material configured to be applied to the inner surface 271 of the pipe section 270 to form Figure 3A The second embodiment shown depicts the pipe 200 of the washer outlet assembly 100. In some instances, the parts kit 600 includes... Figure 3B The sleeve 290 of the embodiment shown.

[0113] Figure 7 The assembly of the washer outlet components, such as..., is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The washer outlet assembly 100 shown Figure 3A The washer outlet assembly 100 shown, or Figure 3B Example method 700 of the washer outlet assembly shown. The method includes providing 701 a conduit 200 having an inner surface 230, wherein the inner surface 230 has a first portion 231 and a second portion 232 and a region 240.

[0114] When method 700 is assembly Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the method 700 of the first embodiment of the washer outlet assembly 100 shown, providing 710 conduit 200 includes: providing 711a a first section 210, providing 711b a second section 220, and connecting 711c the first section to the second section to form conduit 200. Connection 711c may include welding, bonding, or fixing together by any suitable means.

[0115] Alternatively, when method 700 is assembly Figure 3A In the method of providing the washer outlet assembly 100 of the second embodiment shown, providing the 710 conduit 200 includes providing a 712a conduit segment 270 and providing a 712b first conductive material on the inner surface 271 of the conduit segment 270 to form the conduit 200, the conduit including a first portion 231 and a second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200. In this example, providing the 712b first conductive material on the inner surface 271 includes covering the inner surface 271 with the first conductive material, but in some examples, providing 712b includes coating or fixing the first conductive material to the inner surface 271 in any suitable manner.

[0116] When method 700 is assembly Figure 3B In the method of providing the washer outlet assembly 100 of the illustrated embodiment, providing 710 conduit 200 includes providing 712a conduit segment 270 and providing 712b of a first conductive material near the inner surface 271 of conduit segment 270 to form conduit 200, the conduit including a first portion 231 and a second portion 232 of the inner surface 230 of conduit 200. In this example, providing the first conductive material 712b near the inner surface 271 includes inserting a sleeve 290 into conduit segment 270 and securing the sleeve 290 in place relative to the inner surface 271. In this example, this is accomplished by bolting the flange 292 of sleeve 290 to flange portion 251. In other examples, sleeve 290 may be secured near the inner surface 271 of conduit segment 270 in any other suitable manner.

[0117] Method 700 includes providing a barrier 300 720 radially inside the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200 to fluidly isolate region 240 from flow path FP. Optionally, providing the barrier 300 720 in the conduit 200 includes providing a scrubber outlet diffuser 400 721, positioning the conduit 410 722 in the conduit 200 to form a space 320 between the conduit 410 and the conduit 200, and providing an adhesive 321 723 in the space 320 to bond the conduit 410 to the inner surface 230 of the conduit 200. Optionally, providing the adhesive 321 723 includes filling the space 320. Optionally, providing the adhesive 321 723 includes blocking one end of the space 320, pouring the adhesive 321 into the space 320, and allowing the adhesive 321 to cure, e.g., harden.

[0118] Optionally, providing a 721 washer outlet diffuser 400 includes combining 721a diffuser parts 421a-421d to form a diffuser 420. Optionally, providing a 721 washer outlet diffuser 400 alternatively or additionally includes providing a 721b diffuser 420 in a tube 410 to form a washer outlet diffuser 400. Optionally, providing a 721b diffuser 420 in a tube 410 includes bonding or otherwise securing the diffuser 420 in the tube 410, or integrally forming the diffuser 420 and the tube 410 together to provide an integral washer outlet diffuser 400.

[0119] Optionally, method 700 includes connecting pipe 200 730 to hull section 21. In some instances, connecting pipe 200 730 to hull section 21 includes welding a second section 220 or pipe section 270 to hull section 21.

[0120] Optionally, method 700 includes connecting pipe 200 to 740 to a component of scrubber 10 upstream of pipe 200 relative to flow path FP, for example by engaging flange portion 251 to a corresponding flange portion of the upstream component in any suitable manner.

[0121] Figure 8 Assembly is shown Figures 2A to 4 The illustrated method 800 for a washer outlet diffuser 400 includes providing a tube 410 (810), providing a diffuser 420 (820), and securing the diffuser 420 (830) to the tube 410. Optionally, providing the diffuser 420 (820) includes providing diffuser parts 421a-421d (821a), and assembling the diffuser parts 421a-421d (821b) to form the diffuser 420. In some instances, securing the diffuser (830) to the tube includes bonding the diffuser 420 to the tube 410, or integrally forming the diffuser 420 and the tube 410 to provide an integral washer outlet diffuser 400.

[0122] Skilled readers will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention provide a scrubber outlet assembly, a scrubber outlet diffuser, a marine vessel including a scrubber outlet assembly and / or a scrubber outlet diffuser, a parts kit for the scrubber outlet assembly and the scrubber outlet diffuser, and a method for assembling the scrubber outlet assembly and the scrubber outlet diffuser, while solving the aforementioned problems in conventional alternative systems.

[0123] It should be understood that ocean vessel 1 can be any ocean vessel, such as a container ship or bulk carrier used for transporting cargo, a tanker, a yacht, a submarine, or any other such ocean vessel. It should also be understood that the embodiments described herein can be used with scrubber systems in other industries, such as chemical processing facilities, power plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and any other such industries where it is necessary or desirable to remove contaminants, odors, and / or corrosive components from gas streams before they are released into the environment.

[0124] It should also be understood that two or more of the embodiments described above may be combined. In other embodiments, a feature of one embodiment may be combined with a feature of one or more other embodiments.

[0125] Embodiments of the invention have been discussed with particular reference to the examples shown. However, it will be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the described examples within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washer outlet assembly (100), the washer outlet assembly comprising: A pipe (200) having an inner surface (230), wherein the inner surface has: a first portion (231) made of a first conductive material; a second portion (232) made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; and a region (240) comprising at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion; as well as A barrier (300) is located inside the inner surface of the pipe; The washer outlet assembly defines a flow path (FP) through the pipe, in which wash water can flow from the washer (10) along the flow path, and the barrier fluidly isolates the area from the flow path.

2. The washer outlet assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises an electrically insulating material bridging at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion.

3. The washer outlet assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrier comprises a tube (410) surrounding the flow path.

4. The washer outlet assembly of claim 3, wherein the tube is bonded to the inner surface of the conduit by an adhesive (321) between the tube and the conduit.

5. The washer outlet assembly of claim 4, wherein the adhesive fills the space between the tube and the inner surface of the conduit and contacts at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the inner surface of the conduit.

6. The washer outlet assembly of claim 4, wherein the adhesive is a casting material.

7. The washer outlet assembly of claim 3, wherein the washer outlet assembly includes a diffuser (400) located in the tube and arranged to interrupt the flow path.

8. The washer outlet assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the conduit includes a conduit segment having an inner surface comprising the second conductive material, wherein the first conductive material is disposed on a portion (231) of the inner surface of the conduit segment to define the first portion of the inner surface of the conduit, and wherein the first conductive material comprises a tubular member on the portion of the inner surface of the conduit segment.

9. The washer outlet assembly of claim 8, wherein the tubular member or a portion thereof is radially spaced from the inner surface of the pipe section to provide a gap (295) between the tubular member and the inner surface of the pipe section.

10. The washer outlet assembly of claim 9, wherein an electrically insulating material is located in the gap such that at least a portion of the first portion and the second portion are separated by the electrically insulating material.

11. The washer outlet assembly of claim 8, wherein the tubular component is a sleeve (290), and wherein the sleeve includes a flange portion (292) for connection to a corresponding flange of the pipe segment when the sleeve is inserted into the pipe segment.

12. A marine vessel (1) comprising a scrubber outlet assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for assembling a washer outlet assembly, the method comprising: A conduit (200) is provided having an inner surface (230), wherein the inner surface has: a first portion (231) made of a first conductive material; a second portion (232) made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; and a region (240) comprising at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion, wherein the conduit has a flow path (FP) therethrough, along which, in use, washing water can flow from a washer (10) along the flow path; and A barrier (300) is arranged radially inside the inner surface of the pipe to fluidly isolate the area from the flow path.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the barrier comprises a tube (410), and the method comprises arranging the tube radially inside the inner surface of the conduit such that the tube surrounds the flow path.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises bonding the tube to the inner surface of the conduit by providing an adhesive (321) between the tube and the conduit.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: The tube is placed in the conduit to form a space (320) between the tube and the conduit, and the space between the inner surfaces of the tube and the conduit is filled with the adhesive such that the adhesive contacts at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the inner surface of the conduit.

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