Compact Dual-Pipe Flue Gas Scrubber for Shipboard SOx Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wet flue gas scrubbers used on ships are not compact enough and do not efficiently reduce sulfur oxides and particulate matter emissions, as they require significant space, weight, and electrical power, and often only achieve 80% SOx reduction, which is insufficient according to IMO regulations.
Innovation Solution
A compact two-pipe gas scrubbing apparatus with eccentrically disposed bridge pipes and fans to accelerate gas flow, combined with a cyclone separator and fluid introduction systems, including nozzles and Venturi inlets, to enhance gas-liquid contact and increase scrubbing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional spray tower scrubbers are used, then gas-liquid contact is achieved, but the apparatus occupies large volume and is not compact enough for ship use
Solution Approach 1:
The output pipe is nested within the input pipe, forming a concentric dual-pipe structure. The bridge pipes connect these nested pipes, creating a compact integrated system that maximizes space utilization while maintaining effective gas-liquid contact zones within the constrained volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional vertical spray tower configuration to a horizontal dual-pipe arrangement with bridge connections. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the scrubbing function to be achieved within a more compact footprint suitable for shipboard installation
2Productivity
If gas flow speed is increased to improve scrubbing efficiency, then SOx reduction improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the natural pressure differential and flow dynamics of the flue gas itself to drive the scrubbing process. The bridge pipes are positioned and sized to allow gas flow to naturally accelerate through the liquid injection zones without requiring additional powered fans or blowers, thereby achieving high scrubbing efficiency with minimal electrical power input
3Productivity
If multiple scrubbers are used per source to achieve higher SOx reduction, then emission reduction improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple scrubbing functions into a single integrated dual-pipe apparatus. The input pipe and output pipe work in conjunction with bridge pipes to create multiple gas-liquid contact zones within one unit, achieving the equivalent or superior performance of multiple traditional scrubbers while simplifying the overall system configuration and reducing space requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves a higher efficiency in reducing SOx and particulate matter concentrations, exceeding the IMO's emission reduction requirements, while being more compact and energy-efficient, suitable for use on ships with limited space and resources.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone separator unit, said cyclone separator unit additionally comprising cyclone unit input means in fluid connection with said at least two bridge pipes, a cyclone separator, gas output means in fluid connection with said second end of said output pipe, and liquid/solid output means
Implementation Method 2
means for accelerating the flow of said gas stream through at least one of said bridge pipes
Implementation Method 3
fluid introducing means adapted for introducing at least one fluid into said apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved flue gas scrubbing apparatus and method are disclosed. The flue gas scrubber comprises a double-pipe or a two-pipe system whereby flue gas enters the system. Scrubbing is accomplished by interaction between the flue gas and base in a pre-injection zone, followed by further reaction in a primary injection zone and passage through a cyclone unit. In preferred embodiments of the invention, it comprises a bypass system by which flue gas is automatically exhausted directly to the atmosphere in case of a system failure. The gas exhausted from the apparatus following scrubbing meets or exceeds international emissions standards.