Modular Marine Exhaust Scrubber System for Space-Constrained Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine vessels face challenges in installing exhaust gas scrubber systems without interrupting transportation services or increasing space consumption, as current systems require significant modifications and space for effective emission reduction under stricter environmental regulations.

Innovation Solution

A modularized exhaust gas scrubber system comprising a scrubber vessel module and a scrubbing liquid processing module, where the scrubber vessel module is assembled onto the scrubbing liquid processing module, allowing for efficient use of space and easy installation by utilizing a support framework and connector parts compatible with international standards, enabling the system to be integrated with existing marine vessels without extensive modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional exhaust gas scrubber system is installed in an existing marine vessel, then emission reduction is achieved, but space consumption increases and transportation service is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas emissionVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The scrubber system is divided into separate functional modules: a scrubber vessel module for exhaust gas treatment and a scrubbing liquid processing module for liquid handling. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and facilitates modular installation, reducing overall space requirements compared to integrated traditional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scrubber vessel module is positioned above the scrubbing liquid processing module, utilizing the vertical dimension to arrange components. This three-dimensional configuration reduces the horizontal footprint on the vessel deck, minimizing space consumption while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional exhaust gas scrubber system is installed in an existing marine vessel, then emission reduction is achieved, but installation disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas emissionVSAvoidinstallation disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the system into independently installable modules, the installation process can be staged. The scrubbing liquid processing module can be installed first, followed by the scrubber vessel module, allowing for reduced installation disruption compared to installing a complete integrated system at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows for preliminary preparation of modules before installation on the vessel. Connector parts and support frameworks can be pre-assembled, reducing on-site installation time and disruption to the vessel's transportation service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If a modularized scrubber system is used, then space consumption is minimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector parts are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same connector to interface between different modules and with the vessel's existing structures. This standardization simplifies the overall system by reducing the need for specialized custom connections, despite the modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized connector parts serve as intermediaries between the modular components and the vessel's existing infrastructure. These connectors simplify the integration process by providing a universal interface that reduces the complexity of connecting different modules and the vessel's existing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If stricter environmental regulations are applied, then emission reduction is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesulphur oxide emissionsVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical arrangement of the scrubber vessel module above the liquid processing module utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate the additional space requirements of enhanced emission control functionality. This allows stricter environmental regulations to be met without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint on the vessel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 modular design minimizes space consumption and installation disruptions, allowing for efficient scrubbing of exhaust gases while adhering to environmental regulations, reducing sulphur oxide emissions without interrupting vessel operations or cargo capacity.

Implementation Method 1

The scrubbing medium absorbs SO2, heat and other components from the exhaust gas flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the alkaline components react with acidic components of the exhaust gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3713656B1A method of installing an exhaust gas scrubber system of a power plant in a marine vessel and an exhaust gas scrubber system for wet scrubbing of exhaust gas of a power plant in a marine vessel
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP3713656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3713656B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3713656B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Invention relates to method of installing a scrubber modules (12,14) into a main deck of a marine vessel comprising steps of providing an exhaust gas scrubber system (10) comprising a scrubber vessel module (14) and a scrubbing liquid processing module (12), attaching the scrubbing liquid processing module (12) on a deck of the marine vessel (100), laying the scrubber vessel module (14) on the scrubbing liquid processing module (12) and attaching the modules with each other, fluidly connecting the scrubbing liquid processing module (12) to vessel accessory, fluidly connecting the scrubber vessel module (14) to the scrubbing liquid processing module (12) and to a flue of the vessel. Invention relates also to an exhaust gas scrubber system (10) for wet scrubbing of exhaust gas of a power plant (106) in a marine vessel (100) comprising a scrubbing liquid processing module (12) and a scrubber vessel module (14) wherein the scrubbing liquid processing module (12) comprises a first support framework (18) and the scrubber vessel module (14) comprises a second support framework (19), and the scrubber vessel module (14) is assembled onto the scrubbing liquid processing module (12) such that the second support framework (19) is supported by the first support framework (18) in the vessel.