Wed 13 Jan 2010, 14:18 GMT

Krystallon scrubber on EPA Emerging Technology List


Manufacturer expected to pursue full EPA verification whilst scrubber emission performance is verified.



Hamworthy Krystallon's PM Seawater Scrubber has been officially added to the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Clean Diesel Campaign's Emerging Technology List after receiving an Emerging Technology Acceptance Letter from the EPA's Innovative Strategies Group.

In the letter, compiled by Jim Blubaugh, Manager at the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Krystallon is told: "The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed your request for placement of Krystallon's PM Seawater Scrubber System on the National Clean Diesel Campaign's Emerging Technologies List. Based on our evaluation of the application and the test plan, EPA has determined Krstallon's PM Seawater Scrubber System meets the requirements of the Diesel Emission Reduction Program Provisions under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to qualify as an emerging technology.

"Effective from the date of this letter, Krystallon's PM Seawater Scrubber System will qualify as an emerging technology for one year with a possible extension of an additional year."

Based on the EPA's review of the information and data provided by Krystallon, the scrubber technology is approved for use in Emerging Technology applications on marine vessels with diesel engines and a combined total power not exceeding 2500 horsepower.

The projected emission reduction levels for this techology based on the information and data provided by Krystallon are listed below:

Particulate Matter (PM) %: 50
Carbon Monoxide (CO) %: 0
Hydrocarbons (HC) %: 50
Oxide of Nitrogen (NOx) %: 0

According to the EPA, the following operating criteria will need to be met in order for appropriately retrofitted engines to achieve the aforementioned emission reductions:

1) Must be operated on ULSD (ultra low sulphur diesel) - 15 ppm.

2) Krystallon will review vessel operating conditions, installation requirements and engine condition prior to installation.

3) The engine should be well maintained and not consume lubricating oil at a rate greater than that specified by the engine manufacturer.

4) Each installation will be equipped with an on-board monitoring system for engine exhaust and washwater discharge as specified in the test plan.

5) Release or disposal of all liquid, sludge and solid waste must be in compliance with International, Federal, State, and Local laws.

"The primary goal of the Emerging Technology program is to support early deployment of new techonologies that will reduce diesel emissions from the existing fleet. This program provides an opportunity for manufacturers to obtain feedback from fleet partners on their technology whilst it is in use," the EPA said.

"In addition, EPA expects Krystallon to pursue full EPA verification during the time-frame their technology is on the Emerging Technology List. To ensure progress is occurring, Krystallon must submit quarterly updates detailing the steps taken towards verification," the EPA added.

Emerging Technology List

The Emerging Technology list is intended to provide guidance in selecting a technology for the Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Program’s Request for Proposals. A technology may reside on the Emerging Technology List for one year from the effective date. During that year, the manufacturer will seek full verification.

The verification process officially evaluates the emission performance of the technology. Once verified, EPA will list the official performance data and associated information on the National Clean Diesel Campaign’s Verified Technology List.


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