View non-flash version
66 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News PureVent Helps to Keep Emissions Clean Alfa Laval earlier this year debuted PureVent, an air separator developed in cooperation with Wärtsilä, which cleans the gas vented from the engine crankcase. Alfa Laval's latest innovation is PureVent, a disc-stack air separator for use in marine and power plant appli- cations. Developed in cooperation with Wärtsilä, it is designed to further reduce engine emissions by removing oil and particles from crankcase gas. The crankcase compartment is located between the cylinders and the oil sump and houses the engine crankshaft. The gas that collects there is an inevitable by-product of all internal combustion engines. Crankcase gas comprises blow-by gases and soot from the engine's com- bustion chamber which mix with oil mist from the lubricating oil. If this gas were allowed to build up in the crankcase compartment, it would result in considerable pressure and cause seals and gaskets to leak. For this reason, it must be properly vented from the engine. The gas represents an environmental concern. Whereas exhaust gas from the engine is typically well dispersed before it settles, crankcase gas is much less diluted and may create local areas of high oil concentration. The oil mist can soil a ship's decks and nearby surround- ings, as well as forming a sticky or slip- pery layer in areas near the ventilation outlet. "Crankcase gas is an important issue, especially for those working with and around diesel engines," said Peter Carlberg, General Manager of Alfa Laval Marine and Diesel. "We see cleaning it as an important step in fur- ther reducing engine emissions." Despite successes with land vehicles, there has not been a good high-capacity cleaning solution for crankcase gas in large marine and power plant applica- tions. Engine builders have evaluated the different technologies for some time, but weaknesses in efficiency and relia- bility, as well as excessive costs, have kept them from being widely imple- mented. Wärtsilä has invested a great deal of time into evaluating the perform- ance of filter solutions in particular. Per Löfholm, Senior development engineer, Plant technologies, Power Plant technology at Wärtsilä explains the difficulty of finding an acceptable balance. "As a leading engine supplier, Don’t Get Burned. Firesafe & Watertight Cable and Pipe Penetration Seals Piping • Valves • Fittings • Valve Automation • Metrics • Metals RISE doesn’t just stop fire cold, it also cuts installation time dramatically so you won’t get burned financially. The RISE cable and pipe penetration sealing system is virtually impenetrable to fire, smoke, gas and water. For a copy of the groundbreaking booklet “Everything You Should Know About Cable and Pipe Transits to Ensure a Safe Vessel” or for more information, contact W&O Supply. Approved by ABS, USCG, Lloyd’s Register, DNV, TC and NAVSEA. 1-800-962-9696 www.wosupply.com 20995 Coastal Parkway Gulfport, MS 39503-9517 Phone (228) 832-7655 Fax (228) 832-7675 Email: sales@coastalmarineequipment.com www.coastalmarineequipment.com Insulation Specialists - Thermal - Acoustical - Fireproofing SEI manufactures covers for the offshore and marine industries Introducing “Fire-Temp”®Covers for fuel valves and actuators Let us take care of all your insulation and fire - proofing needs We accept Mastercard, Visa and Amex WANT SUPERIOR QUALITY WANT SUPERIOR SERVICE CALL SUPERIOR ENERGIES, INC P.O. Drawer 386, Groves TX 77619 Telephone: (409) 962-8549 Fax: (409) 962-4027 Website: www.insulationsei.com When so much relies on your steering, don’t compromise. Choose Jastram! ENGINEERING LTD. Setting the standard in marine steering excellence Complete marine steering systems for all types of boats and ships 467 Mountain Highway North Vancouver, B.C. Canada V7J 2L3 Tel: (604) 986-0714 Fax: (604) 986-0334 e-mail: marketing@jastram.com www.jastram.com Circle 224 on Reader Service Card Circle 222 on Reader Service Card Circle 252 on Reader Service Card Circle 299 on Reader Service Card Pipes, Pumps & Valves Alfa Laval's latest innovation is PureVent. MR NOVEMBER 2005 #9 (65-72).qxd 10/28/2005 11:24 AM Page 66
