Alfa Laval has launched the maritime {industry}’s first biofuel-ready separators
With extra vessel operators taking a look at biofuels as a path to decarbonization, Alfa Laval is cautioning that whereas these fuels scale back CO2 footprint, in addition they pose new operational challenges. In response, the corporate has launched new biofuel-optimized separators and separator upgrades.
Biofuels comparable to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) can be utilized by diesel engines with out main engine modifications. They could be a carbon-neutral various if produced from the appropriate biomass, however they need to nonetheless be cleaned successfully to stop efficiency points and costly engine put on. In a marine {industry} first, Alfa Laval high-speed separators at the moment are suitable with HVO (EN15940) and with FAME (EN14214 or ASTM D6751) blends comprising residual gasoline and/or distillate.
“We are proud to support our customers’ decarbonization journey, no matter which fuel path they take,” says Markus Hoffmann, world gross sales supervisor, marine separation & warmth switch gear, Alfa Laval. “Biofuels will be the choice for many marine vessels, but customers must be certain that their equipment is prepared for them. With biofuel-ready separators and cost-efficient biofuel upgrades, Alfa Laval can provide that certainty.”
PREPARED FOR BIOFUEL COMPLEXITY
Biofuels are already in widespread use, and ISO is trying to incorporate them into the 2024 revision of ISO 8217. Nevertheless, they are often ready in varied methods and differ extensively of their traits – each from standard fuels and from one another. Because of variations in density, moisture absorption and extra, they demand extra care with regards to gasoline storage and remedy.
To guarantee optimum biofuel separation, Alfa Laval has modified each inner bowl parts and the separator software program. This makes organising for HVO, FAME blends or standard fuels a easy parameter change. Incorporated into new Alfa Laval separators for buy, the developments are additionally obtainable as upgrades for current separators.
“Optimizing for biofuels is nothing that occurs overnight,” says Hoffmann. “Our biofuel-ready separators build on deep fuel insights, extensive research at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Center and long cooperation with ISO and CIMAC. As biofuels continue to evolve, customers can count on Alfa Laval for efficient engine protection, just as they have with conventional marine fuels.”
