In the ever-evolving landscape of maritime emissions control, Shanghai Qiyao Environmental Technology is making waves with its innovative solutions tailored for alternative-fuel engines. As the industry pivots towards cleaner fuels, it’s becoming clear that these alternatives aren’t without their own set of challenges. Johnny Dai, product manager at Shanghai Qiyao, put it bluntly, “When alternative fuel gets more attention due to a strict emissions-control strategy, it’s necessary to notice that alternative-fuel engines also have emissions problems.” So, what’s the lowdown on these issues and how is Shanghai Qiyao tackling them?
First up, let’s talk methane slip. LNG engines, particularly four-stroke ones, can release unburned methane, a greenhouse gas with 28 times the global warming potential of CO2. Shanghai Qiyao’s methane oxidation catalyst system is stepping up to the plate, using palladium and selenium dioxide as active elements. In high-speed engine tests, it’s shown conversion rates of 93%, and 77% in medium-speed applications. That’s not just a drop in the ocean; it’s a significant stride towards cleaner LNG operations.
Now, let’s set sail for ammonia-powered vessels. Ammonia vapour release is a real concern, but Shanghai Qiyao has developed a comprehensive emissions-control package. Its system uses three diffusion units in series to absorb ammonia gas, reducing concentrations below 110 ppm. But they didn’t stop at vapour; their ammonia SCR system tackles both ammonia vapour and NOx emissions. In tests with their own ammonia engine, they slashed ammonia vapour from 8,000 ppm to 30 ppm and NOx from 4,000 ppm to 300 ppm. That’s not just cleaning up the act; it’s rewriting the script on ammonia emissions control.
Lastly, methanol-powered vessels aren’t left out in the cold. Shanghai Qiyao’s methanol SCR system uses the fuel itself as the reduction agent for NOx control. This isn’t just a clever trick; it’s a game-changer. It prevents pipeline and catalyst blockage, reduces space by 30%-40% compared with conventional SCR systems, and slashes operating costs to about 57% of conventional urea-based systems. That’s not just thinking outside the box; it’s building a new box altogether.
So, what does this mean for the future of maritime emissions control? It’s clear that alternative fuels are here to stay, but so are their unique challenges. Shanghai Qiyao’s innovations show that with the right technology, these challenges can be overcome. But it’s not just about cleaning up emissions; it’s about doing so efficiently and cost-effectively. This is where the rubber meets the road, and Shanghai Qiyao is leading the charge. As the industry watches and learns, one thing is certain: the future of maritime emissions control is looking a lot cleaner, and a lot more innovative.
