Alfa Laval’s System Key To Methane Reduction

Alfa Laval said its PureCool system, developed with engine designer WinGD for its iCER engine concept, helps cut methane slip by up to 50%.
PureCool is the cascade exhaust gas cooling system at the heart of iCER, which is short for Intelligent Control by Exhaust gas Recycling. iCER is the first development presented in X-DF2.0, WinGD’s second-generation dual-fuel engine technology and is an option for next-generation WinGD X-DF engines designed to cut methane slip and significantly boosts fuel and energy efficiency.
“The iCER option is a standalone installation adjacent to the engine,” said David Jung, Business Development Manager at Alfa Laval. “During operation in gas mode, it improves combustion by cooling and recirculating about 50% of the exhaust gas through a low-pressure path with full turbocharger capacity. This minimizes methane slip, and the PureCool system provides the vital cooling function that makes it possible.”
With IMO targeting a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is becoming a natural choice for shipowners in the transition to carbon-neutral fuels, Alfa Laval said. As a growing number of vessels turn to LNG as fuel, many shipowners are concerned about the potential appearance of methane slip regulations. LNG produces less CO2 than other fossil fuels when burned, but a small percentage of methane can slip through the engine without being combusted. Since methane has a higher global warming potential than CO2, even this small source of emissions may come into focus in meeting IMO’s ambitious climate goals.
“With IMO aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to 2008 levels, LNG has a major role as a bridge fuel in moving towards a carbon-neutral future,” Jung said. “However, the awareness of methane slip and its influence on global warming is increasing. New regulations are not unthinkable, and any improvement from today’s environmental benchmark is important. With or without regulations, WinGD’s iCER technology with the Alfa Laval PureCool system will help the shipping industry align more fully with climate goals by minimizing methane slip.”
iCER now moves into the commercial phase and prepares for a first pilot installation.