One of the amendments coming into force in January 2016 is the SOLAS amendment to require inert gas systems on board new oil and chemical tankers of 8,000 dwt and above. DNV GL has outlined the situation, the consequences for tanker operators and concluded with "Best Practice" recommendations.
For certain applications and where cooling water is not available air cooled compressed air systems are required. SK Engineering completed it's first 40 ft HC container with a nitrogen generation system for extreme environment, i.e. high temperature, humidity, salty environment, non stop operation. The focus was on reliability, maintainability and performance. The system is unique with it's air cooled 13,5 bar compressors, air dryers and booster fans.
A new series of Nitrogen Generator sets designed for a max. feed air pressure of 13,0 bar was developed recently by SK Engineering. The Nitrogen Generator is available as open rack or cabinet type version. Main dimensions for e.g. the 750 m3/h nitrogen at 95 % Vol. version are approx. 600 x 1.500 x 2.200 mm (W x L x H).
Conventional Reefer Ships are today facing a great challenge by modern CA (Controlled Atmosphere) 40 feet containers which can be stacked on board of spezialised container ships having a central CA supply on board the vessel.
SK Engineering offers suitable Nitrogen Generation Systems (NGS) as a retrofit package which can be installed on board, e.g. in the engine room. The NGS is the major component of any CA system and we are able to offer high performance sets for e.g. 1.000 m3/h nitrogen at an oxygen level of max. 5 % vol.
For some applications in process plants or e.g. for Laser Cutting a nitrogen gas supply with a pressure of up to 25 bar g at medium or high purities is needed. Onsite Nitrogen Generation Systems are an economical alternative to liquid nitrogen tank supply.
Air Compressors produce waste heat of about 90 % of the electric power input.
While air cooled compressors vent the
Product Tankers still often have no Nitrogen Generation System installed. According to latest IMO recommendation Nitrogen Generators instead of combustion technology based inert gas systems should be installed for improved fire safety.
Automation of small apparatus and manufacturing equipment can be realised easily with a new generation of small PLCs also described as micro automation systems.