New particulate removal system to be tested on a cruise ship

The newly developed Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) is designed to capture particles of PM2.5 and below from ship emissions (source: Ecospray)

Italy’s Ecospray will install a recently developed system to eliminate particulate matter and black soot from ship emissions Called a Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP), the first unit will be installed on a cruise ship. Testing will be conducted in collaboration with RINA and SGS in order to validate and assess the technology.

Founded as an engineering company 15 years ago, Ecospray was acquired by Carnival in 2016. Known for its exhaust gas cleaning systems (ECGS) technology, Ecospray has broadened its clean technology portfolio to target the maritime energy transition market.

The WESP system was developed to eliminate visible smoke from the stack, especially during engine start-up and at low loads, by capturing particles (PM2.5 and below) and part of condensable species (SO₃).

It can be installed downstream of the DeSOx tower and has low-pressure drops and high removal efficiency. WESP can be integrated into an existing DeSOx tower or installed as a stand-alone unit, for both open-loop and hybrid EGCSs.

Likening it to the use of EGCSs for diesel engines, Ecospray project management leader Filippo Lossani said, “WESP is a ‘bridge’ technology, meaning it’s a true transition technology which will guide us towards the 2030-2050 [decarbonisation] objectives.” Added Mr Lossani, “Considering the ever-increasing focus on issues involving environmental sustainability and health – and given the growing demand for the reduction of polluting emissions – we expect that the standardisation process of dust and particulates will be the necessary next step, and we are ready.”

SGS will also assist Ecospray with the laboratory analyses to test system performance of WESP, while RINA marine senior director Andrea Cogliolo, said the class society will verify and validate the installation drawings on board the ship, establish a test protocol, and issue a report on the results of the project.

SGS I&E Marine Services Geneva CH director Vladimiro Bonamin said SGS will establish the details for the analytical side of the test protocol prepared by RINA, and prepare the QAQC protocol to ensure accurate measurements.