MOL: diesel particulate filter reduces emissions

The device will potentially reduce soot emissions from ships on ocean cargo routes as well as those entering and leaving ports and operating their engines while at berth, thus helping curtail adverse effects of exhaust emissions. Tests have shown that the DPF is capable of removing more than 80% of particulate matter from diesel emissions. During the test procedure a DPF was installed on the main engine of a MOL Groupoperated coastal ferry, the Sunflower Kogane which has a 9267kW main engine. This test marked the first successful use of a self-regenerating DPF on a large vessel using marine heavy fuel oil. The DPF includes filters made of silicon carbide ceramic fibres which remove particulates from the exhaust. An internal heating system automatically burns off accumulated particulate matter in the filter to eliminate clogging. This removes the need for manual cleaning and allows the filter to be used continuously. Following the success of the experiment, MOL and Akasaka Diesels will further upgrade the DPF to prepare the device for practical installation on diesel main engines and auxiliary engines of large ocean-going vessels.