The Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre in Aalborg, Denmark, will soon be expanded to five times its current size to accommodate research on LNG and other alternative fuels.
Opened nearly two years ago, the Test & Training Centre measures 250 m2 of testing space where a 2 MW diesel engine and equipment from all of Alfa Laval’s marine product groups create the closest possible simulation of a full-sized commercial vessel.
Now, it will be expanded with an additional 1100 m2, dedicated to environmental and combustion technology in burners and heating systems for vessels using LNG and other alternative marine fuels. The wider operations are expected to begin at the turn of the year 2016-2017.
Preparing the Way for LNG
The expansion of the Centre is in step with the new direction being taken by many ship owners. In just fifteen years, it is expected that 7000 vessels will be sailing with LNG, compared to a mere 500 today. By moving from petroleum-based fuels to LNG, vessels can cut greenhouse gas emissions by twenty per cent overall.
LNG Challenges
The challenges involved with gas are nearly as great as the benefits. LNG poses additional environmental difficulties due to the methane and other greenhouse gases that evaporate from it, no matter how it is stored or transported. Moreover, all gas fuels are a serious explosion hazard, requiring sophisticated equipment for safe handling and treatment.
At the Test & Training Centre, existing solutions to these challenges will be refined and new ones developed.
Picture: Expansion of the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre.
