This month Fathom has chosen SulNOx Fuel Fusions Plc (SulNOx) as our Tech of the Month. The company provides a unique emulsified fuels technology that is able to cut particulate matter (PM) by over 90% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by over 60%, all while increasing fuel efficiency by up to 8%.
The fuels are made from stable emulsions that are able to permanently blend up to 25% water with any hydrocarbon fuels, fossil or synthetic, and water to lower flame temperatures in combustion engines. This enables the fuel to burn more efficiently and permits blending of inferior and cheaper fuels while increasing engine life and reducing maintenance. Using nanotechnology, the emulsified products have molecular cluster sizes of below 300 nanometres.
Various formulas of SulNOxEco™ have also been developed for specific uses and geographic areas, e.g. summer and winter mixes. For example, the winter mix can keep diesel from freezing at -30°C or lower.
SulNOx’s current standard production system produces 5,000 litres per hour and fits into a 20 foot container with generators and RO system. The system will fit into any engine room as it is bespoke to fit any shape needed.
The costs are also low as no initial capital investment is required other than a refundable deposit (as a potentially refundable license fee) plus an equal sum payable as a pro-forma payment for future emulsification services. SulNOx charges for ‘emulsification services’ at a charge-out of 50% of the net savings made by the user from switching from standard fuels to emulsified fuels.
The SulNOx Fuel Fusions Plc system and SulNOxEco™ Fuels have been used with marine diesel as the primary fuel source for an ex-U.S. Coast Guard Interceptor vessel, Cutter Class (US Coast Guard ‘Point Class’) since April 2014. Latest figures show a 64% NOx and 92% PM reduction as well as an increase in fuel efficiency by up to 8%.
The independent verification company Ricardo UK PLC is currently working on a verification process of SulNOxEcoTM Fuels.SulNOx has signed a two-year research project with the University of Cambridge’s Department for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) to determine detailed scientific knowledge of SulNOxEco™ Fuels. In addition, Lloyd’s Register Marine is conducting a stringent technical assessment of SulNOxEcoTM Fuels, verifying its operational suitability for users of hydrocarbon fuels and providing recommendations on the most effective application of the technology to secure optimum fuel and environmental savings.
