HK1249876B - An emissions reduction system and method - Google Patents

Description

Emission reduction systems and methods

Technical Field

This invention relates to mobile emission reduction systems, and more specifically, to mobile airborne toxic emission reduction systems for auxiliary diesel engines operating on moored marine vessels (or ships).

Background Technology

The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) has passed a regulation commonly referred to as the “berth” regulation, aimed at reducing emissions from diesel auxiliary engines on container ships, passenger ships, and refrigerated cargo ships berthed in California ports. The regulation defines California ports as those in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Francisco, and Wellington. Other jurisdictions already have similar regulations or are considering adopting them. The berth regulation provides ship operators accessing regulated ports with two options to reduce berth emissions from auxiliary engines: (1) shutting down the auxiliary engines and connecting the vessel to an alternative source of electricity, most likely grid-based shore power; or (2) using alternative control technologies that achieve equivalent emissions reductions.

Current options for connecting to alternative power sources are often cumbersome and expensive, and are sometimes unavailable for one or more of the following reasons: (i) the ship is not wired for shore power; (ii) the shipping company does not want the cost of switching to shore power; (iii) there is no available shore power at the dock; or (iv) shore power is under excessive strain and cannot meet additional demand.

Currently, there are few or no alternative control technologies available to achieve equivalent emissions reductions. Therefore, there is a need for affordable alternatives to onshore power connections. Without such an economical solution, some ships will be unable to berth in major ports (such as those in California), adversely impacting shippers' businesses. Furthermore, ports subject to CARB berth regulations or other similar restrictions will also be negatively affected: not only will they lose business due to ships not complying with or being unable to comply with the restrictions or regulations, but their business expansion will also be hampered by attracting similarly non-compliant vessels.

Summary of the Invention

A portable emissions reduction system is provided that allows a moored vessel to operate its auxiliary diesel engine or motor with reduced emissions. Therefore, the emissions reduction system complies with emissions application regulations and/or restrictions, such as CARB regulations or other similar restrictions or regulations. This invention provides a highly efficient, economical, and regulatory-compliant alternative to shore power for moored vessels that cannot use or do not choose to use shore power (i.e., alternatives to ship propulsion equivalents). Furthermore, this invention is particularly useful when the vessel is not adapted for shore power but wishes to operate in a manner with minimal environmental pollution. The invention is directly connected to the ship's auxiliary diesel engine chimney and includes two main components: an emissions capture system and an emissions control system.

In one example of the invention, diesel engine exhaust gases are captured by an emission capture system, one end of which is attached to the smokestack of the ship's auxiliary diesel engine and the other end to an emission control system. The emission capture system includes a telescopic duct operable by a telescopic hanger. Optionally, the duct may be a hinged duct operable by a hinged hanger.

The pylon can be mounted on a truck or be a separate mobile unit, making it movable, or alternatively, it can be mounted on a fixed tower. The exhaust gases captured by the emission capture system are then fed to an emission control system capable of controlling emissions. The emission control system is housed in a housing mounted on the chassis, allowing the chassis to be moved by a vehicle (e.g., a tractor unit) alongside the moored vessel, thus facilitating installation and removal. The emission control system has an exhaust gas inlet for receiving diesel engine exhaust gases and an exhaust gas outlet for discharging clean gases. Optionally, the emissions reduction system can be mounted on a barge floating alongside the vessel, rather than on a vehicle on shore.

A further method is provided that allows moored vessels to achieve equivalent emissions reductions using optional control technologies. This method includes the steps of integrating an emissions control system with a movable chassis or barge that can be towed or floated alongside the moored vessel and connected to a diesel engine exhaust outlet. An emissions capture system is then attached to the vessel's exhaust gases to capture the vessel's diesel engine exhaust gases. The capture system then supplies the exhaust gases to the emissions control system for processing and discharging compliant gases from an exhaust gas outlet located on the emissions control system.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an emission reduction system for reducing emissions in ship exhaust gases is provided, the emission reduction system comprising:

(a) An emission capture system for capturing and treating exhaust gases from a ship;

(b) Shell;

(c) An emission control system disposed within the housing, the emission control system having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet for receiving exhaust gases from the diesel engine.

Optionally, the emission control system is mounted on the chassis.

Optionally, the emission control system is installed on the barge.

Optionally, the emission capture system includes a pipe and a hanger that extends the pipe over the ship to capture the ship's exhaust gases.

Optionally, the emission control system includes an exhaust gas filtration system.

Optionally, the emission control system includes a cryogenic plasma carbon dioxide reduction system.

Optionally, the emission control system includes an algae treatment carbon dioxide reduction system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for reducing emissions during berthing of a ship having a diesel engine and an exhaust gas outlet, the method comprising the following steps:

(a) Includes an emission control system within the hull, the hull being sized to fit on a movable chassis or on a barge alongside a towable and moored vessel;

(b) Connecting the emission control system to the diesel exhaust gases of the vessel via an emission capture system, wherein the emission capture system captures the diesel exhaust gases of the vessel and delivers them to the emission control system, wherein the exhaust gases are discharged from the emission control system to the exhaust gas outlet of the emission control system in compliance with regulations.

Optionally, the emission control system and emission capture system include an emission reduction system, wherein the emission reduction system operates continuously while connected to the ship's diesel engine when the ship is moored.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an emission reduction system for reducing emissions from ship exhaust gases is provided, the emission reduction system comprising:

(a) An emission capture system for capturing exhaust gases from a ship’s exhaust chimney for treatment, the emission reduction system comprising a telescopic pipe mounted on a telescopic gantry for moving the pipe above the ship’s exhaust chimney to capture exhaust gases emitted from the exhaust chimney.

(b) An emission control system disposed within the housing, the emission control system having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet for receiving exhaust gases from the diesel engine, and a treatment system for cleaning the gases by removing a certain level of contaminants from the exhaust gases.

Other apparatuses, devices, systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, including those described herein, are within the scope of the invention and are protected by the appended claims.

Attached Figure Description

The invention can be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the focus should be on illustrating the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 is a flowchart of the emission reduction system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view of an example embodiment of the emission reduction system of the present invention, wherein the emission control system is mounted on a mobile tractor and the emission capture system is a telescopic gantry.

Figure 3 is a side view of an example embodiment of the emission capture system included in the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side view illustrating an example implementation of an emission capture system with an extended hanger and emission control system.

Figure 5 is a side view of an example of the emission control system of the present invention mounted on the chassis of a tractor unit, with the housing removed.

Figure 6 is a plan view of an example of the emission control system of the present invention, wherein the housing is removed.

Figure 7 is a plan view of an example of the emission control system of the present invention mounted on the chassis of a tractor unit, with the housing removed.

Figure 8 is a rear view of an example of an emission control system included in an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a chassis, with the housing removed.

Figure 9 shows an example of how a ceramic filter is set up in the filter housing.

Figure 10 shows an example of airflow and particle removal via the ceramic filter element of Figure 10.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a catalyst embedded in a ceramic filter element.

Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the capture efficiency of an example of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a graph illustrating the particle removal performance of an example of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a graph illustrating the nitrogen oxide removal performance of an example of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a graph illustrating the reduction of carbon dioxide in exhaust gases using cryogenic plasma.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a system that uses algae to treat and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Figure 17 illustrates how the algae treatment shown in Figure 16 works to reduce carbon dioxide in emissions.

Detailed Implementation

As shown in Figures 1-10, the present invention relates to an emission reduction system 100 capable of reducing engine emissions to comply with applicable emission regulations, such as the requirements of the CARB regulations. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the emission reduction system 100 includes an emission capture system 102 and an emission control system 104.

As shown in Figure 1, the emission capture system 102 extends an application duct 106 over the ship's exhaust chimney 103 to capture exhaust gases from the auxiliary diesel engine 105. The duct 106 includes connectors and/or chimney joints 108 that connect the application duct 106 to the exhaust gases. The duct 106 extends over the ship's exhaust chimney 103 via a movable or fixed boom or hanger 118. Those skilled in the art will understand that any capture system capable of capturing a sufficient quantity of exhaust gases such that the exhaust gases are compliant with regulations once processed by the emission control system 104 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The emission control system 104 receives exhaust gases from the ship's auxiliary diesel engine 105 for treatment via duct 106. The emission control system 104 may be substantially housed in the hull 120 (see Figure 2) and may be moved through the system via the application duct assembly 138.

As shown in Figure 1, the reheat combustion chamber 107 can be used to reheat the exhaust gas. A sensor 116 can also be positioned near the exhaust gas inlet to monitor levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides ( _NOx ), carbon dioxide ( _CO2 ), ammonia ( _NH3 ), water content, and oxygen ( _O2 ), as well as temperature and airflow. The sensor 116 can be positioned on conduit 106 before or after it enters housing 120. An ammonia injection port or feed inlet 118 may also be included for treating the exhaust gas as further described below. This ammonia can be supplied via storage tank 128.

The exhaust gas is then filtered in filter housing 142, and the filter is periodically cleaned using compressed gas 156. The system 104 can be powered by generator 162. Waste is collected 148, and the treated exhaust gas is discharged through exhaust control system chimney 152. Fan 136 can be used to draw the exhaust gas through the applied duct assembly and from the control system chimney 152. The system may also include a monitor 154 for monitoring the levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides ( _NOx ), carbon dioxide ( _CO2 ), ammonia ( _NH3 ), water content, oxygen ( _O2 ), temperature, and airflow before discharge after treatment.

Figure 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the emission control system 100 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view of an example embodiment of the emission reduction system 100 of the present invention, wherein an emission capture system 102 is mounted on a telescopic boom/hanger 118 (as further illustrated with reference to Figures 3-5). In this example, the emission capture system 102 includes a telescopic conduit 106 sized to match a telescopic component on the telescopic hanger 112, such that the conduit 106 can extend and retract with movement of the telescopic component of the hanger 112 (as further illustrated below in conjunction with Figures 3-4). As an example, the telescopic hanger 112 may be mounted on a truck, or it may be a telescopic crawler crane (as shown) or a crawler telescopic crane.

It should be understood that, in addition to mounting the telescopic conduit on a telescopic hanger, conduit 106 can be mounted or secured to any type of hanger on which the operable conduit 106 is mounted. Optionally, but not shown, conduit 106 can be hinged and mounted to a hinged hanger, or directly mounted to a fixed or mobile tower on which a hanger is mounted. Conduit 106 may also be made of a flexible material dimensionally capable of stretching and shortening, or may include bends to match the hinge points of the hinged hangers. The emission capture system 102 can also be mounted to a truck, making it movable, such that the truck includes a hanger 112.

The emission capture system 102 includes a pipe 106 of a length that extends between the exhaust chimney 103 of the vessel 107 and the emission control system 104. The pipe 106 includes a connector 108 (FIG. 1) or chimney joint, one end of which is connected to the chimney 103 of the vessel's auxiliary diesel engine 105, and the other end of which is connected to the emission control system 104.

As shown in Figures 1-5, pipe 106 can be a telescopic pipe 106 with pipes of different diameters to allow multiple components to fit together in a telescopic manner. Pipe 106 may also be flexible, either integrally or partially. As mentioned above, pipe 106 may be rigid at one end (the end connected to the emission control system 104). At the other end, the pipe is connected to the exhaust gas of the ship's diesel engine via a connecting device 108.

Figures 3-5 show examples of telescopic pipes 106 mounted on telescopic tracked hangers 300. Specifically, Figure 3 is a plan view of an example embodiment of the emission capture system 102 included in the present invention. Figure 4 is a side view of an example application of the emission capture system 102 included in the present invention.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lifting frame 300 generally includes a chassis 302, an operator's cab 304, a lifting cylinder 306, a telescopic boom 308, and a hook block 310 or other extension attachments. The telescopic boom 308 includes multiple telescopic sections (e.g., first, second, third, fourth to nth sections) having ends that retract into and extend out of the leading telescopic section 314.

The telescopic pipe 106 also includes a plurality of telescopic sections corresponding in length and arrangement to the telescopic section 314 of the arm 308. In this example, the arm 308 has a first telescopic section 316, a second telescopic section 318, a third telescopic section 320, and a fourth telescopic section 322, and the telescopic pipe 106 also has corresponding first telescopic sections 332, second telescopic sections 334, third telescopic sections 336, and fourth telescopic sections 338. The first telescopic section 332 of the pipe 106 is mounted to the hanger above the first section 316 of the telescopic arm 308 of the hanger 300. Then, the ends of each section 332, 334, 336, and 338 of the telescopic pipe 106 are also mounted to the ends of the corresponding sections of the telescopic arms 316, 318, 320, and 322 via means such as connectors 340. In this way, the telescopic sections of the pipe 106 move with the telescopic sections of the arm 308 of the hanger 300. The movement of the pipe 106 with the hanger is best shown in FIG5.

The duct 106 may also include a flexible end, which may include a hinged bend or bendable to be mounted on the discharge shaft 103 of the vessel 107. Attachment 310 may be used on the end of the arm 308 to lower the duct 106 onto the chimney 103, as shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 4, the telescopic sections of pipe 106 move with the telescopic sections of the arm 308 of hanger 300. Arm 308 has a first telescopic section 316, a second telescopic section 318, a third telescopic section 320, and a fourth telescopic section 322, and telescopic pipe 106 also has corresponding first telescopic sections 332, second telescopic sections 334, third telescopic sections 336, and fourth telescopic sections 338. The ends of each section 332, 334, 336, and 338 of telescopic pipe 106 are then connected to the ends of the corresponding sections 316, 318, 320, and 322 of the telescopic arm via, for example, connectors 340, so that telescopic pipe 106 extends when the telescopic arm 308 extends.

As shown in Figures 2-4, the hook assembly of the hanger can be replaced by an additional component capable of accommodating another pipe 106 and better facilitating operation of the pipe 106 on the ship's exhaust chimney 103. This component or accessory can serve as a fifth segment 202 of the arm 308, supporting another segment 204 of the pipe 106, which has a connector or joint 108 that can be provided at one end of the pipe 106 to connect the pipe 106 to the ship's exhaust chimney 105. Segment 204 of the pipe 106 may include a hinged bend 206 to move the pipe 106 downward onto the ship's exhaust chimney 105. In operation, the pipe 106 is connected to the exhaust chimney 105 of the diesel engine 107, and diesel exhaust gases are drawn from the ship through the pipe 106 and into the exhaust control system 104.

Figures 5-8 illustrate an example of the exhaust control system 104 of the present invention. As shown, the exhaust control system 104 may be a hot gas filtration system for exhaust gases generated from the ship's auxiliary diesel engine when the ship is moored. Embodiments of the present invention are merely one example of a system that reduces emissions and complies with regulatory requirements, such as CARB requirements. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exhaust control system may be housed within the housing 120, capable of cleaning exhaust gases to ensure regulatory compliance without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figure 5 is a side view of an example of an emission control system 104 of the present invention mounted on a chassis 122 attached to a tractor 124, with the housing 120 removed. As shown in Figure 5, the emission control system 104 can be housed within the housing 120, with the walls removed for the purpose of illustrating the components of the emission control system 104. The emission control system 104 can be mounted to the chassis 122, which can be towed side-by-side with a moored vessel by a standard tractor 124. The housing 120 is sized to fit on commercially available chassis, trailers, or barges 122. In the example shown, the housing 120 may have a footprint of approximately 8.5’ by 52.5’. Those skilled in the art will understand that other sizes of housings can be used; however, it is desirable for the housing 120 to fit on commercially available chassis or barges 122.

When the vessel is at anchor, the emission control system 104 is connected to the vessel's diesel engine exhaust outlet 103 via one of the emission capture systems 102 of the type described above, so that the vessel's engine exhaust gases can be drawn into the emission control system 104, treated, and discharged as clean gas from the emission control system exhaust outlet 152. The emission reduction system 100, using the emission control system 102 which will be described in more detail below, can remain continuously operational while the vessel's engines are running. The emission reduction system 100 can be disconnected from the vessel 107 when the vessel 107 leaves port.

The emission control system 104 receives diesel engine exhaust gases, processes them, and releases them as clean air that complies with regulations and/or reduces pollution emissions. In this example, the emission control system 104 is configured at two levels within housing 120: a low level 170 and a high level 180.

In the example shown, the emission control system 104 is operated via system controller 126 and can be powered by generator 162, as shown in FIG7. The diesel engine exhaust gases are initially treated with ammonia (e.g., 19% ammonia) and a dry adsorbent. The ammonia may be injected into the exhaust gas stream before it is drawn into the emission reduction system 104; however, those skilled in the art will understand that this injection can also be performed after the exhaust gases enter the emission reduction system 104 and before they enter the ceramic filter housing 142, as shown in FIG10. The ammonia may be stored within housing 120 in container 128 and pumped into the exhaust gas stream via pump 130 through port 118, as shown in FIG6.

Exhaust gas is drawn into the exhaust control system 104 via exhaust gas inlet pipe 132, possibly via fan 136 (Figure 1). The exhaust gas first enters the burner 134, powered by the burner gas train and control system 126, where it is heated to a temperature between 350 and 950°F to allow for optimal treatment. Application piping assembly 138 is directly connected to the outlet of burner 134, which connects to ceramic filter housing 142. Before entering ceramic filter housing 142, a dry adsorbent (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, natural soda ash, or lime) is injected via dry adsorbent nozzle and inlet 140.

After entering the ceramic filter housing 142, the exhaust gas is further processed by the ceramic filter 144, as shown in Figures 9-11. Below the filter housing is a waste collection funnel 148 accessible through multiple inlet ports 150. The system 104 then releases the treated exhaust gas as clean gas via the exhaust gas outlet chimney 152. This treated exhaust gas can be monitored by multiple monitors 154 located on the exhaust gas outlet chimney 152 to ensure compliance with regulations, as shown in Figure 8. An access ladder (not shown) can be installed within the housing 120, allowing access to all components of the emission control system 100.

Other components of the system may include an air compressor 156, which provides compressed air flow to the system, fuel tank 158, control room 160 and generator 162, as shown in Figure 7.

As shown in Figure 6, sensors 116 for monitoring particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides ( _NOx ), carbon dioxide ( _CO2 ), temperature, and airflow before the exhaust gas enters the emission control system 104 may be located on a portion of the duct 106 and on an ammonia injection port 118 for treating the exhaust gas, as described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensors and the ammonia injection port may also be located at other locations along the duct 106 or within the emission control system 104, for example, on the application duct assembly 138 located within the housing 120.

In operation, auxiliary engine exhaust gases are captured by an emission capture system 102, which is designed to capture and transport the auxiliary diesel engine exhaust gases of the vessel to an emission control system 104. An ammonia solution is drawn from an ammonia storage unit 128 by a pump 130, then atomized and sprayed into the exhaust gases, where it mixes with _NOx in the exhaust gas stream. As described above, this injection can be performed before or after the exhaust gas stream enters the emission control system 104. After the ammonia spray is injected, the exhaust gases are drawn directly into the emission control system 104 via an exhaust gas inlet 132. This can be accomplished by a fan 136 (Figure 1). The exhaust gases are first heated by a burner 134, where they are heated to a suitable temperature. After leaving the burner 134, the exhaust gases move through an application piping assembly 138. As the exhaust gases move through the application piping assembly 138, a dry adsorbent is injected into the exhaust gases via an adsorbent injection system 140. The dry adsorbent can be stored in a dry adsorbent storage container (not shown), located inside or outside the housing 120. The dried adsorbent reacts with _SO₂ , _SO₃ , and HCl to form solid particles that are captured by the ceramic filter element 144. The exhaust gas then flows into a ceramic filter housing 142 containing the catalyst-embedded ceramic filter element 144, where the increased adsorbent continuously deposits on the walls of the ceramic filter element 144 and serves as a PM removal zone. Restoring the filter element to a low pressure drop is accomplished by periodically sending pulses of compressed gas supplied by the compressor 156 into the assembly of ceramic filter elements 144 while the system 104 is operating. This operation causes the outer particle layer deposited on the ceramic filter to fall into the waste collection section 148, from which it is then removed and stored in a waste storage container (not shown).

Other gases, including _NOx and ammonia ( _NH3 ), pass through a filter element 144 embedded with a catalyst. On the catalyst surface, _NOx reacts with _NH3 to produce diatomic nitrogen molecules ( _N2 ) and water vapor. The clean exhaust gas is then discharged into the atmosphere through exhaust gas outlet chimney 152.

Figure 9 also illustrates the process by which the collected pollutant gas is treated by the emission control system 104. The pollutant gas enters system 104 via emission gas inlet 132, where a dry adsorbent is injected into the pipe via adsorbent injection system 140, where it immediately begins to react with _SO₂ , _SO₃ , and HCl to form PM that can be captured by the ceramic filter element 144 in the ceramic filter housing 142. Ammonia water is atomized and sprayed into the pipe via ammonia injection system 118, where it is converted into a gas and mixed with _NOₓ . This mixing is unaffected by the treated PM or the adsorbent. The gas stream then enters the ceramic filter housing 142, where the treated PM and adsorbent are captured on the outer surface of the ceramic filter element 144. The filter is periodically cleaned by a burst of compressed gas flow from compressed gas supply 140 (Figures 1 and 5) while the filter housing 142 remains online. The mixture of _NOₓ and ammonia reacts on the large surface area of nanocatalysts embedded in the walls of the ceramic filter element 144.

The mixture is free of PM, which can deactivate or poison the catalyst, allowing for more efficient reactions over a wider temperature range. _NOx decomposes into harmless _N2 and water vapor, which are discharged from the system via exhaust gas outlet chimney 152.

Figure 10 shows a ceramic filter element 144 of one embodiment of the present invention 100 disposed in a ceramic filter housing 142, and the treated exhaust gas flow through the ceramic filter housing 142. Exhaust gas, injected with dried adsorbent and ammonia, enters the ceramic filter housing 142 at inlet 164, where it is brought into contact with the ceramic filter element 144, which is an elongated tube arranged vertically within the ceramic filter housing 142. PM and adsorbent are captured on the outer surfaces of these ceramic filter elements 144 and then periodically cleaned by a burst of compressed gas flow (not shown) controlled by a compressed gas manifold 168 while the filter housing remains online. A mixture of _NOx and ammonia reacts on the large surface area of nanocatalysts embedded in the walls of the ceramic filter element 144. _NOx decomposes into harmless _N2 and water vapor, which are discharged through the top of the ceramic filter housing 142 via outlet 170. The hopperauger 172 collects PM and adsorbent blown down by the compressed airflow periodically cleaning the ceramic filter element 144 and moves it to the waste discharge outlet 174.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the ceramic filter elements 144, and illustrates the embedded catalyst 178. The ceramic filter element 144 captures most of the PM through inertial impaction, interception, Brownian diffusion, and sieving on particles already collected on the ash layer 180 formed on the ceramic filter element 144. Increased adsorbent continuously deposits on the walls of the ceramic filter element 144 and serves as a removal zone for PM particles.

Figure 12 is a graph 1200 showing the emission capture efficiency of various prototype devices of the present invention during a test conducted on five ships with an average of 44 hours per ship. The performance data shown in the graph indicates a capture efficiency of over 90% for each ship, with an average capture efficiency of 91.0%, and a CARB-certified capture efficiency of 90%.

Figure 13 is a graph showing the PM removal performance of an average of 50 hours per vessel across six vessels. The graph shows an average PM removal of 99.5%, certified by CARM as 90% PM removal. Exit PM (mg/m³) is shown as line 1302, inlet PM (mg/m³) is shown as line 1302, and PM reduction (mg/m³) is shown in Figure 13.

Figure 14 is a graph showing the performance data for _NOx removal obtained from an average of 52 hours of testing on each of the seven ships. The graph shows an average _NOx removal of 91.4%, certified by CAEB as a 90% removal efficiency. In Figure 14, outlet _NOx (mg/m3) is shown as line 1402, ammonia leakage (ppm) as line 1406, inlet _NOx (mg/m3) as line 1408, and removed _NOx (mg/m3) as line 1410.

Although the above examples show the emission control system 100 of the present invention mounted on a chassis 112 towed by a tractor 124, the emission control system may be installed directly on land or at a dock, or on a barge towed alongside a moored vessel.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, the emission control system 104 can be coupled with any of several existing technologies to help reduce _CO2 from the exhaust gas stream to regulatory levels. For example, a cryogenic plasma method, as shown in FIG15, can be used in the emission control system, or _{a CO2} to algae process, as shown in FIG16 and 17, can be used.

Figure 15 is a diagram 1500 illustrating the reduction of carbon dioxide in exhaust gas using cryogenic plasma. In the example shown in Figure 15, source gas 1502 passes through condenser 1504 and then through main reactor 1506. From main reactor 1508, the gas passes through expansion chamber 1508, diaphragm expander 1510 and cellulose chamber 1512, and then to ESP 1514. From here, gas 1516 passes through LOM exchanger 1516 and then to second reactor 1518, producing treated gas 1520.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram 1600 of an example system for reducing carbon dioxide in exhaust gases using algae treatment. Figure 17 illustrates how the algae treatment of Figure 16 works to reduce carbon dioxide in exhaust gases. Process 1700 comprises four basic steps, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. Provided with light, _CO2 , water, and nutrients, including _NOx , algae culture grows by consuming exhaust gases until it reaches the optical density (OD) set point where light cannot penetrate the commercial crop microalgae. In step two, at the OD set point, the bioreactor discharge valve automatically opens, and 10% of the culture in the tank flows into the sedimentation tank by gravity. A coagulant/flocculator is used to dehydrate the culture in the sedimentation tank, and the dehydrated water is emptied, filtered, and recycled back to the bioreactor. In step three, sustainable nutrients and makeup water are added. The algae slurry in the dehydration chamber is pumped through a spray dryer, converted into powder, vacuum-packed, and stored for transport. The operation cycles every 90 minutes, operating 24/7 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and produces 40-75 lbs of algae and 12,000 cubic feet of oxygen daily from a single bioreactor for sale. The operation also reduces _CO2 and _NOx emissions from exhaust gases.

The present invention also provides a method for treating exhaust gases from auxiliary diesel engines operating on a moored marine vessel. The method includes the step of providing a portable exhaust gas treatment system that can be installed alongside the vessel and can remain continuously operational while the vessel's engines are running. The method includes the steps of incorporating an emission control system 104 within a hull 120, connecting the emission control system 104 to the chimney 103 of a diesel engine 105 on a vessel 107 via an emission capture system 102, which allows exhaust gases to pass from the diesel engine through the emission control system 104 and, when the vessel 107 is moored, discharge compliant gases from the exhaust gas outlet 103 of the vessel 107.

Although the above description pertains to the operation of a ship's auxiliary engine, the system can be used with any ship's engine. The above description of the invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. Modifications and changes may be made from the foregoing description or from practice of the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. An emission reduction system for reducing emissions in ship exhaust gases, the emission reduction system comprising: (a) Shell; (b) An emission control system disposed within the hull, wherein the emission control system includes a filter housing for cleaning the gas by removing a certain level of contaminants from the exhaust gas of the ship, the emission control system having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet for receiving exhaust gas from the diesel engine; (c) An emission capture system for capturing and treating ship exhaust gases, wherein the emission capture system includes a telescopic boom and a telescopic pipe having two ends, wherein one end of the telescopic pipe extends to the ship to capture the ship's exhaust gases, and the other end of the telescopic pipe is connected to the exhaust gas inlet of the emission control system, the telescopic boom extending the telescopic pipe above the ship's exhaust chimney to capture the ship's exhaust gases. The telescopic pipe includes multiple telescopic sections of different diameters, allowing the multiple telescopic sections to fit together in a telescopic manner. 2. The emission reduction system of claim 1, wherein the emission control system is mounted on the chassis. 3. The emission reduction system of claim 1, wherein the emission control system is installed on the barge. 4. The emission reduction system of claim 1, wherein the telescopic hanger includes a hook assembly. 5. The emission reduction system of claim 1, wherein the emission control system comprises a main reactor and a second reactor for treating emissions from the ship's exhaust gases. 6. The emission reduction system of claim 1, wherein the emission control system comprises an algal bioreactor. 7. The emission reduction system of claim 4, wherein the filter housing has at least one ceramic filter. 8. The emission reduction system of claim 4, wherein the emission control system further includes a waste acquisition unit disposed below the filter housing. 9. The emission reduction system of claim 4, wherein the emission control system further comprises an ammonia water storage tank and a dry adsorbent storage tank. 10. An emission reduction system for reducing emissions from exhaust gases of a ship, the exhaust gases originating from the ship's diesel engine, the emission reduction system comprising: (a) An emission control system disposed within the hull, which is matched to a movable chassis or barge; (b) an emission capture system, wherein the ship's diesel engine is connected to one end of the emission capture system and wherein the emission control system is connected to the other end of the emission capture system; and (c) The emission capture system further includes a telescopic duct and a telescopic hanger, the telescopic duct being able to retract or extend via the telescopic hanger, which extends the telescopic duct above the ship's exhaust chimney to capture the ship's exhaust gases. The telescopic pipe includes multiple telescopic sections of different diameters, allowing the multiple telescopic sections to fit together in a telescopic manner. 11. The emission reduction system of claim 10, wherein the emission control system includes a filter housing. 12. An emission reduction system for reducing emissions from ship exhaust gases, the emission reduction system comprising: (a) An emission capture system for capturing exhaust gases from a ship's exhaust chimney for treatment, the emission capture system comprising a telescopic pipe mounted on a telescopic gantry having telescopic sections for moving the telescopic pipe above the ship's exhaust chimney to capture exhaust gases emitted from the exhaust chimney, wherein the telescopic pipe comprises a plurality of telescopic sections corresponding to the telescopic sections of the telescopic gantry, allowing the plurality of telescopic sections of the telescopic pipe to be telescopically matched with each other; (b) An emission control system disposed within the hull, the emission control system having an exhaust gas inlet for receiving exhaust gases from the diesel engine, an exhaust gas outlet, and a filter housing for cleaning the gases by removing a certain level of contaminants from the exhaust gases of the ship. 13. An emission reduction system for reducing emissions from ship exhaust gases, the emission reduction system comprising: (a) An emission capture system for capturing exhaust gases from a ship’s exhaust chimney for treatment, the emission reduction system including an inlet pipe mounted on a gantry for moving the inlet pipe above the ship’s exhaust chimney to capture exhaust gases emitted from the exhaust chimney. (b) An emission control system disposed within the housing, the emission control system having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet for receiving exhaust gases from the diesel engine; and (c) The emission control system further includes an application piping assembly positioned between an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, wherein the exhaust gas inlet is accessible from the housing for connection to the emission capture system, and wherein the exhaust gas outlet discharges the ship's exhaust gases after being processed from the housing. (d) The emission control system further includes a filter housing connected between the exhaust gas inlet and the exhaust gas outlet to the application piping for treating the ship's exhaust gases, wherein the filter housing collects deposits from the diesel engine exhaust gases; and (f) The emission control system further includes a waste acquisition unit for acquiring deposits that fall from the filter housing. The inlet pipe includes multiple telescopic pipe sections of different diameters, allowing the multiple telescopic pipe sections to fit into each other in a telescopic manner. 14. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the inlet pipe mounted on the hanger is a telescopic pipe. 15. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the inlet pipe is mounted on a telescopic hanger. 16. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the emission control system comprises a main reactor and a second reactor for treating emissions from the ship's exhaust gases. 17. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the emission control system comprises an algal bioreactor. 18. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the filter housing comprises at least one ceramic filter. 19. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the waste acquisition unit is disposed below the filter housing. 20. The emission reduction system of claim 13, wherein the emission control system further comprises an ammonia water storage tank and a dry adsorbent storage tank. 21. A method for reducing emissions during berthing of a vessel having a diesel engine and an exhaust gas outlet, the method comprising the steps of: (a) Includes an emission control system within the housing, the emission control system having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet for receiving exhaust gases from the diesel engine; (b) A telescopic duct is extended above the vessel's exhaust chimney via a telescopic boom, thereby connecting the emission control system to the vessel's diesel exhaust gases via the telescopic duct, wherein the telescopic duct is directly connected to the exhaust gas inlet of the emission control system and captures and delivers the vessel's diesel exhaust gases to the emission control system, wherein the exhaust gases are discharged from the emission control system's exhaust gas outlet to comply with regulations. The telescopic pipe includes multiple telescopic sections of different diameters, allowing the multiple telescopic sections to fit together in a telescopic manner. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the ship is moored, the emission control system operates continuously while connected to the ship's diesel engine. 23. A method for reducing emissions in exhaust gases from a ship, the method comprising the steps of: (a) Providing an emission capture system for capturing exhaust gases from a ship's exhaust chimney for treatment, the emission capture system comprising a telescopic duct mounted on a telescopic gantry, wherein the telescopic gantry is capable of extending or retracting the telescopic duct above the ship's exhaust chimney to capture exhaust gases emitted from the exhaust chimney; and (b) Connect the emission capture system to an emission control system disposed within the hull, the emission control system having a filter housing for cleaning the gas by removing a certain level of contaminants from the ship's exhaust gases. The telescopic pipe includes multiple telescopic sections of different diameters, allowing the multiple telescopic sections to fit together in a telescopic manner.