Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions has launched an upgraded Unitor-Generon inert gas system to meet demand for a high-efficiency, low energy purging and padding system for liquid cargo safety.
The updated Unitor-Generon system features modern membrane technology developed by Generon which enables the complete system to produce required levels of nitrogen using smaller compressors and other components, reducing overall footprint and lowering onboard energy consumption.
With shipowners and operators increasingly focused on optimising energy management to meet with voluntary standards and comply with regulatory requirements, the new system will be offered to both newbuilding and retrofit applications as a means of delivering measurable operational efficiencies.
George Dicker, Commercial Director – Safety, Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions, said:
“The Unitor-Generon system is the smallest, most efficient inert gas generator available, producing twice the volume of nitrogen as larger units but with far lower energy consumption. It is the first to provide this level of efficiency at this low operating pressure, making it the ideal solution for chemical tankers, gas and product carriers.”
A number of large product carriers being built for methanol and ethanol trades will require nitrogen as the main source of inert gas. Also targeted are gas carriers requiring a large volume of high purity nitrogen.
George Dicker adds:
“This is a genuinely exciting development and it is also a timely one, as the International Maritime Organization is in the final stages of approving changes that will require all ships carrying hazardous cargoes to fit a nitrogen generator.
At the heart of the new system is the patented high-flow and high-recovery Generon PCCP polymer membrane. The module is compact enough to enable the design of complete nitrogen generators with over 20% lower energy consumption, as well as smaller physical footprints and reduced weight.
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