TECH TO CLEAN DIRTY FUEL

Monaco-based firm FOWE Eco Solutions has developed a patented technology that emulsifies fuel oil with water, reducing emissions and improving energy yield. The process, known as cavitation, allows for the emulsification of fuel oil with fresh water, without requiring additives or further processing.

The technology has been successfully tested, resulting in a reduction in particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions. FOWE is offering this technology to Indian refiners, with German multinational MAN Energy Solution recently giving approval for its use in marine engines. The emulsified fuel has shown significant fuel efficiency improvements and environmental benefits.

The firm is offering Indian refiners a patented technology to emulsify fuel oil with water that helps cut down on emissions as well as gives better energy yield. FOWE Eco Solutions (FOWE) says a process known as cavitation using its Cavitech device allows for emulsification of fuel oil, also known as furnace oil, with fresh water on land or onboard a vessel. This process does not require any additives or further processing.

The result is a considerable reduction in particulate matter, its chief operating officer Hemant Sondhi said. Emissions of NOX, the main greenhouse gas contributors, are significantly reduced and fuel efficiency is improved.

"We have successfully tested our patented technology to emulsify fuel oil, which is also known as furnace oil, with 10 to 15 per cent water," he said. "The FOWE emulsified fuel gives better energy yield of about 8 to 10 per cent due to better combustion of fuel." Also, there is a remarkable improvement in environmental releases due to practically zero particulate matter and a reduction in NOX and SOx levels in flue gas releases.