Compact VOC emission reduction system (GBA CVOC):
The cost efficient VOC emission reduction system developed by GBA Marine is based on direct absorption technology, and can be used for a number of applications. The current product line includes solutions for VOC emission reduction during loading, transport and lightering operations.

The core of the GBA Marine VOC emission reduction system is the patented Swirl Absorber, which has a verified recovery rate of 100 % during transport of crude oil (no VOC emission from cargo). The technology has also been tested during offshore loading operations on several oil fields in the North Sea, and results so far indicate a significant impact on VOC emission.

CVOC back-pressure system (GBA CVOC option):
The optional back-pressure system is designed to increase efficiency of the CVOC system during loading by allowing the cargo tank pressure to build up during the loading process, and then keep this at a steady high level throughout the loading by throttling an automatic valve installed in a bypass to the vessel's mast riser.

The bypass is used to ensure that the mast riser can operate normally in the unlikely case of any system malfunction, and continues the philosophy behind keeping the CVOC system as a stand-alone installation without interference with existing procedures and safety features.

The philosophy behind the back-pressure system is well proven, and several similar soultions already exist. As an example INTERTANKO and OCIMF has recommended to keep cargo tank pressure as high as possible during loading and transport in their "Guidelines for the development of a VOC management plan" (see item 1.4.2 in the linked PDF document). However, increasing the cargo tank pressure alone will not be sufficient to eliminate emissions, and manual operation of the mast riser valve will expose the crew to hydrocarbons.

In-line Inert Gas Cleaner (IGC):
The Inert Gas Cleaner (IGC) is based on patented in-line cyclone technology, and efficiently removes water, soot and other particles from the gas stream. By removing up to 100 % of water contained in the inert gas, the IGC reduces corrosion of piping and cargo tanks to a minimum.

The IGC can be installed after the inert gas generator, after the deck water seal, or preferably in both locations for maximum protection of the inert gas piping. The IGC requires no control system or monitoring, and has no impact on existing safety features. The compact and light weight unit is made of stainless steel, is self-cleaning and virtually maintenance free.

The Inert Gas Cleaner may also be used for other purposes where particles and/or liquid need to be removed from a gas stream, and can be tailored to meet separation requirements down to five microns.

Please contact GBA Marine for a more detailed presentation of our products.