Rembe modifies safety equipment for LNG engines
The Q-Rohr flameless vent prevents explosions in the case of ignition misfiring, which can lead to unburnt fuel mixtures in cylinders and uncontrolled explosions on the next ignition, putting extreme pressure on piping components. Fitted to the engine’s exhaust piping, the Q-Rohr’s multi-layered steel mesh filter cools hot flame gasses (up to 1,500°C) and prevents explosion. The system is suited for closed rooms and eliminates the need for complex piping to external areas.
Safety was a paramount concern in the Ostfriesland project, with the LNG fuel requiring extensive safety assessments for the two Wärtsila W20DF main engines and two Mitsubishi auxiliaries. In particular explosion prevention measures are laid out in the IGF Code adopted by the IMO last year.
The Q-Rohr requires no power source, and can be fitted with a signalling cable to notify operators when the vent lid has opened. A spokesperson claimed that an engineer standing next to the flameless vent would not be able to tell when an explosion was being prevented. The modification for LNG and dual-fuel engines is based on the composition of the steel mesh layers, she explained.
The propulsion configuration of the Ostfriesland is based on dual-fuel engines, using diesel and gas to power Schottel fully-rotating electric pods. AG Ems invested around €13.5 million in the project, with an EU subsidy of around €3.07 million for the installation of the LNG engines and for the creation of the required infrastructure.
The Ostfriesland entered service in June last year between the German island of Borkum and Emden on the mainland.
