Scrubber System Market

Scrubber System: A Sustainable Solution for Emission Control

In recent years, environmental concerns have prompted a global push towards cleaner and more sustainable practices. Industries that contribute to air pollution, particularly shipping and manufacturing, have come under scrutiny. To address these issues, scrubber systems have emerged as an effective technology for reducing harmful emissions. This essay explores the concept of scrubber systems, their working principles, top impacting factors, and relevant government policies promoting their adoption.

Scrubber System: An Overview

Scrubber systems, also known as exhaust gas cleaning systems, are devices designed to remove harmful pollutants from exhaust gases generated by various industrial processes. They find extensive use in marine vessels and industrial facilities that burn fossil fuels, releasing sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere.

Working Principles of Scrubber Systems

Scrubber systems operate on different principles, but the most common types are:

Wet Scrubbers: These systems use water or other neutralizing chemicals to wash pollutants from the exhaust gases. The gas stream is passed through a chamber where it comes into contact with the liquid, allowing the pollutants to be absorbed.

Dry Scrubbers: Dry scrubbers use chemical adsorption or absorption to remove pollutants without using liquid. They are ideal for facilities where water usage is restricted.

Top Impacting Factors on Scrubber System Efficiency

Several factors influence the effectiveness of scrubber systems:

• Fuel Type: Different scrubber systems are designed to handle specific fuel types. The fuel's sulfur content directly affects the efficiency of the scrubber in reducing SO2 emissions.
• System Type and Size: The type and size of the scrubber system are crucial factors. Larger vessels and facilities may require more extensive scrubber installations to handle higher emission volumes.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance and servicing are vital to ensure the scrubber's optimal performance and longevity.
• Compliance Regulations: Stringent regulations regarding emissions from industrial processes drive the adoption of scrubber systems. Compliance with these regulations can lead to significant cost savings in the form of avoided fines and penalties.

Government Policies Promoting Scrubber System Adoption

Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of reducing emissions and have implemented policies to incentivize the adoption of scrubber systems:

• International Maritime Organization (IMO): IMO's MARPOL Annex VI regulation sets limits on vessel emissions and allows compliance through the use of scrubber technology or low-sulfur fuels.
• Emission Control Areas (ECAs): Several regions have established ECAs to limit emissions from vessels within designated zones. Scrubber systems enable ships to continue using high-sulfur fuels while complying with ECA requirements.
• Subsidies and Tax Incentives: Some countries offer financial incentives such as tax credits or subsidies to companies investing in scrubber technology.

The Future of Scrubber Systems

The demand for scrubber systems is expected to grow as industries strive to achieve sustainability targets. Advancements in scrubber technology, such as hybrid systems combining wet and dry scrubbing, will enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Dynamics of Scrubber System Market

Drivers in Scrubber System Market

Government-Enforced Air Pollution Prevention Policies Driving Market Growth

The importance of environmental protection laws and mandates is increasing worldwide to mitigate the impact of industrial emissions. These standards aim to promote the use of non-toxic substances, modify production processes, and implement conservation techniques. Additionally, they encourage material reuse and recycling to reduce pollution. Notably, North America and Europe have been early adopters of such environmental protection laws. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a key role in controlling pollution through regulations like the Pollution Prevention Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. The Clean Air Act specifically focuses on regulating air emissions to safeguard public health and control hazardous air pollutants. Similarly, the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. These stringent policies and regulations are observed by developed economies across the globe, contributing to the anticipated growth of the market. Furthermore, industries are increasingly adopting scrubber systems to comply with these norms, which not only save on labor costs but also enhance revenue generation by reducing the time and labor required for exhaust system cleaning.

The European Union (EU) is also committed to achieving desired levels of air quality to protect human health and the environment. Europe's air quality emission norms emphasize continuous monitoring and assessment of ambient air quality. Moreover, large-scale industrial installations in Europe are required to obtain operational permits for environmental protection. In Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, developing countries are setting up various environmental emission norms to combat pollution.

To meet these norms, industries are turning to scrubber systems, which effectively neutralize corrosive gases and dust. These scrubber systems are designed for various applications in chemical, pharmaceutical, and surface treatment industries. The rising demand for scrubber systems is driven by the stringent emission control regulations imposed by governments, which are expected to propel the growth of the scrubber systems market.

Restraints in Scrubber System Market

Stringent Regulatory Policies for Scrubber System Effluent Disposal

The operation and cleaning of wet exhaust gas scrubbers for marine diesel engines and boilers result in effluent (washwater) generation that requires treatment before discharge. The washwater from scrubbers contains gaseous and particulate emissions that have been removed from the exhaust. These emissions, like SOx and NOx, react in the scrubber effluent to form sulfuric and nitric acids, leading to a significant reduction in the effluent's pH level. Unfortunately, the use of scrubbers can cause environmental degradation due to short-term and spatially limited pH reduction, increased temperature and turbidity, and the discharge of certain persistent materials.

In 2008, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established stringent regulations to control exhaust emissions from ocean-going vessels' engines. As an alternative to operating on low-sulfur fuel, IMO introduced guidelines for using exhaust gas cleaning devices, such as SOx scrubbers. The Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) Section 10 specifies scrubber-effluent monitoring and discharge criteria. According to IMO recommendations, pH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentration, turbidity, and temperature should be continuously monitored and recorded when EGCS is operated in ports, harbors, or estuaries.

Opportunities in Scrubber System Market

The enforcement of the global sulfur cap limit by IMO in 2020 has ushered in significant opportunities for the scrubber system market. Ships operating outside designated emission control areas must adhere to the new 0.50% m/m sulfur limit in fuel oil, leading to a surge in demand for exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubber systems. These systems effectively reduce sulfur oxides emissions, enabling ships to continue using heavy fuel oil while complying with the stringent regulations. As of July 2020, 2,359 scrubber systems have been reported to IMO as approved "equivalent methods," offering promising prospects for scrubber system market players during the forecast period.

Challenges in Scrubber System Market

The implementation of MARPOL 2020 and the shift towards compliant marine fuels have introduced challenges for vessel owners. With a displacement of over 95% of the current market, selecting suitable compliant marine fuels is crucial. Very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) has emerged as a new fuel option, driven by economic incentives. Additionally, ultra-low sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO), designed by Shell Plc, presents a viable option for both main and auxiliary engines. As the industry adapts to the changing landscape, the availability and compatibility of substitute fuel oils like VLSFO and ULSFO remain key challenges to overcome.

Ecosystem of Scrubber System Market

The wet scrubber system segment, categorized by product type, is anticipated to experience the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the projected period. Forecasts suggest that the wet scrubber system segment will record a CAGR of 6.4% during this time frame. Wet scrubbers are known for their effectiveness as air pollution control devices capable of collecting both particulates and gases within a single system. Modern wet scrubbing systems boast an impressive contaminant removal efficiency, capable of eliminating up to 95% of pollutants.

Two primary types of scrubber systems are dry and wet scrubbers. Wet systems are particularly suitable for cleaning fuel gas and air, as well as other gases laden with multiple pollutants and particles. They operate by allowing the scrubbing solution to come into contact with the particulate matter or target compounds. This scrubbing solution can consist of water or reagents designed to target specific compounds effectively. Among air pollution control systems, wet scrubbers are widely regarded as the most efficient for gathering both gases and particulates. Venturi, packed bed, and spray scrubbers are common sub-divisions of wet scrubbers. The growing demand from the shipping sector to comply with new gas emission regulations is expected to drive the scrubber system market.

Conversely, the dry scrubber system does not involve moistening the treated flue gas stream; instead, it focuses on eliminating acidic gases from combustible sources. A series of dry reactants are introduced to the gas stream at high speed, completing the process in three steps: reagent injection, filtering, and gas cooling. Dry scrubbers can be further segmented into dry sorbent injectors and dry spray absorbers. Dry scrubbing is widely accepted as an environmentally friendly approach. The removal of harmful substances from exhaust gases is crucial in preventing numerous pollutants from being released into the air. Dry scrubbers are commonly preferred over their counterparts due to their ability to produce lesser waste material and by-products. Most of the material sprayed into the exhaust is either captured in a filter or incinerated by the heat.

Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are a vital component of advanced scrubber systems, providing unparalleled air pollution control. These cutting-edge devices utilize electrostatic forces to capture particulate matter and harmful pollutants, ensuring cleaner emissions. The combination of scrubbers with ESPs allows industries to achieve exceptional compliance with environmental regulations, enhancing air quality, productivity, and sustainability. Embracing this eco-friendly solution reinforces a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Horizontal Scrubber System segment is expected to be the most significant and revolutionary technology for emission control in various industries. With a horizontal design, this innovative system offers improved gas-liquid interaction, ensuring efficient pollutant removal. Its compact and versatile nature allows easy integration into existing infrastructure, reducing installation costs. By minimizing emissions and meeting stringent environmental regulations, the Horizontal Scrubber System promotes sustainability and enhances operational efficiency. Embracing this eco-friendly solution paves the way for a cleaner and greener future, facilitating responsible and sustainable growth.

By end-user industry, the marine segment is projected to be the most significant contributor to the scrubber system market during the forecast period. The scrubber system market has been segmented into various end-user industries, including marine, oil & gas, metal & mining, power generation, chemical & petrochemical, food, beverage & agriculture, glass, pharmaceutical, water & wastewater treatment, and others. The marine segment is expected to dominate during the forecast period due to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) global sulfur cap of 0.5% on marine fuels and stringent shipping emissions regulations introduced in 2020. This is the primary driving force behind the increased demand for exhaust gas cleaning technology, such as Sox scrubbers, in the marine segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is expected to maintain its dominance in the scrubber system market during the forecast period, followed by Europe and North America. The region's significant market size can be attributed to government regulations and mandates aimed at reducing pollution.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented strict restrictions on the direct emission of hazardous gases into the environment. As a result, numerous companies and marine operators are increasingly adopting scrubber systems to comply with EPA regulations. Additionally, the expansion of industries driven by extensive E&P activities, the shale gas revolution, and high energy demand is likely to further boost the demand for scrubber systems in North America.

Within the European Union (EU), environmental consciousness prevails, leading to the enforcement of stringent regulations to enhance air quality. To prevent the emission of harmful materials into the environment, the EU has established various guidelines for industries and marine operators. Consequently, scrubber systems play a vital role in helping meet the EU's 2020 targets, thereby fostering growth in the scrubber system market in Europe.

As an emerging region with rapid economic growth and lucrative opportunities for industrialists, Asia Pacific is attracting considerable attention. The Indian government's ambition to achieve a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2024 is driving various ambitious projects. In parallel, China is heavily investing in energy security. However, concerns over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and rising sea levels are prompting stringent measures. This, in turn, is expected to create a lucrative market for scrubber systems in the region.

Dominating Companies in Scrubber System Market

• ALFA LAVAL
• WÄRTSILÄ
• GEA
• BABCOCK & WILCOX
• VALMET
• FUJI ELECTRIC
• CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
• ANDRITZ AG
• DUKE ENERGY
• BRENNTAG
• NEDERMAN
• PACIFIC GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
• VERANTIS ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS GROUP
• YARA MARINE TECHNOLOGIES
• POLLUTION SYSTEMS
• SCHUTTE & KOERTING
• KCH
• TRI-MER CORPORATION
• HITACHI ZOSEN INOVA
• CR CLEAN AIR
• ERGIL
• ANGUIL ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.
• THERMAX

Recent Developments in Scrubber System Market

• In 2019, Company A, a leading manufacturer of marine scrubber systems, announced the acquisition of Company B, a prominent engineering firm specializing in emission control technologies. This strategic merger allowed Company A to enhance its product portfolio and expand its market presence, positioning it as a dominant player in the marine scrubber industry.
• During the same year, Company C, a major player in the maritime industry, acquired Company D, a scrubber system installation and maintenance service provider. By integrating Company D's expertise, Company C aimed to offer a comprehensive package of scrubber solutions to its customers, further solidifying its position in the market.
• In 2020, Company E, a scrubber system manufacturer, and Company F, a global shipping company, announced a strategic partnership to promote sustainable shipping practices. Through this collaboration, Company F committed to installing Company E's advanced scrubber systems on its fleet, enabling compliance with emissions regulations while reducing its environmental footprint.
• During the same period, Company G, a maritime engineering firm specializing in environmental solutions, formed a partnership with Company H, a leading scrubber technology developer. Together, they aimed to design and implement innovative scrubber systems tailored to specific vessel types, ensuring optimal performance and compliance for their clients.

Scrubber systems play a pivotal role in curbing air pollution and promoting sustainable industrial practices. These systems effectively reduce harmful emissions, aligning with international regulations and government policies focused on environmental preservation. As technology evolves, scrubber systems will continue to be a vital component of the global effort to combat climate change and create a cleaner and healthier future.