100SC1 Open loop scrubber installed onboard RIO CHARLESTON (IMO: 9362449)

Common issues

• Scrubber tower internal corrosion from acidic wash water, especially at weld seams and demister
• Demister/mist eliminator fouling or damage reducing droplet removal efficiency
• Wash water pump wear/cavitation from continuous seawater duty
• Spray nozzle/header blockage or erosion affecting SO2 removal efficiency
• Bypass/3-way valve leakage or actuator failure
• Effluent monitoring (PAH, turbidity, pH) sensor drift or fouling
• Coating/lining breakdown inside the scrubber tower and overboard discharge line

Inspection checklist

• Internal visual inspection of scrubber tower lining/coating for corrosion or breakdown at scheduled openings
• Check demister condition and cleanliness
• Function test wash water pumps, valves and bypass system
• Verify continuous emission monitoring system (SO2/CO2 ratio) calibration
• Check effluent monitoring (pH, PAH, turbidity, nitrate) sensor calibration and discharge compliance
• Inspect spray nozzles/headers for blockage or erosion
• Check overboard discharge line and non-return valves for corrosion/leakage
• Verify EGCS bypass event documentation and record-keeping per MEPC.259(68)

Service intervals

Critical spares

• Wash water pump seal/impeller kit
• Demister pad/elements
• Spray nozzle set
• Effluent monitoring sensor (pH/PAH/turbidity) replacement units
• Bypass valve actuator seal kit

Safety

• Acidic wash water - PPE and ventilation required when opening the scrubber tower or handling effluent samples
• Confined space entry for internal tower inspection - full confined space procedure required
• SO2/exhaust gas exposure risk if the system is opened while connected to a running engine exhaust
• Overboard discharge must remain within MEPC.259(68) limits - unauthorised bypass use is a compliance and environmental breach

Class survey

Exhaust gas cleaning systems require an approved EGCS Technical Manual on board and are checked against MEPC.259(68): continuous monitoring of SO2/CO2 ratio and washwater parameters (pH, PAH, turbidity), with records reviewed at Annual/Renewal Survey. Class also checks bypass event logging and that any bypass use is justified and recorded per the approved manual.