Daphne Technology’s SlipPure system has been awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its Plasma-Catalytic technology, with LR-witnessed results confirming its performance.
This recognition is said to mark a significant milestone in the fight against methane slip in the maritime industry. The SlipPure system, which previously received AiP for its plasma-only configuration, now runs its full Plasma-Catalytic process. This advanced technology is said to improve efficiency by lowering plasma power consumption, enabling very high methane slip reductions at exhaust temperatures well below those required for catalyst-only solutions. Daphne Technology’s view is that this makes it both the most effective and efficient methane slip reduction system available. The SlipPure Plasma-Catalysis system also has AiP from DNV.
Methane slip is a major contributor to GHG emissions, with a global warming potential 28 times greater than that of CO2 over a 100-year period. Reducing methane emissions is crucial as it is responsible for at least 25% of current global warming, according to the IEA. The IPCC says that as it has a much shorter atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2, cutting methane emissions now can lead to faster climate benefits.
Daphne Technology believes it is the only company actively developing a Plasma-Catalysis system for methane slip reduction. The system integrates patented wavelet pulse power (WPP) supply technology to generate plasma and utilises a proprietary catalyst, ensuring performance and efficiency. SlipPure has undergone several rigorous test campaigns utilising exhaust gas produced from a land-based test engine (746kW lean burn spark ignited engine type RR MTU 8V4000M55RN) installed at the Maritime Centre of the University of Applied Science in Flensburg, Germany. In January 2023, safe operation of the WPP power supply in the plasma-only system was demonstrated over nearly 75 hours of operation. Earlier in 2024, the Plasma-Catalytic process was evaluated over nearly 100 hours of operation, and LR witnessed 4.0 g/kWh removal of methane slip (62% methane slip reduction at 75% load) from exhaust gas with temperatures as low as 380 °C.
Dr Mario Michan, Daphne Technology founder and CEO said: We are again very honoured to be working closely with Lloyd’s Register and delighted to receive this AiP. This approval in principle validates our innovative approach, and the witnessed results are a testament to the efficacy and reliability of our SlipPure system. The performance results demonstrate our technology’s readiness for market deployment and its impact on reducing methane emissions.”
Panos Mitrou, LR Global Gas Segment Director, said: “LR has been working with Daphne Technology for several years and following recent testing, it’s clear that its Plasma-Catalytic technology is moving the bar in helping companies to meaningfully mitigate methane slip in the maritime and land-based oil and gas industries.”
Key Benefits claimed for the SlipPure Plasma-Catalysis System are:
- Reduced Power Consumption: More energy-efficient compared to plasma-only systems.
- Feasibility: Operates effectively at the lower exhaust temperatures typical of marine engines.
- Innovative Technology: Combines the strengths of plasma and catalysis for superior methane abatement.
The Plasma-Catalysis system is considered to represent a breakthrough in methane abatement technology, significantly enhancing the efficacy of SlipPure while reducing power consumption and maintaining operational feasibility.
Additionally, combining SlipPure with Daphne Technology’s PureMetrics enhances the effectiveness of methane slip reduction by providing accurate quantification and reporting of GHG emissions. PureMetrics is considered essential for monitoring the real-time impact of SlipPure, offering auditable reports and operational insights. This integration ensures compliance with environmental regulations and helps companies achieve their sustainability goals by providing a clear picture of their emissions.
The next version of SlipPure is currently being manufactured for deployment in November 2024 with a US Oil super-major.
Image: AiP signing, left to right: Constantinos Chaelis, LR Gas Markets and Technology Lead; Andy McKeran, LR CCO; Dr Mario Michan, Daphne Technology and Panos Mitrou, LR Global Gas Segment Director (credit: Lloyd’s Register)
