Alfa Laval has launched a compact version of its AQUA Blue freshwater generator to meet the need of smaller vessels and allowing for the possibility of avoiding taking on freshwater supplies in ports.
The convenience and efficiency of Alfa Laval AQUA freshwater generation technology is now available to a wider range of vessels. With its tiny footprint and low OPEX, the new AQUA Blue Mini meets needs of 1–18 m3 of fresh water per day. Introduced in 2008, AQUA freshwater generation technology uses a 3-in-1 process where evaporation, separation and condensation occur in a single plate pack.
“AQUA technology has a history of making things smaller and simpler,” sids Serdar Sengun, Head of Marine Heat Transfer Sales at Alfa Laval. “The AQUA Blue freshwater generator cut seawater needs and electrical power consumption in half compared to previous solutions. The AQUA Blue Mini nearly cuts size in half again, but above all it brings AQUA benefits to the smallest capacity range.”
In contrast to reverse osmosis, which is electrically driven, the AQUA Blue Mini runs on waste heat and uses only a small amount of electrical power. Moreover, its maintenance is limited to occasional cleaning in place and fast, easy changes of the non-glued gaskets. Together, these facts mean lower OPEX for any vessel.
The AQUA Blue Mini is specifically designed for 1–18 m3 per day. “For vessels with smaller needs, such as those previously served by the Alfa Laval JWP freshwater generators, the AQUA Blue Mini balances capital cost with capacity,” said Sengun. “They get an equally efficient and reliable solution, but with an even smaller footprint and a lower capital investment.”
Alfa Laval believes the AQUA Blue Mini will be attractive to a whole new range of customers, including some who have never previously considered a thermally driven freshwater generator. Local fishing boats and smaller coastal vessels, for example, now have a smaller, smarter alternative to bunkered water or reverse osmosis.
“Bunkering water takes time and requires space, and the water’s quality is never certain,” said Sengun. “Reverse osmosis solves some of that, but it’s a sensitive process that clogs easily and demands lots of filter and membrane changes. The AQUA Blue Mini can make life much simpler on these vessels, giving them easy, constant access to high-quality fresh water. Whether customers need one, ten or fifteen cubic metres per day, they’ll find an easy and cost-effective solution in the AQUA Blue Mini. Customers can count on high-quality fresh water – with a minimal footprint, minimal power consumption and minimal effort as well.”
