View from the testbed in Frederikshavn courtesy of MAN
MAN Energy Solutions has announced that it is developing an oxidation catalyst for four-stroke engines that will significantly reduce methane slip. Important Catalysts In Chemistry
Called ‘IMOKAT II’ and developed at MAN Energy Solutions’ headquarters in Augsburg, Germany, the research project is currently undergoing testing at the company’s Frederikshavn, Denmark facility.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Climate Action, the new project will investigate the operational experience of a pre-turbo methane-oxidation catalyst, ultimately aiming for a 70% reduction of methane emissions at 100% load.
Whereas predecessor project, IMOKAT I, investigated different catalytic materials and uncovered a sulphur-resistant material without any precious metals that facilitated high methane conversion, IMOKAT II is a prototype and technology demonstrator. In this context, it is currently investigating the material’s potential on a test engine with the major goal of designing a catalyst solution that can be applied to a full-scale engine to reduce methane emissions in the field. Field testing aboard a vessel is scheduled for Q1 2024.
Hans-Philipp Walther, Head of Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “Part of the project involved studying different approaches to methane reduction. Previous attempts to use precious-metal catalysts have resulted in the catalyst elements themselves becoming significantly expensive. Additionally, due to poisoning, you either have to use a lot