SodaFlexx Product – What is N-Flexx Technology?

The system operates in full compliance with the emission standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for SECA regions and can reduce SOx emissions to 0.1% sulphur equivalent while continuing to use high-sulphur fuels (HSFO).

The system's operating principle is based on the automatic dosing of the SOLVAir® brand sodium bicarbonate sorbent, developed by Solvay, into the exhaust line.

This substance reacts chemically with the sulphur oxides (SOx) in the exhaust gas, converting them into sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄), a stable, non-toxic and environmentally harmless salt.

This compound is a harmless mineral commonly found in nature, and its discharge into the sea is completely safe from an environmental perspective.

The system operates entirely on a dry principle; no seawater is used, no wastewater is produced, and no discharge-related pollution occurs.

Furthermore, thanks to Solvay's global production and logistics network, the sodium bicarbonate used in the system is readily available worldwide, ensuring supply continuity for ship operations.

N-Flexx technology is patented, approved by international classification societies (IACS members), flag authorities and environmental agencies, and is actively used on many commercial vessels worldwide.

How is N-Flexx Different from Classic Scrubber Systems?

Compared to traditional open-loop and hybrid wet scrubber systems, N-Flexx offers lower investment costs, reduced energy consumption, and significantly faster installation.

The system eliminates the need for seawater pumps, GRE piping, or wastewater treatment systems, thereby substantially reducing both energy load and maintenance costs.

Installation can be completed within a few days without requiring a dry dock.

As it operates independently of fuel type, ships can continue to use high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) while achieving significant savings in fuel costs.

Furthermore, the system can operate at full capacity even in ports and coastal areas with discharge restrictions.

In this respect, N-Flexx is an IMO-compliant, environmentally conscious and future-proof DeSOx solution.

What are the Operational Advantages?

The N-Flexx system operates with minimal human intervention thanks to its fully automated control infrastructure.

The system's CEMS (Continuous Emission Monitoring System) unit continuously measures the SOx/CO₂ ratio in the exhaust gas and automatically adjusts the sodium bicarbonate dosage accordingly.

The system also continuously tracks the vessel's GPS position. When the vessel enters a SECA (Sulphur Emission Control Area) or ECA (Emission Control Area), the system automatically activates; when it leaves the area, it automatically switches to standby mode.

This intelligent automation ensures the correct treatment at the right time without requiring manual intervention by personnel.

The system is also extremely user-friendly in terms of maintenance.

Problems commonly seen in classic scrubber systems, such as seawater pump and pipeline corrosion, filter clogging or marine organism accumulation, have been completely eliminated in N-Flexx.

The system's waterless design saves energy and reduces long-term maintenance requirements to almost zero.

Only periodic annual checks are required; all other processes are automatically managed by the system.

Partnership between Rhine Projects International GmbH and Flexx Groep

Rhine Projects International GmbH is an international engineering and specialist contracting company based in Germany, recognised for projects completed in over 40 countries across 4 continents.

Flexx Groep is a company based in the Netherlands that develops powder-based environmental technologies and offers innovative engineering solutions in the industrial and maritime sectors.

The two companies have been pursuing a partnership for five years under Flexx Groep's CemFlexx (cement technologies) and SodaFlexx (maritime technologies) brands.

This partnership brings together the engineering expertise and technological capabilities of both companies to produce comprehensive solutions in the areas of industrial efficiency, environmental sustainability and innovation.

The N-Flexx system, developed as a result of this shared vision, represents a new generation of scrubber-free DeSOx solutions for the maritime sector.

Its patented design, class approvals, GPS-based smart automation, worldwide active use, and Solvay technology-based engineering infrastructure demonstrate the innovative power and long-term vision of this partnership.

Deniz Sofu, Head of Business Development

Source: 7deniz Magazine