ANALYSIS OF SPECIFIC FUEL CONSUMPTION BY SHIP INERT GAS GENERATOR: NITROGEN VS COMBUSTION-TYPE

The paper compares two methods of generating inert gas on ships. The advantages and disadvantages of two inert gas generators are considered: membrane nitrogen generator and combustion-type generator. Based on the analysis of electricity and fuel consumption of both systems, it was shown that the membrane nitrogen generator outperforms the combustion-type inert gas generator. Specific fuel consumption for a nitrogen generator (at 5 % of oxygen on inert gas) is more than two times less compared with a combustion-type one: 34.8 kg/nm3 vs 78.5 kg/nm3. However, when the required oxygen content in the inert gas decreases, the membrane nitrogen generator will be inherent in higher electricity consumption, requiring further analysis of its feasibility compared to the combustiontype one.