4.2 Survey and certification
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Marine Environment Protection Committee - Resolution MEPC.184(59) – 2009 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems – (adopted on 17 July 2009) - Annex – 2009 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems - 4 Scheme A - EGC System Approval, Survey and Certification Using Parameter and Emission Checks - 4.2 Survey and certification

4.2 Survey and certification

  4.2.1 Procedures for the certification of an EGC unit

  4.2.1.1 In order to meet the requirements of 4.1 either prior to, or after installation on board, each EGC unit should be certified as meeting the Certified Value specified by the manufacturer (e.g., the emission level the unit is capable of achieving on a continuous basis) under the operating conditions and restrictions as given by the EGC Technical Manual (ETM-A) as approved by the Administration.

  4.2.1.2 Determination of the Certified Value should be in accordance with the provisions of these Guidelines.

  4.2.1.3 Each EGC unit meeting the requirements of 4.2.1.1 should be issued with a SECC by the Administration. The form of the SECC is given in Appendix I.

  4.2.1.4 Application for an SECC should be made by the EGC system manufacturer, shipowner or other party.

  4.2.1.5 Any subsequent EGC units of the same design and rating as that certified under 4.2.1.1 may be issued with an SECC by the Administration without the need for testing in accordance with 4.2.1.1 subject to section 4.1.3 of these Guidelines.

  4.2.1.6 EGC units of the same design, but with ratings different from that certified under 4.2.1.1 may be accepted by the Administration subject to section 4.1.4 of these Guidelines.

  4.2.1.7 EGC units which treat only part of the exhaust gas flow of the uptake in which they are fitted should be subject to special consideration by the Administration to ensure that under all defined operating conditions that the overall emission value of the exhaust gas down stream of the system is no more than the Certified Value.

  4.2.2 EGC System Technical Manual “Scheme A” (ETM-A).

  4.2.2.1 Each EGC unit should be supplied with an ETM-A provided by the manufacturer. This ETM-A should, as a minimum, contain the following information:

  • (a) the identification of the unit (manufacturer, model/type, serial number and other details as necessary) including a description of the unit and any required ancillary systems;

  • (b) the operating limits, or range of operating values, for which the unit is certified. These should, as a minimum, include:

    • (i) maximum and, if applicable, minimum mass flow rate of exhaust gas;

    • (ii) the power, type and other relevant parameters of the fuel oil combustion unit for which the EGC unit is to be fitted. In the cases of boilers, the maximum air/fuel ratio at 100% load should also be given. In the cases of diesel engines whether the engine is of 2 or 4-stroke cycle;

    • (iii) maximum and minimum washwater flow rate, inlet pressures and minimum inlet water alkalinity (ISO 9963-1-2);

    • (iv) exhaust gas inlet temperature ranges and maximum and minimum exhaust gas outlet temperature with the EGC unit in operation;

    • (v) exhaust gas differential pressure range and the maximum exhaust gas inlet pressure with the fuel oil combustion unit operating at MCR or 80% of power rating whichever is appropriate;

    • (vi) salinity levels or fresh water elements necessary to provide adequate neutralizing agents; and

    • (vii) other factors concerning the design and operation of the EGC unit relevant to achieving a maximum emission value no higher than the Certified Value;

  • (c) any requirements or restrictions applicable to the EGC unit or associated equipment necessary to enable the unit to achieve a maximum emission value no higher than the Certified Value;

  • (d) maintenance, service or adjustment requirements in order that the EGC unit can continue to achieve a maximum emission value no higher than the Certified Value. The maintenance, servicing and adjustments should be recorded in the EGC Record Book;

  • (e) corrective actions in case of exceedances of the applicable maximum allowable SO2/CO2 ratio, or wash water discharge criteria;

  • (f) a verification procedure to be used at surveys to ensure that its performance is maintained and that the unit is used as required (see section 4.4);

  • (g) through range performance variation in washwater characteristics;

  • (h) design requirements of the washwater system; and

  • (i) the SECC.

  4.2.2.2 The ETM-A should be approved by the Administration.

  4.2.2.3 The ETM-A should be retained on board the ship onto which the EGC unit is fitted. The ETM-A should be available for surveys as required.

  4.2.2.4 Amendments to the ETM-A which reflect EGC unit changes that affect performance with respect to emissions to air and/or water should be approved by the Administration. Where additions, deletions or amendments to the ETM-A are separate to the ETM-A as initially approved, they should be retained with the ETM-A and should be considered as part of the ETM-A.

  4.2.3 In service surveys

  4.2.3.1 The EGC unit should be subject to survey on installation and at Initial, Annual/Intermediate and Renewals Surveys by the Administration.

  4.2.3.2 In accordance with MARPOL Annex VI regulation 10, EGC units may also be subject to inspection by port State control.

  4.2.3.3 Prior to use each EGC unit should be issued with an SECC by the Administration.

  4.2.3.4 Following the installation survey as required by 4.2.3.1, section 2.6 of the Supplement to the ship’s International Air Pollution Certificate should be duly completed.


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