Marine emissions detector exploits cascade laser

12 Sep 2006

Growing demands from the EU are driving BP to consider the quantum cascade laser approach to gas assessment.

Cascade Technologies has secured a technology licensing deal with BP, worth at least GBP 4 milion ($7.5 million) to the company over the next three years.

The partnership will see Cascade, a pioneer in the development of quantum cascade lasers (QCL), develop new emissions monitoring systems for the marine industry.

BP Marine, a subsidiary of BP, has invested in Cascade for access to the QCL technology. Cascade will give technical support to approve the laser-based analyser system.

Krystallon - a joint venture between BP Marine and Kittiwake established to develop innovative pollution abatement methodologies - will supply the sensors and develop the data recording and data transmission systems. QCL technology is lightweight, virtually maintenance-free and has capabilities to measure "greenhouse" gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and sulphur oxides (SO_x).

"We are excited at the prospect of working alongside BP to develop this new application for our ground-breaking technology, which will allow BP to measure emissions more quickly, accurately and cost-effectively," said John Fuller, chief executive of Cascade.

"Cascade developed and patented the world's first real-time technology for the detection of emissions, as well as gas and explosives compounds, through its application of QCLs. The technology offers unprecedented levels of sensitivity and the ability to quickly analyse complex gases."

The deal with BP was struck in response to the introduction of sulphur emission control areas (SECAs), which set limits on sulphur oxide emissions from ship exhausts. Furthermore, recent maritime legislation limits the emissions of oxides of nitrogen from ship engines, as well as emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

BP Marine believes that the new technology will help the shipping industry meet regulations governing the emissions of NO_x and SO_x and likely more stringent in-port requirements of the European Union.

All ships must carry an International Air Pollution Prevention certificate, which certifies that the ship is in compliance with the International Maritime Organisation's requirements. From January 2010, the EU will require that all marine fuel used in EU ports must have a sulphur content below 0.1%.

About Cascade Technologies

Cascade Technologies employs its core technology - based around the application of QCLs - to design, develop and supply innovative solutions for a range of global markets. These include the monitoring of "greenhouse" and general industrial emissions, hazardous gases, and explosives and drugs.