Exhaust Handling Systems for Marine Vessels and Related Methods

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/660,606, filed May 10, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/369,485, filed Sep. 18, 2023, titled “Exhaust Handling Systems for Marine Vessels and Related Methods,” now U.S. Pat. No. 12,043,361, issued Jul. 23, 2024, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/485,886, filed Feb. 18, 2023, titled “Exhaust Handling Systems for Marine Vessels and Related Methods,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/488,574, filed Mar. 6, 2023, titled “Exhaust Handling Systems for Marine Vessels and Related Methods,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

This disclosure generally relates to marine vessels that travel on navigable bodies of water. More particularly, this disclosure relates to exhaust handling systems for marine vessels and related methods.

A marine vessel may include any suitable vessel or boat that is transportable or movable across a navigable body of water (such as an ocean, lake, river, etc.). Such marine vessels may include engines, motors, generators, and other systems configured to output exhaust fluids (or more simply “exhaust”). Typically, the exhaust is emitted to the atmosphere during operations. However, when multiple marine vessels are concentrated in the same geographical area, the combined exhaust from the marine vessels may significantly degrade the local air quality. Berthing locations such as ports, piers, harbors, moorings, etc., may represent locations where large numbers of marine vessels congregate. Thus, in a number of jurisdictions, rules or regulations regarding the output of exhaust at berthing locations have been or will be implemented to preserve the air quality both within the berthing location and in neighboring areas.

Some embodiments disclosed herein include exhaust handling systems for a marine vessel that are configured to allow selective collection of exhaust output from the exhaust-emitting systems of the marine vessel while at a berthing location. In some embodiments, the collected exhaust may be routed to an exhaust cleaning assembly that may store and/or process the exhaust to prevent harmful chemicals or pollutants within the exhaust from being emitted to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the exhaust handling systems of the embodiments disclosed herein may include a cap that is connected to an upper end portion of an exhaust stack of the marine vessel so as to form an enclosure around one or more (such as a plurality of) exhaust pipes. The collected exhaust may be emitted directly to the atmosphere when the marine vessel is not at a berthing location (or during a situation that requires venting of exhaust to the atmosphere) or may be selectively routed to an exhaust cleaning assembly to avoid such atmospheric venting when the marine vessel is berthed. Accordingly, through use of the embodiments disclosed herein, the exhaust-emitting systems of a marine vessel may continue to operate when the marine vessel is berthed while preventing (or restricting) the emission of exhaust (or at least the harmful and/or polluting components thereof) to the atmosphere.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to exhaust handling system for a marine vessel. In some embodiments, the exhaust handling system includes a cap connected to a top end portion of an exhaust stack of the marine vessel so as to form an enclosure that at least partially surrounds an outlet of an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust stack. In addition, the exhaust handling system includes a collection pipe in fluid communication with the cap such that the collection pipe is configured to receive exhaust from the enclosure. Further, the exhaust handling system includes a coupling connected to the collection pipe that is configured to connect to an exhaust cleaning assembly. The exhaust cleaning system includes at least one tank to receive the exhaust. The cap at least partially defines a first flow path for the exhaust to flow from the enclosure to an atmosphere surrounding the cap. The collection pipe at least partially defines a second flow path for the exhaust to flow from the enclosure to the coupling via the collection pipe.

In some embodiments, the exhaust handling system includes a cap connected to a top end portion of an exhaust stack of the marine vessel so as to form an enclosure that at least partially surrounds an outlet of an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust stack. In addition, the exhaust handling system includes a vent in fluid communication with the enclosure, the vent including at least one valve member that is actuatable between a first position to emit exhaust from the enclosure to an atmosphere surrounding the cap via the vent and a second position to prevent an emission of exhaust from the enclosure to the atmosphere via the vent. Further, the exhaust handling system includes a collection pipe in fluid communication with the enclosure, and a coupling connected to the collection pipe and configured to connect to an exhaust cleaning assembly that includes at least one tank to receive the exhaust.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to exhaust handling system for a marine vessel. In some embodiments, the exhaust handling system includes a cap connected to a top end portion of an exhaust stack of the marine vessel such that the cap is supported by the exhaust stack and such that the cap forms an enclosure that at least partially surrounds an outlet of an exhaust pipes extending through the exhaust stack. In addition, the exhaust handling system includes a pressure-actuated vent in fluid communication with the enclosure. Further, the exhaust handling system includes a collection pipe in fluid communication with the enclosure and configured to connect to an exhaust cleaning assembly that includes at least one tank to receive the exhaust.

Some embodiments are directed to methods. In some embodiment, the method includes (a) positioning a marine vessel in a berthing location, the marine vessel including a deck, an exhaust stack having an top end portion positioned above from the deck, an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust stack to an outlet that is positioned above the top end portion of the exhaust stack, a cap connected to the exhaust stack so as to form an enclosure that at least partially surrounds the outlet of the exhaust pipe, and an collection pipe in fluid communication with the enclosure. In addition, the method includes (b) connecting an exhaust cleaning assembly to the collection pipe after (a), the exhaust cleaning assembly including at least one tank to receive the exhaust. Further, the method includes (c) operating the marine vessel to flow an exhaust emitted from the outlet of the exhaust pipe to the exhaust cleaning assembly after (b) via the collection pipe.

In some embodiments, the method includes (a) positioning a marine vessel in a berthing location, the marine vessel including an exhaust stack, an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust stack to an outlet that is positioned above a top end portion of the exhaust stack, a cap that is connected to the exhaust stack to form an enclosure that surrounds the outlet of the exhaust pipe. In addition, the method includes (b) flowing an exhaust from the enclosure to an atmosphere surrounding the cap via a first flow path during (a), the first flow path at least partially defined by the cap. Further, the method includes (c) connecting an exhaust cleaning assembly positioned at the berthing location to the cap after (a), the exhaust cleaning system including at least one tank to receive the exhaust. Still further, the method includes (d) flowing the exhaust from the enclosure to the exhaust cleaning assembly via a second flow path after (b), the second flow path at least partially defined by the cap.

Embodiments described herein include a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of some of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.

As previously described, the exhaust from marine vessels at a berthing location may degrade air quality and may even be restricted by local rules and regulations. However, ceasing operation of all exhaust-emitting systems on a marine vessel may not be desirable or feasible while the marine vessel is at the berthing location. For instance, electrical generation systems (for example, diesel generators, turbine generators, etc.) may continue to operate so that other electrically operated systems and assemblies of the marine vessel (for example, communications systems, safety systems, control systems, water and sewage systems, HVAC systems, etc.) may also be operated while at the berthing location. In addition, some berthing locations do not have sufficient infrastructure to support and operate these various systems and assemblies of the berthed marine vessels independently of the onboard exhaust-emitting systems.

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include exhaust handling systems for a marine vessel that are configured to allow selective collection of exhaust output from the exhaust-emitting systems of the marine vessel while at a berthing location. In some embodiments, the collected exhaust may be routed to an exhaust cleaning assembly that may store and/or process the exhaust to prevent harmful chemicals or pollutants within the exhaust from being emitted to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the exhaust handling systems of the embodiments disclosed herein may include a cap that is fixed to an upper end of an exhaust stack of the marine vessel so as to form an enclosure around one or more (e.g., a plurality of) exhaust pipes. The collected exhaust may be emitted directly to the atmosphere when the marine vessel is not at a berthing location (or during a situation that requires venting of exhaust to the atmosphere) or may be selectively routed to an exhaust cleaning assembly to avoid such atmospheric venting when the marine vessel is berthed. Accordingly, through use of the embodiments disclosed herein, the exhaust-emitting systems of a marine vessel may continue to operate when the marine vessel is berthed while preventing (or restricting) the emission of exhaust (or at least the harmful and/or polluting components thereof) to the atmosphere.

Reference is now made to, which shows a marine vesseland an exhaust handling systemaccording to some embodiments. The marine vesselmay include any suitable vessel or ship that may travel within or across a navigable body of water such as, for instance, an ocean, a sea, a lake, a river, a channel, etc. In some embodiments, the marine vesselmay be a cargo vessel, such as a container ship, tankship, reefer ship, etc. Marine vesselincludes a rear end (or stern), a front end (or bow)opposite rear end, and a main deck (or more simply “deck”)extending between ends,. Deckmay define an exterior surface (or collection of exterior surfaces) on the marine vesselthat may be accessed by personnel.

A rudderand propellermay be positioned at (or proximate to) rear end. As is known to one having ordinary skill in the art, the propellermay provide propulsion to the marine vessel, and the ruddermay be turned to steer the marine vesselwithin a body of water.

An accommodation deck (or more simply “accommodation”)is positioned atop deck. The accommodationis the living space of the marine vesseland may include one or more cabins (or rooms), galleys, store rooms, messrooms, or other rooms that may be used by personnel. A bridgemay be positioned atop (or adjacent to) the accommodation. The bridgemay include one or more controls for the marine vesselincluding (for instance) steering controls, communications systems, other system controls, etc.

As shown in, an exhaust stackmay extend upward and away from deck. The exhaust stackmay sometimes be referred to as an “exhaust funnel.” The exhaust stackmay be positioned adjacent the accommodationand bridgealong deck. Specifically, the exhaust stackmay be positioned between bridgeand rear endalong deckin some embodiments. Exhaust stackmay extend upward from deckto a top end portion. One or more (such as one or a plurality of) exhaust pipesextend through exhaust stackand out of the top end portion. Specifically, each exhaust pipehas an outletthat is extended out of the exhaust stackand positioned above the top end portion

During operations, each exhaust pipe(or some of the exhaust pipes) may output exhaust fluid (or “exhaust”). Specifically, as shown in, each exhaust pipeis fluidly connected to one or more exhaust-emitting systems,,(collectively referred to as “exhaust-emitting systems”). For instance, the exhaust-emitting systemsof marine vesselmay include diesel electric generator(s), boilers, inert gas systems, or other systems or assemblies that may output combustion (or other) exhaust during operations. Accordingly, marine vesselincludes an exhaust handling systemthat is configured to selectively collect and route exhaust emitted from the exhaust pipesto an exhaust cleaning assembly (not shown inbut see exhaust cleaning assemblyshown inand described herein).

As shown in, exhaust cleaning assemblyincludes a capthat is connected to exhaust stack. Specifically, capmay be connected to top end portionof exhaust stackso as to form or define an enclosurethat surrounds (or at least partially surrounds) the outletsof each of the exhaust pipes. As will be described in more detail below, the enclosuremay collect exhaust emitted from the outletsof exhaust pipes. A collection pipeextends from captoward the deckand is connected to the capsuch that the collection pipeis in fluid communication with the enclosure. Thus, during operations, exhaust may be collected within enclosureand routed toward deckvia collection pipe.

In some embodiments, the capmay be connected to the exhaust stackso that the outletsof less than all of the exhaust pipesare surrounded (at least partially) by the enclosure. Thus, in some embodiments, the outletsof one or more of the exhaust pipesmay be positioned outside of the enclosureand the outlets of one or more of the exhaust pipesmay be positioned inside the enclosure. For instance, without being limited to this or any other theory, outlet pipesassociated with the main engine of the marine vesselmay not normally emit exhaust (or may not emit a substantial volume of exhaust) when the marine vesselis stationary at a berthing location. Thus, the outlet pipesassociated with the main engine of the marine vesselmay not be positioned in the enclosureso as to minimize a size and complexity of the capas well as to avoid constriction of the exhaust flow out from the main engine of the marine vesselwhen the marine vesselis not at a berthing location. In some embodiments, multiple capsmay be attached to exhaust stack(or to multiple exhaust stacksdepending on the configuration of the marine vessel) so that different capsmay surrounding (at least partially) different ones or groups of the exhaust pipesduring operations. For instance, in some embodiments, a first capmay be positioned on a first exhaust stackso as to surround (at least partially) one or more exhaust pipesextending therethrough, and a second capmay be positioned on a second exhaust stackso as to surround (at least partially) one or more exhaust pipesextending therethrough.

Collection pipe(or a portion of collection pipe) may include a rigid pipe that is rigidly connected (such as via brackets, welding, bolting, riveting, etc.) to capand marine vessel(). In some embodiments, the collection pipe(or a portion of the collection pipe) may include flexible ductwork (or ducting) such as, for instance, flexible hoses and the like that may be readily deformed and maneuvered during operations. In some embodiments, the collection pipemay be temporarily connected to the capand/or the marine vesselso as to allow collection pipeto be easily removed when not in use (such as when marine vesselis not at a berthing location). In addition, in some embodiments, the collection pipe(whether it includes rigid pipe and/or flexible ductwork) may include one or more layers of thermal insulation.

Collection pipemay include or be connected to a couplingthat, as will be described in more detail below, may be connected to an exhaust cleaning assembly during operations. The couplingmay be positioned at or proximate to the decksuch that the couplingmay be accessible from the deck. Thus, during operations, personnel may interact with the coupling(for example, to connect the couplingand collection pipeto an exhaust cleaning assembly) from the deck. Further details of the exhaust handling systemare now described below according to some embodiments.

As shown in, in some embodiments the capmay include an upper closed end(or more simply “upper end”) and a lower open end(or more simply “lower end”) opposite the upper end. In some embodiments, the capmay be shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, such that the capincludes a planar topand a plurality of (e.g., four) planar sidesextending from planar topto lower end. However, other shapes are contemplated for cap, such as, for instance, cylindrical, conical, triangular prism, irregular shape, etc. As best shown in, the topand sidesdefine the enclosure. During operations, capmay be connected to top end portionof exhaust stacksuch that the enclosuresurrounds the outletsof the exhaust pipesas previously described. In addition, the collection pipemay be fluidly connected to the enclosureon one of the planar sides.

A plurality of flow paths are defined within exhaust handling systemto route exhaust out of the enclosureof capduring operation. For instance, as shown in, one or more first flow pathsmay allow exhaust to flow from the enclosureto the atmospheresurrounding the cap. For instance, the first flow path(s)may extend out of the enclosureand through one or more vents,to the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, the first flow path(s)may be at least partially defined by the capand one or more of the vents,.

The ventsare connected to the capsuch that they are in fluid communication with the enclosure. The ventsmay include an actuatable vent. For example, in some embodiments, the ventsmay have a valve or valve member(such as a gate valve, flapper valve, butterfly valve, etc.) that is actuatable between an open position and a closed position. When the valve memberof a ventis in the open position, the ventmay allow exhaust to flow therethrough and into the surrounding atmosphere, and when the valve memberof a ventis in the closed position, the ventmay prevent (or restrict) the flow of exhaust therethrough to the surrounding atmosphere. In some embodiments, the valve membersof ventsmay be actuated between the open and closed positions by a controller (such as controllershown inand described herein) and/or manually by personnel. In some embodiments, the vents(more specifically the valve members) may be pressure actuated (such that the ventsmay be “pressure-actuated vents”). Specifically, in some embodiments, the valve memberof one or more of the ventsmay biased such that the valve memberis configured to open when a sufficient differential pressure is applied across the vent(and against the bias applied to the valve member). For instance, in some embodiments, the valve member(s)of one or more of the ventsmay be biased to the closed position (for example, via a spring or other suitable biasing member or assembly), and when a pressure within the enclosurerises above a threshold, the valve member(s)of the one or more of the ventsmay transition from the closed position to the open position to allow exhaust to flow out of the enclosureto the surrounding atmosphere.

The ventmay be connected to capsuch that ventis in fluid communication with the enclosure. The ventmay be positioned along the planar topof capand may be also be configured to transition between a closed position and an open position to selectively prevent and allow exhaust to flow out of enclosureto the surrounding atmosphere, respectively. As shown in, in some embodiments, the ventmay include a housingthat defines an opening or flow paththerethrough. The housingis mounted to the planar topso that the openingforms or defines an opening in the planar topof cap. A plurality of louversare pivotably connected to the housingsuch that the louversare parallel to one another and span across the opening. Each louveris pivotably connected to the housingvia a corresponding hingeso that the louversmay pivot about the hinge, relative to the housingduring operations. Specifically, the louversmay be pivoted about the hingesbetween a first or closed position shown inand a second or open position shown in(as well as a plurality of positions between the closed position ofand the open position of). Thus, the ventmay be referred to herein as an “actuatable vent” similar to embodiments of the ventpreviously described, and the louversmay be referred to as actuatable “valve members” or “valves” similar to embodiments of the valve membersof ventspreviously described.

When the louversare in the closed position (), the louversmay engage, interlock, overlay, overlap, and/or otherwise cooperate with one another so as to cover and therefore occlude the opening. As a result, when the louversare in the closed position (), exhaust is prevented (or is at least restricted) from flowing out of the enclosureto the surrounding atmosphere. In some embodiments, the louversmay include or be connected to seals (such as compliant seals) that may further enhance the ability of louversto prevent (or at least restrict) the flow of exhaust out of the enclosurevia the openingwhen louversare in the closed position (). Conversely, when the louversare in the opening position (), the louversmay rotate or pivot about the hingesso as to disengage with one another and thereby open or uncover the openingof housingand place the surrounding atmospherein fluid communication with the enclosure.

The louversmay be synchronously rotated about the hingesbetween the closed position () and the open position () by a suitable transmission or connection(such as a connection bar, gears-such as rack and pinion gears, or other suitable connection device or assembly). A drivermay be connected to the louvers(such as directly connected to louversor indirectly connected to louversvia connection). In some embodiments, the drivermay include a suitable motor, such as, for instance, an electric motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, etc. In some embodiments, the drivermay include a manual driver such as a chain pull, lever, or other manually operated device. During operations, the drivermay actuate the louvers(such as via the connection) to rotate or transition between the closed position () and the closed position () to selectively prevent (or restrict) or allow, respectively, exhaust to flow out of the enclosureto the surrounding atmosphere. In some embodiments, the ventmay also include a fan or blower that may draw exhaust out of the enclosureand through the openingand into the atmospherewhen the louversare in the open position (). Still further, in some embodiments, the louversmay be actuated between the open position and the closed position by a differential pressure applied across the ventbetween the enclosureand the atmosphere. For instance, the drivermay be connected to or may include a pressure sensor and may actuate the louversbased on an output thereof. As another example, the louversmay be rotationally biased (for example, via torsional springs or other biasing members or systems) toward the closed position () and may transition to the open position () in response to a sufficient differential pressure between the enclosureand atmosphere. Thus, the ventmay also be referred to herein as a “pressure-actuated vent” as described herein.

As shown in, in some embodiments, first flow path(s)may extend through one or more of the vents,positioned on the planar topof the cap. In some embodiments, the first flow path(s)may extend through vent(s)and/or ventsthat are positioned along collection pipe. In some embodiments, a plurality of first flow pathsmay extend out of the enclosurevia vents,in the planar topand/or the collection pipe; however, in some embodiments, a single first flow pathmay extend out of the enclosurevia a ventor a ventin either the planar topor the collection pipe. Still further, in some embodiments, a first flow pathmay extend out of the enclosurevia a ventand/or a ventthat is positioned along and/or coupled to one of the planar sidesof cap.

As shown in, one or more second flow pathsmay allow exhaust to flow out of the enclosurevia the collection pipe. Thus, the one or more second flow pathsmay be at least partially defined by the capand the collection pipe. As previously described, the collection pipemay extend from the capto the coupling(that may be accessible from the deckof marine vesselas previously described). In particular, the couplingmay include any suitable coupling mechanism that is configured to connect the collection pipeto an exhaust cleaning assembly (such as the exhaust cleaning assemblyshown in) via a suitable conduit (for example, a hose, pipe, tubing, etc.). For instance, in some embodiments, the couplingmay include a flanged coupling, quick connect coupling, threaded coupling, union, clamped coupling, or some combination thereof. A valveis positioned along the collection pipebetween the enclosureand the coupling. The valvemay be actuated between an open position to allow exhaust to flow along collection pipevia second flow pathto coupling, and a closed position to prevent (or at least restrict) the flow of exhaust along the collection pipevia second flow pathto coupling. In some embodiments, the valvemay be actuated between the open and closed positions by a controller (such as the controllershown in) and/or manually by personnel.

A cleanout portmay be positioned along the collection pipebetween the couplingand the enclosure. Specifically, the cleanout portmay be positioned along collection pipeso that it is accessible from the deckof marine vessel. The cleanout portis configured to provide access into the collection pipeindependent of the couplingso that personnel may clean out or remove debris that may collect within the collection pipeduring operations and thereby prevent the second flow path(or one or more of the first flow paths) from becoming obstructed. In some embodiments, the clean out portmay be closed or occluded via a flanged cap; however, any suitable caping or closing device (such as a hatch, blind, etc.) may be utilized to close the cleanout portin some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the capmay be permanently or fixedly installed on the marine vessel. Specifically, the capmay remain connected and fixed to the exhaust stackboth when the marine vessel is at berth (such as at a berthing location) and when the marine vesselis not at a berthing location and is moving across a body of water (for example, across an ocean or lake). Thus, the capmay remain fixed to the exhaust stackso that the capmay not be readily lifted or removed from the exhaustwithout breaking or disconnecting the connections between the capand exhaust stack. In some embodiments, the capmay be welded to the exhaust stack. In some embodiments, the capmay be integrally formed as part of the exhaust stackitself. In some embodiments, the capmay be fixed to the exhaust stackvia one or more of a bolted connection, a rivetted connection, or other suitable connections or structures.

In some embodiments, the capmay be temporarily connected to the exhaust stacksuch that the capmay be installed on the exhaust stackwhen the marine vesselis positioned at a berthing location and then may be removed when the marine vesselis to move out of (or away from) the berthing location. In some embodiments, the capmay be temporarily installed on the exhaust stackvia clamps, a shouldered engagement (such as by resting the capon an external shelf or shoulder of the exhaust stack), and/or any other suitable temporary connection.

Regardless as to whether the capis permanently or temporarily connected to the exhaust stack, in some embodiments, the capmay be supported (such as fully supported) by the exhaust stack. That is, the weight of the capmay be borne by the exhaust stack(or other frames, structures, or other components of the marine vessel) during operations so that a crane or other lifting device may not be attached to the capduring operations. A crane (or other lifting device) may be utilized to lower the caponto exhaust stackor lift the capaway from the exhaust stack; however, once the capis connected to the exhaust stack, the crane (or other lifting device) may be disconnected from capand the weight of the capmay be borne by the exhaust stackand/or other portions or components of the marine vessel.

The flow paths,may selectively route exhaust out of the enclosurewhen the marine vesselis and is not at berth. For instance, during operations, when the marine vesselis not at berth (such as when marine vesselis moving across or within a body of water), exhaust emitted from the outletsof exhaust pipesmay flow into the enclosureand then is emitted from the enclosurevia the one or more first flow paths. Specifically, when the marine vesselis not at berth, the valvepositioned along the collection pipemay be transitioned to the closed position to prevent exhaust from flowing out of enclosureand toward the deckvia the coupling. As a result, the exhaust emitted from the outletsof exhaust pipesmay flow out of the enclosureto the surrounding atmospherevia the vent(s)and/or the vent(s)along the first flow path(s). As previously described, the vents,may be actuated (e.g., via controller, personnel, etc.) to the open position to allow the exhaust to flow out of the enclosureto the surrounding atmosphere. Alternatively, for embodiments in which the vents,are pressure-actuated as previously described, the emission of the exhaust from the outletsof exhaust pipesinto enclosureincreases the pressure within the enclosure(e.g., such as when the valveis closed) until one or more of the vent(s),are transitioned to the open position to vent the exhaust to the surrounding atmospherealong the first flow path(s).

As shown in, when the marine vesselis at berth (for example, is moored or docked at a berthing location as previously described), the exhaust emitted into the enclosurevia the outletsof exhaust pipesmay be flowed out of the enclosurevia the second flow path. Specifically, when the marine vesselis at berth, an exhaust cleaning assemblymay be connected to the couplingof the collection pipevia a conduit, and valve() may be transitioned to the open position. As a result, exhaust emitted from outletsof exhaust pipesmay be flowed out of the enclosureto the exhaust cleaning assemblyvia the second flow pathand conduit. As is known by one having ordinary skill in the art, within the exhaust cleaning assembly, the exhaust may be treated via one or more suitable processes or assemblies to remove some or all of the pollutants or other harmful constituents of the exhaust (e.g., nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), soot, etc.). In some embodiments, the exhaust cleaning assemblymay simply capture and store the exhaust such that the exhaust may then be transferred to a suitable cleaning process or other storage facility. Thus, in some embodiments, the exhaust cleaning assemblymay include one or more tanks (or other suitable vesselsthat are configured to receive and store the exhaust (or some other fluid such as treated exhaust, treatment fluids, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the exhaust cleaning systemmay include one or more reactorssuch as catalyst reactors, that are configured to treat or clean the exhaust during operations.

Regardless of the particular makeup or function of the exhaust cleaning assembly(such whether the exhaust cleaning assemblyis configured to treat or simply store exhaust during operations), the exhaust emitted from the outletsof exhaust pipesmay be prevented from flowing (or mostly restricted from flowing) to the atmosphereat the berthing location when couplingis connected to exhaust cleaning assemblyvia conduit. For instance, when the exhaust is flowing along the second flow pathto the exhaust cleaning assembly, the vent(s),may be actuated to the closed position (such as via a controller or personnel or by a differential pressure between the atmosphereand enclosure/collection pipe) to prevent a flow of exhaust along the first flow path(s). As a result, the atmospheric conditions at the berthing location may be improved without having to shut down the exhaust-emitting systems() of the marine vessel.

As shown in, in some embodiments, the exhaust cleaning assemblymay be positioned on at barge or other marine vessel that is positioned proximate to (e.g., alongside) the marine vesselwhile the marine vesselis at the berthing location. As shown in, in some embodiments, the exhaust cleaning assemblymay be positioned onshore at the berthing location. In some embodiments, the exhaust cleaning assembly(or a portion thereof) may be remote from the berthing location (e.g., one or more miles away from the berthing location) and the conduitmay include (or be connected to) a suitable pipeline or other suitable infrastructure to transport the exhaust from the berthing location to the remotely located exhaust cleaning assembly.

As shown in, as previously described, in some embodiments, exhaust is output from the outletsof the exhaust pipesinto the enclosure, and then the exhaust may be flowed out of the enclosurevia the one or more first flow pathsor one or more second flow paths. However in some embodiments, the collection pipemay be individually connected to the outletsof one or more of the exhaust pipesvia a plurality of pipe connections. The pipe connections(or more simply “connections”) may include any suitable conduit and/or connector that may connected to and thus in fluid communication with the outletsto the collection pipe. For instance, in some embodiments, the pipe connectionsmay include pipes, hoses, tubing, or some combination thereof. During operations with the embodiment depicted in, exhaust emitted from the outletsof the exhaust pipesmay flow directly into the collection pipevia the plurality of pipe connectionsand may thus bypass (and not flow into) the enclosuredefined by cap. In some embodiments, the pipe connectionmay route exhaust from one or more of the exhaust pipesseparately from exhaust from one or more others of the exhaust pipes. For instance, one or more of the exhaust pipesmay output exhaust to an exhaust cleaning systemvia the pipe connectionsand collection pipeand one or more others of the exhaust pipesmay output exhaust to the atmosphereand/or another exhaust cleaning systemvia the enclosureand another collection pipe(not shown) connected to cap.

As is shown in, for embodiments that include pipe connectionsfor individually connecting the outletof exhaust pipesto collection pipe, the one or more first flow pathsmay extend from the collection pipethrough one or more vents(or one or more vents) connected to collection pipe. Thus, in these embodiments, the first flow path(s)may bypass the enclosure. Vent(s),may also be positioned on the cap(e.g., along planar top) to allow exhaust (or other fluid) to vent from enclosure(e.g., in the event the exhaust is leaking from pipes, connections, collection pipe, etc.). In addition, for the embodiment of, the second flow pathmay extend though the collection pipetoward the deckand couplingas shown inand previously described.

As shown in, in some embodiments, each pipe connectionmay independently route the exhaust emitted from the corresponding exhaust pipeout of the enclosureof capvia a separate collection pipe. Thus, in these embodiments, the common collection pipemay be omitted. However, in some embodiments, each of the separate collection pipes(or some of the collection pipes) may be nested within the common collection pipe. As shown in, in some embodiments, the separate collection pipesmay independently route exhaust from the outletsof exhaust pipesto the surrounding atmosphereor to one or more exhaust cleaning assemblies (such as, exhaust cleaning assembly). For instance, within each of the separate collection pipes, a first flow pathmay be defined that routes exhaust from the corresponding collection pipeand out to the surrounding atmospherevia a ventthat is connected to the corresponding collection pipe. In addition, within each of the separate collection pipes, a second flow pathmay be defined that routes exhaust from the corresponding collection pipetoward a couplingconnected to the corresponding collection pipeand accessible from the deckof the marine vessel(). Each of the couplings(or some of the couplings) connected to the separate collection pipesmay be connected (such as, via a conduit such as conduitshown in) to an exhaust cleaning assembly (e.g., exhaust cleaning assemblyshown in) when the marine vesselis at a berthing location as previously described.

Reference is now generally made to, in which an example sequence or method for routing exhaust from the marine vesselvia the exhaust handling systemwhen the marine vesselis positioned at a berthing location(such that the marine vesselis berthed) and when the marine vesselis traveling into and out of the berthing locationis shown according to some embodiments. In describing the sequence shown in, continuing reference will be made to the various features of embodiments of marine vesseland exhaust handling systemshown inand previously described above.

Initially, as shown in, the marine vesselmay travel toward the berthing location. For instance, as previously described, the berthing locationmay include a port, dock, harbor, mooring, etc., and the marine vesselmay travel to the berthing locationfor any suitable reason (such as to offload or receive cargo, undergo repairs, refuel, offload or receive personnel, undergo inspection, etc.). When the marine vesselis traveling (such as across a body of water such an ocean, lake, channel, etc.), the exhaust emitted from exhaust stack(particularly from the exhaust pipesextending through exhaust stack), may be vented to the surrounding atmospherevia the first flow path(s)() extending out of the cap. An exhaust cleaning assemblymay be positioned at (or accessible from) the berthing locationas previously described. For instance, as previously described, the exhaust cleaning assemblymay be positioned on a barge that is floating on the water within the berthing location, or the exhaust cleaning assemblymay be positioned onshore at the berthing location(or at a remote location from the berthing locationand accessible via pipeline or other suitable infrastructure as previously described).

As shown in, once the marine vesselis positioned within the berthing location, the exhaust handling systemmay be fluidly connected to the exhaust cleaning assemblyvia couplingand conduitas previously described. As a result, while the marine vesselis berthed, any exhaust emitted from the exhaust stack(particularly from the one or more exhaust pipes) may be flowed to the exhaust cleaning assemblyvia the exhaust handling systemto be stored (such as in the one or more tanks), cleaned (such as via the one or more reactors), or otherwise processed as previously described. Thereafter, as shown in, when the time comes for marine vesselto depart from the berthing location, the exhaust cleaning assemblymay be disconnected from the exhaust handling system, and the marine vesselmay travel out of and away from the berthing location. Once the exhaust handling systemis disconnected from exhaust cleaning assemblyand while marine vesselis traveling out of and away from the berthing location, any exhaust emitted from exhaust stack(particularly the one or more exhaust pipes) may once again be emitted to the surrounding atmospherevia the first flow path(s)() extending out of the cap.

Thus, exhaust emitted from the exhaust stackof marine vesselmay be continuously vented via the exhaust handling systemboth when the marine vesselis berthed (such as at the berthing location) and when the marine vesselis away from the berthing location(and traveling to and away therefrom). By permanently fixing and integrating the exhaust handling system(including capand collection pipe) onto the marine vessel, personnel may simply connect the conduitto the couplingupon arrival at the berthing location, thereby eliminating the need to use heavy-lift equipment, such as a crane, to transfer or place a temporary cap atop the exhaust stackonce the marine vesselarrives at the berthing location. Accordingly, when the marine vesselis berthed (such as at a berthing location) exhaust-emitting systems (such as exhaust-emitting systemsshown in) may continue to operate so as to support operation of the marine vesseland any sub-systems thereof, and exhaust may be prevented (or restricted) from being emitted into the surrounding atmospherewithin the berthing location. As a result, the air quality of a berthing locationmay be maintained, even is multiple marine vesselsare positioned therein.

As shown in, in some embodiments, a controllermay be used to control the flow of exhaust through the exhaust handling systemduring operation of the marine vesselboth when the marine vesselis berthed (for example, at berthing locationshown in) and when the marine vesselis not berthed. The controllermay be (or may be incorporated within) a main or master controller onboard the marine vessel, or the controllermay be a standalone controllerfor controlling the flow of exhaust through the exhaust handling system. In either case, the controllermay be described and referred to herein as being a part of the exhaust handling system. The controllermay be positioned onboard the marine vessel, such as on the bridge; however, controllermay be positioned at any location (or distributed among multiple locations) onboard or off the marine vessel.

The controllermay be a computing device, such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, server, or other computing device or system. Thus, controllermay include a processorand a memory. The processormay include any suitable processing device or a collection of processing devices. In some embodiments, the processormay include a microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), timing controller (TCON), scaler unit, or some combination thereof. During operations, the processorexecutes machine-readable instructions (such as machine-readable instructions) stored on memory, thereby causing the processorto perform some or all of the actions attributed herein to the controller. In general, processorfetches, decodes, and executes instructions (e.g., machine-readable instructions). In addition, processormay also perform other actions, such as, making determinations, detecting conditions or values, etc., and communicating signals. If processorassists another component in performing a function, then processormay be said to cause the component to perform the function.

The memorymay be any suitable device or collection of devices for storing digital information including data and machine-readable instructions (such as machine-readable instructions). For instance, the memorymay include volatile storage (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile storage (e.g., flash storage, read-only memory (ROM), etc.), or combinations of both volatile and non-volatile storage. Data read or written by the processorwhen executing machine-readable instructionscan also be stored on memory. Memorymay include “non-transitory machine-readable medium,” where the term “non-transitory” does not include or encompass transitory propagating signals.

The processormay include one processing device or a plurality of processing devices that are distributed within controlleror more broadly within marine vessel. Likewise, the memorymay include one memory device or a plurality of memory devices that are distributed within controlleror more broadly within marine vessel.

The controllermay be communicatively connected (such as via wired and/or wireless connection) to a user interface(such as a monitor, display, computing device, touch-sensitive screen or other surface, keyboard, mouse, or some combination thereof). During operations, a user (e.g., personnel onboard the marine vessel) may view information output from the controlleron the user interface(such as the position or status of one or more of the sensors,, vent(s), vent(s), valve, coupling, etc.). In addition, during operations, a user may make inputs to the controllervia the user interface(such as commands to open valveand/or vent(s),).

Controllermay be connected to various sensors (such as sensors,) positioned throughout the exhaust handling system. For instance, controllermay be connected to a pressure sensorthat is connected to the capand configured to detect or measure a pressure within the enclosure(or value indicative thereof). In addition, controllermay be connected to a pressure sensorthat is connected to the collection pipeand configured to detect or measure a pressure within the collection pipe(or a value indicative thereof). The pressure sensors,may be any suitable device that is configured to measure, detect, or determine a pressure (or value indicative thereof) within a given area, volume, location. For instance, in some embodiments, the pressure sensors,may include strain gauges, capacitance-based pressure sensors, solid-state pressure sensors, manometers, barometers, resistive pressure sensors, etc.