The filter technology developed by VolkerWessels, with which up to 99% of nitrogen emissions can be reduced during the realisation phase of projects, is now also available for mobile equipment. With the help of two new variants of the so-called NoNOx filter, large mobile equipment such as drilling rigs and pile drivers and smaller mobile equipment such as excavators, asphalt spreaders and shovels, can be used on the construction site virtually nitrogen-free.
NoNOx 500
The NoNOx 500 is intended for engines up to 500 kW and has a size of 3.00 by 1.40 by 1.70 metres and is in fact a more compact version of the first NoNOx with the same capacity. The nitrogen filter has been designed so that it is easy to use in practice and, with the help of a flexible connection, can be directly connected and mounted on large equipment such as drilling rigs and pile drivers. The NoNOx 500 has already been used successfully on a number of VolkerWessels projects in the Netherlands. This NoNOx technology is also available in the rental market via the VolkerWessels Materieeldienst. For questions, please contact Dick van de Laar, Director Materieeldienst: +31 6 5111 2613.
NoNOx 150
The NoNOx 150 is intended for engines up to 150 kW and has the size of a large suitcase (90 by 60 by 50 cm). This smaller version has been developed for mobile equipment such as excavators, asphalt spreaders and shovels. The NoNOx 150 is currently being tested on a VolkerWessels project in Amsterdam and is expected to be fully operational from September.
The two new filter units work on the basis of the same technology as the filter unit for stationary equipment (including generators and construction cranes), which was introduced by VolkerWessels in February 2020. The NoNOx filter consists of a number of proven technological components, which have been cleverly linked together. The filter converts the NOx present in the exhaust gases into non-hazardous substances, enabling nitrogen emissions during the construction phase to be reduced by up to 99%.
Dennis in 't Groen, one of the initiators of the technological development at VolkerWessels: "With the new NoNOx filters for mobile equipment we are taking another important step in reducing nitrogen emissions during the construction phase. Our solution can ensure that important projects, hampered by the emissions problem, can be carried out again quickly".
Nitrogen Programme Approach
The Nitrogen Programme (in Dutch: Programma Aanpak Stikstof, or PAS) was introduced in 2015. On the basis of the PAS, permits were granted for construction projects that led to nitrogen deposition in Natura 2000 areas. The European Court of Justice concluded that the PAS did not comply with the European directives to protect nature, and the Council of State concurred at the end of May 2019. As a result, thousands of projects in the Netherlands have suddenly come to a standstill. Some of these projects can be restarted by greatly reducing nitrogen emissions during the construction phase. In order to achieve this reduction, even the nitrogen from clean new diesel engines needs to be removed. Simply investing in new equipment is therefore not a solution to the problem that has arisen. VolkerWessels has therefore set to work on a solution for the construction phase and introduced the NoNOx filter for stationary equipment in February 2020. The NoNOx filters for mobile equipment announced today provide even broader application possibilities for this technology.
Image NoNOx 500: Linders Photography.