This is very cool equipment that harnesses energy from fuel that it creates.
Recycling technology developed in La Crosse will soon be used to keep the waters of the Panama Canal clean.
INOV8 International Inc. is preparing two evaporators for shipment to Panama, where they will be used to treat dirty bilge water, which contains oil from ship engines.
The stainless steel tanks take dirty water and turn it into steam, leaving behind oil and salt.
Separating the contaminants cuts down the cost of disposal, said Rebecca Faas, co-owner and president of the family business.
Faas said what sets INOV8’s evaporators apart is the burners, which are designed to run on a mix of diesel fuel and used oil, which is first pumped through coils in the evaporator to heat it for combustion.
“We’re taking dirty water, collecting oil off the top of the water, then pumping that into the burner to use as fuel,” Faas said.
INOV8 burners have been used to heat buildings and water using a variety of fuels, including grease from restaurant fryers. The evaporators also can be used to separate coolants and detergents.
The evaporators typically cost $40,000 to $50,000, but, Faas said, the savings in disposal costs can offset the investment for some customers in as little as three months.
Faas said “black water” dumping restrictions have created a new market for the technology.
“We’re getting more and more interest from waterways and ocean-going vessels with responsibility for disposing material,” she said.