German technology leader RAPTECH is pioneering cleaner, more efficient marine fuels with its patented UADA cavitation technology. This advanced homogenisation process enables the production of sustainable bunker fuels that meet the latest environmental standards, driving the maritime industry toward a greener future.
Eberswalde, Germany – As the global maritime industry accelerates its push toward decarbonization and compliance with increasingly stringent emission standards, one German company is offering a transformative solution that promises to redefine fuel processing at sea. RAPTECH Eberswalde GmbH has unveiled its revolutionary UADA cavitation technology — a breakthrough in fuel homogenisation designed to make future marine fuels cleaner, more efficient, and significantly more sustainable.
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The UADA Innovation: Cavitation Meets Hydrodynamics
At the heart of RAPTECH’s innovation lies UADA, which stands for Ultrasonic Acoustic Flow Aggregate — a patented inline cavitation module that deploys pure hydrodynamic forces to radically improve fuel homogenisation. Unlike traditional ultrasonic cavitation systems, RAPTECH’s UADA device achieves this without any external ultrasound input. Instead, it induces controlled cavitation through hydrodynamic flow — a process involving the implosive collapse of microscopic vapor or gas-filled bubbles within liquids.
These bubble implosions unleash extreme local temperatures, pressures, and shear forces, enabling the UADA module to break down and blend fuel components with unprecedented efficiency. Fuels of varying viscosities are homogenised to a particle size of less than 5 microns, resulting in a finely emulsified, highly stable fuel mixture.
Enabling the Next Generation of Bunker Fuels
RAPTECH’s UADA system is not just a laboratory marvel — it is a plug-and-play solution that can be seamlessly integrated into existing fuel processing plants. It is capable of emulsifying, blending, and homogenising biofuels, waste-derived oils, and heavy fuel oil (HFO) into ISO 8217:2024- and FuelEU Maritime-compliant low-emission marine fuels.
According to Jürhen Gärtner, Managing Director of RAPTECH, “Bunker fuels processed in this way are environmentally friendly. Homogenised heavy fuel oil burns demonstrably cleaner, with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions such as NOx, SOx, and COx by up to 25–30 percent.”
In addition to lower emissions, the UADA-treated fuels offer improved engine compatibility. By minimizing paraffin deposits, the technology helps reduce engine wear and tear, contributing to longer engine life and lower maintenance costs for shipowners.
Europe’s Only Cavitation Pilot Plant
RAPTECH’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through its unique UADA pilot plant in Europe — the only facility of its kind dedicated to hydrodynamic cavitation research and development for marine fuel applications. This cutting-edge testbed enables RAPTECH to provide turnkey modular solutions and offer bespoke R&D services to refineries and fuel producers.
“Beyond simulation through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we validate our processes in real-world conditions across diverse operational parameters,” explains Gärtner. “We believe cavitation can — and should — play a pivotal role in the sustainable future of marine fuel processing.“
A Strategic Edge for the Maritime Industry
As shipping operators and bunker suppliers face increasing pressure to cut emissions and pivot toward low-carbon alternatives, RAPTECH’s cavitation technology presents a strategic edge. It allows for cost-efficient, space-saving, and high-quality production of next-gen fuels — without the need for extensive overhauls to existing infrastructure.
In an era marked by rapid technological transformation and environmental urgency, RAPTECH is positioning itself at the intersection of innovation and compliance — offering the shipping world a viable pathway to cleaner operations and a greener future.
About RAPTECH Eberswalde
RAPTECH Eberswalde GmbH is a German-based technology company specializing in advanced process solutions for the fuel and energy sectors. Founded in 2016 by Managing Director Jürgen Gärtner and a group of industry partners, RAPTECH brings together an international team of engineers with expertise in mechanical and process engineering, chemical industries, and applied research.
The company has developed and patented the UADA cavitation technology — a breakthrough in hydrodynamic fuel homogenisation — at its pilot plant located in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. RAPTECH continues to focus on the development and industrial application of this technology to support cleaner, more efficient marine fuels.
RAPTECH operates internationally and offers technical communication in German, English, Portuguese, and Russian, enabling collaboration across a diverse global client base. The company’s culture is shaped by results-oriented engineering, precision, and long-term partnerships.
Source RAPTECH Eberswalde GmbH