The marine industry is highly competitive, with thousands of vessels transporting cargo across the globe. Each ship requires advanced technology and engineering to operate efficiently and safely. One crucial aspect of modern marine operations is the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS), designed to comply with international regulations and protect marine ecosystems.
The reason is that it forms an excellent tool for controlling the various onboard mechanical systems, like pumps, motors, etc. It helps to troubleshoot faults and rectify them at the earliest possible time. But before starting a job of such sort, you must be very careful about its installation process and the related plan.
Ballast water is used by large ships to provide stability, but carrying around all that fluid presents an issue- namely, the ballast water contains small organisms such as plankton, aquatic invertebrates, fish larvae, and pathogens. In order to preserve the equilibrium of the ecosystem (as well as recent restrictions), ship operators need to make sure they’re taking care of their ballast water so it remains free from bacteria and other harmful agents.
Blessed Marine Automation specializes in BWTS installation, service, and maintenance to help vessels meet regulatory requirements and operate efficiently.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BALLAST WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS (BWTS)
Most Ballast Water Treatment Systems involve a two-step process. First, Mechanical Separation; then Physical or Chemical Treatment. There are two popular technologies for these systems – the Ultra Violet (UV) system uses physical UV radiation as second-stage treatment. In contrast, the Electro-Chlorination (EC) system injects a chemical ‘active substance’ to inactivate biological organisms. In both cases, all ballast water treatments usually involve a filtering process before they’re done being treated.
ULTRAVIOLET (UV) SYSTEMS FOR BALLAST WATER TREATMENT
UV ballast water treatment is a reliable and chemical-free solution for ship operators. It involves two stages—filtration and UV radiation, making it effective under all conditions.
Since UV systems do not use chemicals, they are easy to install, operate, and maintain. They are approved by international marine regulations and can be installed in engine rooms or other areas without explosion risks. This makes them safe for ships, including oil tankers, where hazardous materials are present.
UV treatment is an eco-friendly and efficient method for ballast water management.
Get the best ballast water treatment system for ships in the UAE from Blessed Marine Automation.
BENEFITS OF UV TREATMENTS
- Fast, efficient and economical technology
- Simple to handle with low maintenance
- Eco-friendly, safe and chemical-free process
- No transport, storage and handling of dangerous goods
- No environmental impact
ELECTRO-CHLORINATION (EC) SYSTEMS FOR BALLAST WATER TREATMENT
EC systems use electro-chlorination to treat ballast water. There are two main types:
- Full Flow System
- Slip-Stream System
FULL FLOW SYSTEM
In full-flow systems, the filter and electrolyser unit is fitted into direct contact with the main ballast line. While it seems like an efficient design at first glance, one can’t deny that it has its disadvantages: namely how both of these pieces need to be placed between where the ballast pumps or tubes connect to the ballast tank – often meaning installation in a space limited area such as pump rooms.
When installing a whole-flow system requires extensive welding work or else things will just go haywire; This isn’t ideal because anytime sparks fly anywhere near an area with a high concentration of flammable materials – for example, around a boiler – there is a risk of something terrible happening.
Contact Blessed Marine Automation for BWTS Installation, Service and Maintenance
SLIPSTREAM SYSTEM
In a slip-stream electro chlorination approach, the sodium hypochlorite is generated in-situ (on-site), from a different source of saline water, requiring less than 1% of the main ballast flow for the electro chlorination process.
Electrochlorination via sodium hypochlorite on-site generation for water treatment is not only effective but also cost-efficient, reliable, and safe. On-site generated sodium hypochlorite is stable and easy to feed; additionally, less chlorine is lost to the atmosphere because of better mixing and retention in treated water.
You can use any flow of saline water. While the equipment needs to be located in an area where there are no hazardous environments, once you inject sodium hypochlorite into the main ballast water system next door through small pipelines.
The slipstream system does not eliminate hot work in the pump room, but it definitely lessens it. Filter installation can remove zooplankton, some phytoplankton, and sediment (but not all of them) from the water; reducing your workload within the area of the vessel significantly.
BENEFITS OF ELECTRO CHLORINATION SYSTEM
- Low operating costs
- On-demand sodium hypochlorite production
- No handling or transportation of hazardous materials
- Easy operation
Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) are now essential for ships due to strict global regulations. These systems offer reliable solutions for maintaining marine safety, ensuring compliance, and protecting the environment.