Feature 3 | BALLAST WATER TREATMENT Approval seeking behaviour
Optimarin’s technical department is constantly looking for new developments of its ballast water treatment (BWT) system, writes Nicola Stuart
B
allast water treatment is still a relatively young market, and as competition grows and regulations
and technology evolve, Optimarin marketing manager Ole Marius Nilsen asserts that it is important for system providers to remain innovative and customer orientated. However, he points out that Optimarin aims to still keep its BWT system, Optimarin Ballast System (OBS), as simple and as durable for engineers, users and owners alike. In efforts to prepare for the inevitable
surge in demand that will follow the final ratification of the IMO BWM Convention, Nilsen explains: “A big part of Optimarin’s philosophy is to meet the demands by Class, [while] still keeping the customer objective in mind. By sending customer satisfaction sheets for review to different parties of a project we learn how to handle potential challenges in the future; it is important not to let the large demand aſter ratification to get the best of us.” Te Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) is a
chemical-free treatment system that utilises a pre-treatment filter and a high-dose UV irradiation process to remove and render any organisms, bacteria and pathogens present in ballast water harmless. OBS is a modular, flexible solution that can be delivered as a complete skid system or as a customised solution.
Advanced features In addition to the existing capability to automatically control the intensity of the system’s UV lamps according to water quality during ballasting, an optional advanced UV system was recently added to the OBS. Te advanced UV system allows the user to control specific elements of the UV system, such as, how many chambers/lamps to be used. Tis functionality can help to optimise the unit’s power consumption, based on the actual requirement during treatment. “Tis functionality was implemented in
soſtware version 1.30, released September 2012. Older vessels can benefit from the functionality by installing actuators on the
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High algae concentrations can represent major challenges for BWT systems, not to mention marine ecosystems if not effectively rendered in active on deballasting
UV chamber valves and upgrading the soſtware,” says Nilsen. Nilsen goes on to explain that the ‘advanced’
UV control is primary used in dual pump, frequency-driven pump or delta-star driven pump systems. Te user can disable parts of the UV system if only one pump is used or the pumps run on low speed/capacity. A flow pressure valve ensures that maximum legal flow through the system is maintained. As part of a further enhancement, the
control system has been equipped with an ‘advanced integration feature’ that makes it possible to remotely monitor the system, covering aspects such as water flow, pressure, temperatures and so on.
Allaying concerns Optimarin joined with DNV in December 2012 to run a rigorous testing programme of the three filter types used in the OBS units. Te performance of the 500m3
/h capacity filter
types from Boll & Kirch, Filtersafe and Filtrex was challenged over a period of three days off Goeje Island, in the Yellow Sea. Te area was
selected for testing due to the high nitrate levels in the water, which is known to propagate algae blooms. Algae blooms are one of the many organisms that can spread through improper ballasting processes, resulting in a negative impact on marine ecosystems. Optimarin notes that concentrations of algae can reach millions of cells per millimetre of seawater in conditions such as those of the chosen test site, representing major challenges for BWT filters in general. Commenting on the need for the tests
in December, Tore Andersen, sales and marketing director, Optimarin, said: “BWT filter performance is critical to the operation of all vessels... if that ‘little’ filter clogs, or is severely compromised in any way, it can effectively halt operations for an entire vessel. Shipowners and operators have expressed concern about such risks, so this is our way of tangibly demonstrating just how good our filters perform, under the most demanding environmental conditions.” Te filters were placed on a moveable barge
anchored out at sea and operated for two hours Ship & Boat International May/June 2013
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