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The patented BALPURE® System is utilized during both ballasting (to disinfect incoming seawater) and de-ballasting operations (neutralize residual oxidant in discharged seawater).
In the “Ballasting Process”, a small side stream of the main ballast line is delivered to the BALPURE® system where there is a slight increase in line pressure. The seawater passes through a flow orifice and flow transmitter that provides confirmation of proper seawater flow to the BALPURE® unit. The seawater passes through the proprietary BALPURE® electrolytic unit (electrolyzer) utilizing proprietary electrode coatings which generates the oxidants (hypochlorite and hypobromite derivatives). The solution of depleted seawater, oxidants, and hydrogen gas then passes through a patented cyclone to separate the hydrogen. The hydrogen is diluted with air using a blower to a safe level. The oxidants are injected back into the main ballast stream on the discharge side of the ballast pump(s), matching the seawater oxidant demand. The biocides react in the pipe with both inorganic and organic species in the ballast water to provide effective disinfection. As the harmful organisms and non-indigenous species are inactivated and/or destroyed, the oxidant concentration in the ballast water is reduced to 1 PPM. Testing has proven that this initial concentration of oxidants will guarantee a greater than 99% destruction and inactivation of organisms and bacteria in the ballast tanks. The 1 PPM residual is a positive indicator for efficacy of the treatment and eliminates regrowth.
Figure 1 Ballasting
During the “De-Ballasting Process,” there is controlled addition of sodium sulfite to the suction side of the de-ballast pump which instantly reacts and neutralizes residual oxidants. The treated ballast water may be safely discharged into the receiving ecosystem. The sulfite can be added to the discharge of the de-ballast pumps if they are contained within the ballast tanks. Independent laboratory studies have proven that the low concentration of sodium sulfite used in the BALPURE® process is not harmful to local fish, fauna, and bacteria, or the ecosystem as a whole.
The generation of biocide, the injection operation, and the neutralization step are all recorded in a data logger
and can easily be downloaded by port authorities to confirm that a successful ballast water treatment has been conducted and residual biocides have been destroyed prior to discharge of the ballast water.
Figure 2 De-ballasting
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