The introduction of aquatic nuisance species into coastal marine and estuarine waters comes from a variety of sources. However, because of the large volumes and frequency of use, ballast water is currently the most frequently cited method for the worldwide transference of non-indigenous organisms. The U.S. federal and state governments, United States Coast Guard (USCG) and international agencies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are combating the problem by mandating ballast water exchange in the open ocean or utilizing ballast water treatment systems.
With international, national, state and local environmental agencies worldwide taking action to regulate the discharge of ballast water arriving in ships coming from overseas ports, the BALPURE® ballast
water treatment system has proven to be an effective, economical and high-capacity device to treat ballast water with no adverse effects on the environment. The patented system generates biocides, meters and analyzes the residual level of both biocides and neutralizing agents and logs the performance of the overall ballast water treatment system. Third-party testing of the BALPURE system has confirmed effluent quality that meets proposed IMO ballast water standards.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the BALPURE system:
Q: What is the latest news on system testing and certification?
A: The BALPURE system is applying for IMO approval in 2009, plans to receive Basic Approval in 2010 and Final and Type Approval in 2011. Review and certification for ballast water treatment systems is long and akin to government scrutiny and action.
- Basic Approval - A paper/pilot study that the IMO reviews and agrees that a system will not harm the environment.
- Final Approval - Submittal of all commercial performance data and other calculations.
- Type Approval - This is the true final approval after review of all the data (land and shipboard), calculation and IMO approvals. Type approval is granted by the “member state;” in this case Germany.
In 2005, the USEPA and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory selected BALPURE for a commercial land simulation test. The selection criteria were viability, reliability, cost, ease of operation and demonstrated efficacy. The test protocol was based on IMO G-8 standards for ballast water treatment testing. The BALPURE units passed the IMO G-8 Guidelines.
The BALPURE system
also has received American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certification in 2007.
In 2008, Severn Trent De Nora and a major U.S. vessel owner completed shipboard installation of a BALPURE system and received application approval to the USCG Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program.
In 2009, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) was selected to perform land-based testing of the BALPURE system using a test protocol based on IMO G-9 standards for ballast water treatment testing. Testing will run from March to July 2009.
Q: What kind of flexibility does the BALPURE system provide in terms of its installation? Can it be retrofitted?
A: The BALPURE system is available in a variety of mechanical options, to best suit application specific needs.
- Packaged systems are easy to install and can be mounted in engine rooms, reducing installation time and costs and reducing dry dock time.
- Containerized systems are self-contained and are designed for deck mounting.
- Modularized systems are designed to fit in available space and are an ideal solution for retrofits. The equipment is designed to fit through a hatchway.
Q: What kind of maintenance does the BALPURE system
typically require?
A: The BALPURE system requires minimal maintenance – approximately four hours of maintenance a month.
Q: Does the BALPURE system counteract sedimentation and corrosion?
A: If there is significant organic matter or marine life present, the BALPURE system would need a filter on the main ballast line.
Q: When the BALPURE system is used, what techniques are employed to ensure that no residual biocides have been released on discharge of the ballast water?
A: Sodium sulphite is added during the deballasting process to neutralize any residual oxidants so that the treated ballast water may be safely discharged. A data logger is used to record the biocide generation and injection as well as the neutralization with sodium sulphite. This enables treatment information to be downloaded easily by port officials to confirm that a successful ballast water treatment program has been conducted and that any residual biocides have not been released on discharge of the ballast water.
Q: Will use of the BALPURE system damage painted ballast tanks?
A: Severn Trent De Nora has received approval letters from several paint and coating manufacturers that the active substance in the BALPURE system used in the required concentrations will not damage painted or coated ballast tanks.
Independent studies have shown that the active substance in the BALPURE system used in the required concentrations should shorten service life of uncoated steel in ballast tanks and piping networks by less than five percent.
For more information, e-mail info@severntrentservices.com.