The system is based on the principles of pre-filtration and disinfection, with an optional nitrogen supersaturation of the ballast water.
Step 1: Filtering
Ballast water is pumped onboard by the ballast pumps and filtered by a mechanical, fully automatic back-flushing filter.
The filter is an automatic self cleaning filter equipped with a 40 micrometer screen. The filter will remove 60 – 80 % of the organic load above 40 micrometer.
The filter is used at uptake and will when in use, automatically backflush all organic material back to the same water as where it has taken up by the ballast pumps. The filter is electrically or hydraulic driven.
Step 2: Electrodialytic disinfectant
The water is in the next step exposed the injection of an in-line produced disinfectant (C2E™). A disinfectant is produced in an electrodialytic process known as water activation. This is undertaken by a unit called C2E™. Only about 1.5% of the total ballast water flow is fed through the C2E™ unit and thereafter injected into the main flow. The C2E™ unit can also be located remotely from the ballast line by connecting with small diameter piping and el. Power cable. The footprint of the C2E™ unit is marginal. The electrodialytic process can work at very low salinity level, but in cases where vessels are operating in brackish or low salinity waters (e.g. river water) this is arranged by using the aft peak tank (or any other suitable tank) as a storage tank for normal seawater used to feed the C2E™ unit. To keep power consumption as low as possible.
Optional patented coating and corrosion protection
Nitrogen supersaturation
Nitrogen supersaturation is an option, and an addition to the treatment system itself. Supersaturation is carried out by patented OceanSaver technology. However the Nitrogen supersaturation is not needed as a part of the treatment process, but for those who have a long term ownership, the corrosion prevention effect of this process will be highly appreciated.
Nitrogen is produced onboard by means of a Nitrogen generator driven by an air compressor. Both these units may be installed remotely from the ballast line - in any suitable area onboard – by connecting with small diameter piping and el. power cable The compressor has the potential to serve also as working air compressor and the nitrogen generator may be used for other application when required as well.
Ships with already installed Nitrogen systems can utilize this patented option as well.
Pressure conditions
OceanSaver creates a minimal Pressure drop (less than1 bar) and in most cases there will be no need to compensate with booster pump or similar changes.
Treatment at uptake/discharge
At discharge the water is pumped out of the wessel, in order to have controlled deballasting operation.