VIDEO: Alfa Laval launches PureBallast 3 in bulker-fit configuration

Bulkers often load their cargo at twice the rate they unload it, which means deballasting occurs at twice the ballasting speed

Alfa Laval is now offering an UV-based PureBallast 3 ballast water management system specifically adapted to the flow needs of bulk carriers. The bulker-fit configuration offers savings in footprint, installation and operating and capital expenditures.

While a growing number of shipowners are choosing UV ballast water treatment over electrochlorination, even for large ballast water flows, the move towards UV has been less noticeable among bulkers.

“Bulkers have a unique ballasting and deballasting profile, because they load and unload at significantly different rates,” says Peter Sahlén, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast.

Bulkers often load their cargo at twice the rate they unload it, which means deballasting occurs at twice the ballasting speed. The PureBallast 3 bulker-fit configuration addresses this issue by independently dimensioning the reactor and filtration capacities. Since the filter stage is only needed during ballasting, it is dimensioned for the slower ballasting flow. This not only reduces OPEX and the already small system footprint, but also eliminates ballasting overcapacity and a substantial amount of investment cost.

“The PureBallast 3 bulker-fit configuration matches UV strengths to bulkers’ actual flow needs,” says Sahlén. “Bulker owners who have seen electrochlorination as the only fit for their operating profile now have cost-efficient access to the substantial advantages of UV treatment.”

FOCUS ON VESSEL-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS

The PureBallast 3 bulker-fit configuration is part of Alfa Laval’s wider strategy in ballast water treatment, which is to provide reliable compliance with the fewest limitations – in installation as well as operation. Increasingly, that means providing vessel-adapted solutions. Besides the bulker-fit configuration, Alfa Laval recently introduced a PureBallast 3 deckhouse solution with booster pump unit, which addresses both space and pressure issues on tankers without a pump room.

“Ballast water treatment is not a one-size-fits-all application,” says Sahlén. “PureBallast 3 is already the most adaptable ballast water treatment solution on the market, and we will continue to build our offering with specific answers for different vessel types.”