TECHNOLOGY
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS incorporates the most reliable and efficient filtration followed by a state-of-the-art disinfection stage. Filtration takes place in either 40 microns automatic backwashing filters. The disinfection stage takes place in our own-design, highly customised electrodes, providing the appropriate amount of disinfectant agent by using minimum power and ensuring compliance.
Fully Certified
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS OVERVIEW
An ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS is an advanced modular system which was developed to exceed all the special installation requirements either for new build vessels or any retrofit project.
With an extensive capacity range from 90 to 3,740m3/h and holding IMO, USCG, China Classification Society and South Korean Flag Type Approvals, the ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS is an ideal solutions for all ship types. The major components of the system are a high-end backwash filter and an electrolytic cell with outstanding performance under even the most demanding conditions.
The self-cleaning automatic screen filter has a nominal filtration rate of 40 microns. Its specially designed screen provides enormous zooplankton, phytoplankton and sediment removal, minimum pressure and uninterrupted long-lasting operation with an extremely small footprint element.
For the de-ballasting of the vessel there is no need to use the system. It is completely bypassed and the water can be discharged directly overboard, after neutralisation where applicable. This can result in considerable energy saving gains for the operators/managers of the vessel. Using an active substance that is produced by this method of electrolysis, any danger of microorganism re-growth is eliminated.
A special coating is applied on the electrodes, which are designed to minimise the production of harmful by-products. These have an extended lifetime of minimum 5,000-6,000hrs of operation.
Operation
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS provides ship managers and operators with unmatched practical flexibility and allows the ships to operate unimpeded globally.
There is no need to slow down cargo operations, no need to undertake ballast water exchange and no need for treatment at discharge.
Ballasting
Ballast water is directed to the first BWTS component, the filter, to filtrate material with a diameter larger than 40 microns. After filtration, water is directed to the electrolysis module. This consists of electrolytic cell(s) capable of producing up to 6 mg/l as TRO. As water passes through, electrolysis of seawater takes place and TRO concentration, up to 6 mg/L, is produced in situ. A TRO monitor device sampling connection is placed downstream the electrolytic cell, where the chlorine concentration is constantly monitored. The TRO reading is recorded in the ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS Control Board and used to adjust the current applied to the electrolytic cells and produce TRO up to maximum concentration. Finally, the treated water is directed to the ballast tanks.
De-Ballasting
The BWTS process during de-ballasting sees treated ballast water drawn from the ballast tanks by the ballast pump(s) and directed to the discharge points. Water is constantly directed to a TRO monitor from the sampling connections at the delivery of ballast. The TRO monitor analyses the treated ballast water and determines at time intervals the TRO concentration possibly remaining in the ballast tanks. The TRO sensor’s reading is constantly monitored and recorded at the ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS Control Board where it is further used to determine the neutralising agent dosing rate required for the neutralisation of TRO. A signal is sent from the ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS Control Board to the dosing pump, setting its operation to the dosing rate needed for the neutralisation. Then the dosing pump draws the neutralising agent from the storage tank and delivers it to a discharge line downstream of the TRO sampling point. Another TRO sampling connection is installed close to the overboard discharge points providing sample flow to the TRO monitor from the treated ballast water just before discharge. The purpose of this TRO monitor is to verify the result of neutralization, meaning that the TRO concentration in the treated water is below Maximum Allowable Discharge Concentration (MADC) prior to discharge.
Ballasting
Ballast water is directed to the first BWTS component, the filter, to filtrate material with a diameter larger than 40 microns. After filtration, water is directed to the electrolysis module. This consists of electrolytic cell(s) capable of producing up to 6 mg/l as TRO. As water passes through, electrolysis of seawater takes place and TRO concentration, up to 6 mg/L, is produced in situ. A TRO monitor device sampling connection is placed downstream the electrolytic cell, where the chlorine concentration is constantly monitored. The TRO reading is recorded in the ERMA FIRST BWTS Control Board and used to adjust the current applied to the electrolytic cells and produce TRO up to maximum concentration. Finally, the treated water is directed to the ballast tanks.
De-Ballasting
The BWTS process during de-ballasting sees treated ballast water drawn from the ballast tanks by the ballast pump(s) and directed to the discharge points. Water is constantly directed to a TRO monitor from the sampling connections at the delivery of ballast. The TRO monitor analyses the treated ballast water and determines at time intervals the TRO concentration possibly remaining in the ballast tanks. The TRO sensor’s reading is constantly monitored and recorded at the ERMA FIRST BWTS Control Board where it is further used to determine the neutralising agent dosing rate required for the neutralisation of TRO. A signal is sent from the ERMA FIRST BWTS Control Board to the dosing pump, setting its operation to the dosing rate needed for the neutralisation. Then the dosing pump draws the neutralising agent from the storage tank and delivers it to a discharge line downstream of the TRO sampling point. Another TRO sampling connection is installed close to the overboard discharge points providing sample flow to the TRO monitor from the treated ballast water just before discharge. The purpose of this TRO monitor is to verify the result of neutralization, meaning that the TRO concentration in the treated water is below Maximum Allowable Discharge Concentration (MADC) prior to discharge.
Additional ERMA FIRST Systems
We offer a variety of options with high flexibility to suit your needs.
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS - Deckhouse
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS units have a minimum footprint and wide range of configurations allowing successful installation inside a vessel (I.e. pump room, engine room). However, there are cases where installation of the BWTS inside the vessel is not practical. In this case, the system can be installed on the deck, inside a deckhouse. This solution offers the same functionality with systems installed inside, while simultaneously saving up internal space and satisfying all the requirements of the vessel.
WATCH THE DECKHOUSE VIDEO
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS - LOOSE
ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS has a very high modularity, as components are provided loose (various install configurations): It can be placed in line with existing piping, vertically or horizontally or a combination of both for its main components.