French water treatment technology company BIO-UV Group has received IMO & USCG type approval for its new low flow rate ballast water treatment system (BWTS) range.
The BIO-SEA L Easy-to-Fit system had to undergo new type approval testing, as it incorporates a new UV-reactor, designed specifically to meet market demand from the luxury yacht, expedition cruise and other vessel segments, where ballast water pump flow rate capacities are often under 100 cu m per hour.
Benoît Gillmann, BI0-UV Group CEO and Founder, said: “We are pleased to have received type approval from both the IMO and the US Coast Guard for this new ballast water treatment system. This development really sets us apart from our competitors in the market. BIO-SEA L Easy-to-Fit is the smallest BWTS purpose-built for low flow rates.”
Some BWTS marketed as low-flow rate systems are the same systems designed for larger capacities but simply treat lower volumes using the same, high-power consuming, higher wattage lamps, the company explained.
However, BIO-SEA L is not a derivative of the company’s existing BIO-SEA B product, but is based on a completely a new 6 kW UV lamp arrangement, sized to guarantee full compliance while treating flow rates of between 20 cu m per hour and 90 cu m (USCG mode) and up to 120 cu m in IMO mode.
A key change is the UV lamp and casing materials used in the new system. One 6 kW lamp can treat ballast water flows of up to 30 cu m per hour. A further one or two lamps can be added to the BWTS skid for flow rates of 60 cu m and 90 cu m, respectively.
Based on the experience gained from BIO-SEA B range (50 to 2,000 cu m per hour) which received USCG type approval in 2017, the system designer and manufacturer said the development provides ship operators with more competitive ballast water treatment with low CAPEX and low OPEX.
“Everything has been adapted to suit the lower flow rates of the smaller vessel,” Gillmann explained.
Xavier Bayle, the company’s Technical and R&D Manager, said: “These benefits have been achieved as a result of the unique design of our reactors. Each BIO-SEA L Easy-to-Fit unit features reactors with a 6 kW UV lamp, which it is less expensive to replace than the larger lamps. This means reduced maintenance for the crew, fewer spare parts have to be kept on board and, as the automated UV sensors adapt to the quality of the water, energy consumption is better regulated, reducing energy consumption and preserving lamp life.”
With a footprint starting at 1.36 sq m, the BIO-SEA L skid is not only is the most compact system on the market, but it can also be split into two parts simplifying on board delivery, installation and integration, and making it suitable for retrofit projects.
Xavier Deval, Business Director, Ballast Water Solution, added: “For many owners and builders, system footprint is an important consideration. As a flat packed, split-skid solution, we are able to simplify the installation process and reduce installation costs and time as a BIO-SEA L Easy-to-Fit can easily fit through existing hatches and doors, without having to cut access holes into the vessel.”
With quick response times and flexibility, BIO-UV Group can deliver its modular BIO-SEA system in eight weeks – a highly competitive lead time.
“So far, the new coronavirus has not presented any significant risk to our activities,” Gillmann added. “As to manufacturing supplies, we currently have an inventory level sufficient to maintain production rates. The bulk of our UV systems are assembled mainly in France and Asian operations are restarting.”
BIO-UV Group also has revenues coming from other sectors, as the company provides solutions for drinking water, wastewater, aquaculture and recreational activities.
In the first two months of this year, BIO-UV Group activities resulted in a 29% increase in revenue, compared to the same period 2019.
