Basic HTML Version
MERC BIO-SEA Test Plan
7 June 2012
2
2. Introduction to Technology
The BIO-SEA treatment system combines mechanical 40
µ
m filtration and parallel-
mounted UV reactors equipped with one medium pressure lamp each. The treatment system has
been designed to be modular and compact, for treating flow rates ranging from 100 to 2000 m
3
/h.
The BIO-SEA system operates automatically and regulates power consumption depending on
water quality. The treatment process includes three steps: (1) filtration upon ballasting, (2)
followed by UV treatment upon ballasting, and (3) UV treatment on discharge (filter is by-
passed).
3. Overview of Test Facilities
To take advantage of the diverse physical, chemical and biological conditions found in
the Chesapeake Bay, MERC has developed a Mobile Test Platform. With one installation, a test
ballast water treatment system can be evaluated with the same protocols, by the same facility and
staff, under varying natural salinities and associated ambient communities, by moving the barge-
based test facility to different locations.
The barge is 155’ x 50’ with a draft of 2’ when tanks empty and 5’ when tanks full. The
Mobile Test Platform has two identical steel 310 m
3
test tanks (with typical internal tank coating)
and two identical 60 hp centrifugal pumps, with two eight-inch piping systems for versatility in
moving ballast water and for tank filling and discharge. Testing flow rates can vary from a
minimum of 100 m
3
/hr and maximum of 350 m
3
/hr for each pump and flow pressure of up to 60
psi can be achieved. The test facility is operated by an integrated monitoring and control system
for remote control of variable speed drives flow rates and pressure, plus data logging of valve
positions, tank levels/volume, flow rate, pressure, sampling system operations, treatment system
status, water quality parameters, etc. Finally the barge also has onboard office, laboratory,
sampling and storage containers.
4. Basic Evaluation Approach
Please note that this Test Plan describes the specifics for the MERC evaluation of the
BIO-SEA treatment system. Details on program policies and testing approaches/methodologies
can be found in the MERC Quality Management Plan (QMP), Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP) and various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This Plan also refers to, and
incorporates specifics guidelines and requirements found in:
•
International Maritime Organization (2008) Resolution MEPC.174 (58) Guidelines for
Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (G8);
•
International Maritime Organization (2008) Resolution MEPC.125 (57) Revised Procedure
for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems that Make Use of Active Substances
(G9); and
•
ETV Generic Protocols for the Verification of Ballast Water Treatment Technologies, (2010)
EPA/600/R-10/146.
The fundamental approach of MERC is to conduct independent, scientifically-sound,
rigorous, and quality assured evaluations of ballast water treatment systems using the framework
provided in the G8/G9 guidelines and specific methodologies found in ETV protocols. As a
general rule, MERC relies on challenging ambient conditions found in the Chesapeake Bay, and
typically does not artificially augment test waters organisms in most evaluations, to avoid
artifacts and the potential for overestimation of treatment system performance (see Table 1). For
example, rapid changes in physical conditions (such as salinity or total suspended solids) as