Finally coming into force on 8th September 2017, the International Convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments, places an emphasis on involved parties 
such as ship owners and manufacturers to give full provisions to minimise, prevent and ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control of the ships ballast water. The spread of invasive aquatic specifies into the sea can cause havoc for local ecosystems, affects biodiversity and leads to economic loss. The convention illustrates the need to remove and avoid the uptake and discharge of these organisms and is a requirement for all International trading ships. This would include on board systems being installed to treat and eliminate unwanted and potentially harmful organisms. The immediate reaction to the legislation has seen a huge number of requests in the market place and a high number of feasibility studies determining the types of systems available and how to install them effectively.
These water treatment systems include but are not exhausted to the below:
Industrial fans, although predominantly a cooling component within many of the ballast water treatment systems, are an integral part of the design. The cooling of electrical components is a necessity to ensure the effective performance of any system where valuable components are housed. Smaller compact axial fans either standard or more durable marine specification, are used predominantly for component cooling.
In other instances such as electric pulse treatment systems, where positive and negative anodes produce a build-up of hydrogen and oxygen, exhaust ventilation is required to remove the vapours within the ballast. In this instance, a larger fan such as wall mounted axial fans or inline duct fans can be used. ATEX variants, where hazardous gases are produced, should be used to prevent sparking. ATEX specifications should be determined by an external agency that has the responsibility of advising the gas zone to properly specify the components suitable for purpose.
For more information on industrial fans suitable for Ballast treatment systems contact us on 01782 349 430 or visit our website to see our full range. Follow our social media accounts to stay up to date with the latest news from Axair Fans.
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