Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

General and Technical Frequently Asked Questions

Question Index General Questions
1. What are the advantages of the Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) over other ballast water treatment methods? 2. What types of vessels are best suited for the Ecochlor BWTS? 3. Is treated ballast water considered pollution at the time of discharge? 4. What are the requirements prior to discharging ballast treated by the Ecochlor BWTS? 5. Will the use of the Ecochlor BWTS have any effect on ballast tank coatings? 6. What are the maintenance costs?

Technical Questions
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Will each ballast pump require a filter? Will the Aft Peak system require its own filter? Can you describe the Filtration System cleaning cycle? Are there zinc anodes installed in the filter unit? Does everything need to be installed in the Engine Room or Pump Room? If we chose to put the Treatment System in the Engine Room or Cargo Pump Room, would there need to be any special considerations? 12. What is the source of the Treatment System motive water?

Chemical Questions
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. What is the cost of the pre-cursor chemicals, Purate BWT and sulfuric acid, per m treated? Does ClO2 form any disinfection by-products? If so, what are they? What happens if the salinity or temperature changes? How is the diffusion of the ClO2 in the ballast tank assured? Is ClO2 stored onboard a vessel? How are the pre-cursor chemicals stored onboard a vessel? What are the pipe material specifications for the piping to convey sulfuric acid and Purate BWT? What is the mixing ratio between sulfuric acid and Purate BWT? What is Ecochlors experience with actual shipboard chemical storage? What are the design criteria to determine volume of chemicals? When is chemical re-supply scheduled? Are the chemical storage tanks vented? Can you describe the safeguards to prevent potential ClO2 leakage? Will the vessels crew be responsible for chemical re-supply, special training or have additional time requirements? What is the global availability of the pre-cursor chemicals? What ports are currently available for chemical resupply, as part Technical Service Agreement?

Regulatory Questions
27. What agencies have approved the Ecochlor BWTS?

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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
1. What are the advantages of the Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) over other ballast water treatment methods? Highly effective, can exceed IMO requirements with no system modifications or adjustments; Small footprint (e.g. a system capable of treating 6000 m3/hr has a Filtration System footprint of ~ 5 m2, and a Treatment System footprint of ~ 18 m2); Low power requirements even under extreme conditions; Treatment efficacy not effected by salinity or temperature; Installation flexibility , Treatment System can be placed in any convenient location; and No treatment at discharge. 2. What types of vessels are best suited for the Ecochlor BWTS? Ecochlor is targeting vessels with high ballast water flow rates, typically 1000 m3 per hour or more. The higher the flow rate, the better. For vessels with ballast water flow rates of 3000 m3 per hour up to and including 16,000 m3 per hour, the advantages of the Ecochlor design (small size, low power) become more obvious. Ecochlor is not pursuing the passenger vessel market, off shore vessel market or other vessels with small ballast water flow rates. 3. Is treated ballast water considered pollution at the time of discharge? Ecochlor has done extensive aquatic toxicity testing over the last 10 years to answer this specific question. The testing of treated ballast water included numerous acute and chronic tests of fish, crustaceans and algae. We also have conducted detailed hydro-dynamic modeling of ship discharges in real and hypothetical ports under the most rigorous circumstances. This wealth of data has been provided to all regulatory agencies that have shown interest. The conclusions of these agencies found that our discharges are to be considered environmentally acceptable. These agencies include: International Maritime Organization (IMO); Marine Environmental Protection Committee (G9); GESAMP (G9); German Authorities (BSH, UBA, BfR); United States Coast Guard (STEP); United States Environmental Protection Agency (FIFRA); State of California (California State Lands Commission); an Washington State (Department of Ecology & Fish and Wildlife). 4. What are the requirements prior to discharging ballast treated by the Ecochlor BWTS? There are no treatment or neutralization requirements during the discharge of ballast water treated with chlorine dioxide (ClO2). ClO2 treatment is different from chlorine treatment; ClO2 treatment does not require a minimum contact time for effective treatment. ClO2 is very effective, very quickly. The Maximum Allowable Discharge Concentration (MADC) of ClO2 will be ensured by a 48 hour hold period and an analytical test conducted by the crew prior to the first discharge of ballast water. The holding time will ensure that the ClO2 has time to decay to a concentration safe for discharge to the environment and the simple analytical test is a quick colorimetric test (takes approximately 3-4 minutes).

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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

5. Will the use of the Ecochlor BWTS have any effect on ballast tank coatings? There will be no effect on coatings when utilizing the Ecochlor BWTS. This was confirmed through tests conducted by independent laboratories, samples analyzed by 3rd party experts, including a marine coatings supplier. All data was submitted to the German Authorities and the IMO / GESAMP-BWWG with the application for G9 Final Approval. 6. What are the maintenance costs? Ecochlor will perform all preventive maintenance on an annual basis between scheduled dry docks. Filters will be inspected annually; filter screens will be replaced every 5-8 years. Because of limited moving parts, routine operational costs will depend on annual ballasting cost of chemicals = $0.08 per m3 of treated ballast water. The Ecochlor BWTS has few moving parts and maintenance cost will be low. Depending on the options selected, filter screen replacement will be required in either 4 years or 8 years. Replacement filter screen costs ~ $6,000 (each) depending on model and material of construction.

Technical Questions
7. Will each ballast pump require a filter? Will the Aft Peak system require its own filter? For large capacity ballast pumps, every ballast pump (main) will require its own filter unit. Regarding Aft Peak tank fill, a separate filtration and injection point may be required if this tank cannot be filled with a branch from the main ballast system. The requirements for each vessel need to be reviewed and will most likely be different depending on vessel type, i.e. tankers vs. bulk carriers. 8. Can you describe the Filtration System cleaning cycle? The cleaning operation is automatic based on pressure differential. However, the filter is not backwashed, but cleaned through suction nozzles on the inside of the filter. The advantage is that the high velocity cleaning is efficient, quick, and allows filtering of incoming ballast water to continue. Cleaning operation will require ~8 % of the filters rated capacity and a cleaning operation takes ~60 seconds per filter module. The number of cleaning operations per hour will depend on inlet water quality. The pressure across a clean filter is approximately 0.1 bar. The differential pressure between the inlet and outlet of the filter is continuously measured. When the pressure differential is 0.5 bar, a cleaning cycle is initiated. 9. Are there zinc anodes installed in the filter unit? There are no zinc anodes installed in the filter unit. The filter unit is equipped with a proprietary corrosion resistant coating. The filter manufacturer, Filtersafe, treats the body of its filtration systems with a complex multi-staged curing process, which during development testing logged over 2500 continuous hours in a salt-cell study. The process includes a zincphosphate treatment and an electrostatic, oven-cured epoxy-phenol finish, which results in a durable protective layer especially suited to the various rigors of marine applications and adverse-saline-conditions. The process complies with numerous international performance standards, including ASTMB-117. 10. Does everything need to be installed in the Engine Room or Pump Room? The Filtration System needs to be in close proximity to the ballast pumps. However the flexibility of the Treatment System installation will be invaluable for many retro-fits compared to systems that are required to be in the engine room or pump room. The Treatment System (and chemical storage tanks) can be located in a remote location. Actually, the higher the Treatment System is located on the vessel, the better. An installation on the weather deck will provide easy access, easier injection into the main ballast line as well as easier chemical re-supply.
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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

11. If we chose to put the Treatment System in the Engine Room or Cargo Pump Room, would there need to be any special considerations? We would suggest that a separate space in the Engine Room be fabricated for the Treatment System. Air handling and or space cooling will likely be required to keep the space below 40C. Deck load considerations will also need to be investigated. Ecochlor is capable of installing the Treatment System in the Pump Room; however it is not a preferable option. It would be preferable to investigate non-hazardous areas including: Engine Casing, Weather Deck, Accommodation Stack or the Steering Gear Room. 12. What is the source of the Treatment System motive water? The motive water (supply water) to the system can either be sea water or fresh water - there is no requirement either way. However, Ecochlor understands that fresh water would be an impractical option for most vessels. If the water is provided by a dedicated pump in the engine room, Ecochlor will provide a relay contact closure for its operation. The source water for this option would be from a branch line off the ballast system, downstream of the BWTS Filtration System.

Chemical Questions
13. What is the cost of the pre-cursor chemicals, Purate BWT and sulfuric acid, per m treated? The cost of both pre-cursor chemicals is approximately $0.08 per m3 of treated ballast water. 14. Does ClO2 form any disinfection by-products? If so, what are they? ClO2 degrades to form chlorite ion and chlorate ion. These ions also degrade over time to form chloride ion, which is prevalent in the marine environment (salt). Ecochlors process is a chlorine-free process and does not form chlorine in either a marine or fresh water environment. 15. What happens if the salinity or temperature changes? The generation of ClO2 is independent of salinity and is just as effective in fresh water as in sea water (salinity of 30-35 ppt). The generation of ClO2 is independent of temperature and can be run at 5C up to 45C or more without any loss of efficiency. There is also no effect of the efficacy of the ClO2 with respect to salinity or temperature. Temperature only effects to a small degree, the decay characteristics of the ClO2. Lower the temperature, the slower the decay. 16. How is the diffusion of the ClO2 in the ballast tank assured? When ClO2 is injected into the main ballast line, convective mixing (turbulent) occurs in the piping prior to reaching the ballast tanks. The high ballast flow ensures complete mixing (Taylor equations) thus eliminating the need for an in-line mixing element. 17. Is ClO2 stored onboard a vessel? No, ClO2 is generated on demand and is not stored on the vessel. The pre-cursor chemical metering pumps are flow paced with the measured ballast water flow to produce ClO2 as required for the current ballast water flow rate to establish a 5ppm concentration prior to the ballast tanks. The ClO2 is generated in a small mixing chamber, which operates under a vacuum. An eductor draws the ClO2 from the mixing chamber and immediately mixes with the motive water supply, so ClO2 is not individually transported in the piping. When treatment is no longer required, the Treatment System is thoroughly flushed with water to remove all ClO2 from the system while it is idle, awaiting the next ballast uptake.

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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

18. How are the pre-cursor chemicals stored onboard a vessel? There are multiple layers of safety engineered into Ecochlors chemical storage. Two precursor chemicals are stored in ASME code rated tanks designed specifically for shipboard service and are physically separated on the Treatment System skid. The Purate BWT tank is made of 316L and the sulfuric acid tank of ETCFE (Halar) lined carbon steel. The secondary containment is made from carbon steel coated with a Carboline Plasite 4310 coating system. Each tank is mounted inside a secondary containment system designed to hold more than the contents of the tank (100% volume at 37 degree list). The secondary containment system is equipped with sensors to detect the presence of fluid in the secondary containment. The likelihood of either chemical leaking from the storage tank is very low. In the highly unlikely event of a leak of chemical from one of these tanks, it would be detected by the sensor and remain within the secondary containment system. During Ecochlors IMO Guideline 9 Final Approval and IMO G8 Type Approval processes, assessing risk and ensuring the proper mitigation / management for safe storage and use of the chemicals onboard was completed. 19. What are the pipe material specifications for the piping to convey sulfuric acid and Purate BWT? Sulfuric acid piping should be Alloy 20, or Teflon lined steel pipe. Purate BWT piping should be 316L SS. 20. What is the mixing ratio between sulfuric acid and Purate BWT? The precursor chemicals are used in equal volumes, 1:1. Chemical re-supply for both will be done during one scheduled re-supply event. 21. What is Ecochlors experience with actual shipboard chemical storage? Three installations of the Ecochlor BWTS have been evaluated during the planning and final commissioning surveys by ship classification societies. Both ABS and Lloyds Register have reviewed, inspected and approved the three existing BWTS installations onboard commercial vessels, which of course, have chemicals stored for operation of the BWTS. Safe onboard storage and use of both Purate BWT and sulfuric acid has occurred for nearly 8 years on one vessel and 7 years on another vessel, without incident or concerns from the multiple regulatory / inspection agencies that have visited both vessels. The third vessel was recently commissioned in December 2011 in a Japanese shipyard where both chemicals were supplied to the vessel successfully. 22. What are the design criteria to determine volume of chemicals? When is chemical re-supply scheduled? The engineers design the total chemical storage capacity to be sufficient for at least six months of ballasting. The targeted frequency of chemical re-supply is two to three times per year. 1000 liters (1 m3) of each precursor chemical are required to treat 66,000 metric tons of ballast water as it is brought aboard the ship. Typically, re-supply would be scheduled when there is still sufficient chemical on board for one to two additional ballasting operations. This is done to ensure that there is always chemical on board and can account for last minute vessel schedule changes. Ecochlor establishes a relationship with the ships crew during commissioning, training, and ongoing service that involves high levels of communication. We will have regular contact through our service managers with the ships officers and will know the ballasting operations that take place and the chemical inventory onboard the vessel. Ecochlor will also request data transfer capabilities through the ship communication network when possible (in port) so that we can access and monitor chemical consumption, chemical inventory and system status. Calculations will be made to determine the number of ballasting operations available before chemical re-supply. A safety factor is included in the calculations and the necessary arrangements for re-supply will be made.
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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

Consideration will also be taken for re-supply activities at a convenient re-supply port if the vessels future itinerary is uncertain. 23. Are the chemical storage tanks vented? Venting of the storage tanks is to atmosphere, there are no special venting issues. There is no off gassing of either chemical (based on their respective vapor pressure), but the venting to the atmosphere is required for free flow of air during the filling of and use of the precursor chemicals. Venting is natural through pipe runs from the chemical storage tanks to atmosphere (inverted check vent assemblies). These are located in same vicinity as the chemical fill valves/station. 24. Can you describe the safeguards to prevent potential ClO2 leakage? The BWTS provides redundant safeguards against accidental release of ClO2. The generation of ClO2 is equipped with numerous fault interlocks that prevent the operation of the generator without prerequisite motive water flow and proper generation of vacuum in the mixing chamber. The BWTS is also equipped with a flow deviation alarm which reconciles the flow of ClO2 solution at the generator to the flow of the ClO2 solution at the injection point. In the event that the flow deviation alarm is active the system will automatically shut down and flush with motive water. 25. Will the vessels crew be responsible for chemical re-supply, special training or have additional time requirements? Through the Technical Service Agreement, the chemicals will always be loaded by an authorized Ecochlor representative; never ships crew. Similar to the engineering of the chemical storage tanks, Ecochlor engineers design the onboard chemical supply station (topside accessibility) to ensure safe loading of chemical. Considering logistics of cranes and safety procedure briefs, in addition to required volume, it will take approximately a day to complete the refill process, restore all equipment and have the empty totes removed from the port. 26. What is the global availability of the pre-cursor chemicals? What ports are currently available for chemical resupply, as part Technical Service Agreement? Sulfuric acid is the most commonly used commodity chemical in the world and is available world-wide. Purate BWT is manufactured by Eka Chemicals (Akzo Nobel) and Ecochlor has a global exclusive agreement for the ballast water treatment market. Purate BWT is manufactured in Sweden, Brazil, China, South Africa and the USA. Current Ports of Call for chemical re-supply and Technical Service: Northern Europe: Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Le Havre / Gonfreville, Nantes / Donges, Gothenburg, Liverpool, Southampton, Felixstowe; Mediterranean: Marseilles, Barcelona, Valencia, Algeciras, Gibraltar, Genoa, Piraeus; Gulf: Dubai, Fujairah; North America: Vancouver, San Francisco, LA / Long Beach, Houston, Port Fourchon (LOOP), Mobile, Jacksonville, Savannah, Baltimore, New York / New Jersey; South America: Rio de Jenaro, Panama; and Asia / Pacific: Tokyo, Incheon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Perth, Sydney. Additional ports are added as needed.

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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

Regulatory Questions
27. What agencies have approved the Ecochlor BWTS? The Ecochlor BWTS has been evaluated through various international and domestic regulatory processes that verify treatment efficacy, environmental acceptability, safety to human health, and safety to ships. These evaluations have resulted in numerous certifications and approvals, including installation approvals onboard the M/V Moku Pahu from American Bureau of Shipping; the M/V Atlantic Compass from Lloyds Register; and the M/V Buenos Aires from American Bureau of Shipping. A summary of Ecochlors approvals is provided below. List of Ecochlor BWTS Approvals Document Date Agency Approval / Certification

26 April 2004

Review of BWTS installation on the M/V Atlantic Compass. (1) Ecopod Installation (2) Ballast Tank Sampling Hatch; Lloyds Register Marine Design Appraisal approved in compliance with piping design and system arrangement requirements of LR Rules and Regulation of Classification of Ships. Review of BWTS installation on the M/V Moku Pahu. (1) Ecochlor Deck & Under Deck Piping Electrical & System Installation (2) Ecochlor System Arrangements Modifications & Pre-installation work (3) Ecochlor ClO2 Generator Drawings (4) Bill of Materials; Approved compliance with U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 2-95, and U.S. Coast Guards ABS Based Alternative Compliance Program. International Maritime Organization Guideline 9 Basic Approval (MEPC 58/23) Container ship Atlantic Compass accepted into the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program for purposes of demonstrating the use of and collecting data on the effectiveness of the Ecochlor BWTS Integrated tank barge Moku Pahu accepted into the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) for purposes of demonstrating the use of and collecting data on the effectiveness of the Ecochlor BWTS Authorization for the M/V Moku Pahu to discharge treated ballast water into the waters of California based upon enrollment in the United States Coast Guard STEP. Washington State Promising Treatment Technology Waiver Approval for M/V Moku Pahu Using the Ecochlor BWTS to the interim open sea ballast water exchange requirements for compliance with WA State ballast water regulations. International Maritime Organization Guideline 9 Final Approval (MEPC 61/24)

8 July 2005 and 15 August 2005

ABS Americas Division

16 October 2008

IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee United States Coast Guard

31 October 2008

31 October 2008

United States Coast Guard California State Lands Commission State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee

21 May 2009

21 May 2010

6 October 2010

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Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System Frequently Asked Questions

List of Ecochlor BWTS Approvals Document Date Agency Approval / Certification

German Federal International Maritime Organization Guideline 8 Type Maritime and 4 November 2011 Approval for Ecochlor BWTS, Series 75 Hydrographic Agency (BSH) 19 December 2011 German Federal International Maritime Organization Guideline 8 Type Maritime and Approval for Ecochlor BWTS, Series 100 to Series 300 Hydrographic Agency (BSH)

In addition to the approvals and certifications listed in the table above, Ecochlor is actively pursuing class Type Approval from ABS, Lloyds Register, and DNV; Type Approval from the Liberian administration; and interim Alternative Management System Type Approval from United States Coast Guard.

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