Alfa Laval report that the number of tanker and other large vessel owners choosing UV ballast water treatment over electrochlorination continues to grow. To date, Alfa Laval has won orders for almost 90 PureBallast 3.1 systems in the range of 1000 m3/h or more.

Alfa say thier UV systems are challenging the notion that electrochlorination is the default for large ballast water flows, and that UV competes easily in terms of footprint and energy efficiency, even at flows of 1000 m3/h or above. They also point to operational advantages including a chemical-free process that poses no corrosion risk.

A retrofit order for two PureBallast 3.1 systems of 2000 m3/h from Nakilat is among recent developments . A further system of this size, configured for Ex demands, will be retrofitted by European oil tanker management company DS Tankers.

“PureBallast 3.1 was selected not only for its small footprint and simple installation, but also for its ease of use,” says Anders Lindmark, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast. “No chemicals are needed to treat the ballast water or to neutralize residuals, which means there will be no chemical handling on the part of the crews. And just as importantly, there will be no risk of corrosion in the system components or ballast water tanks. Those things make a difference for any vessel, large or small.”