Filtersafe expands ballast water filter range

Under the rules of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM), approximately 55,000 cargo carriers now afloat will have to meet stringent conditions for the treatment of ballast water. This is being done to reduce the likelihood of damaging bio-invasions that have destroyed fisheries and spread diseases.

As more nations ratify the convention, it is likely that it will come into force in 2016, and with this, Filtersafe says it’s seen a significant rise in commercial interest.

Its new range of Compact filters, which supplements Filtersafe’s industrial scale filters typically used in vessels up to oil tanker size, is designed to cater for a large number of smaller cargo vessels currently operating, and will allow operators of smaller cargo vessels to comply with the requirements.

The thirteen new Compact models of single screen, BS Series Automatic filters are designed to handle flow rates of between 50 to 1,300 cubic meters an hour (m3/hr). They have the ability to operate in vertical or horizontal configurations, and are adaptable, making them suitable for use in vessels with limited space for filtering equipment. The compact line also contains fewer parts than larger filters, making them easier to maintain and guaranteeing a longer service life.

Filtersafe will exhibit its expanded range of automatic filters at the Ballast Water Management Technology Conference in Miami from 24 to 25 September.