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A Ukrainian research group has developed a ballast water treatment system aimed at protecting the environment of the World Ocean and is seeking financial support to implement it.

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TOUA20241129010
Term of Validity
29 November 2024 - 29 November 2025
Company's Country
  • Ukraine
Type of partnership
  • Investment agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
A Ukrainian research team has designed a cutting-edge ballast water treatment system (BWTS) to protect the World Ocean by minimizing invasive species transfer through ship ballast water. Their solution adheres to Regulation D-2 of the IMO Convention, ensuring compliance with global environmental standards. The researchers aim to collaborate with shipyards and cruise operators through a financial agreement to launch large-scale production of this innovative technology.
Full Description
A Ukrainian research group has developed an advanced solution for disinfecting and purifying ballast water in seagoing vessels, addressing critical environmental and health concerns associated with invasive species transfer. This initiative aligns with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Ballast Water Management Convention, which came into force on September 11, 2017, enforcing stricter D-2 standards for ballast water treatment to safeguard global marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

The group has patented a novel ballast water treatment system that combines cutting-edge engineering and biotechnological methods. Their design incorporates the innovative use of iron chelate III with a ligand (RNON = 0) as a chemical reagent, alongside sodium hypochlorite, to neutralize invasive organisms. This approach significantly reduces the corrosive impact on ballast tank hulls compared to traditional chlorinated lime, minimizing maintenance costs and vessel downtime.

Key features of the system include advanced filtration to remove particles over 100 nanometers, enhanced UV disinfection with optimized element positioning for increased efficiency, and electrohydraulic technology to produce high-frequency discharges. These processes result in the effective destruction of invasive species and organic matter, ensuring compliance with environmental standards while maintaining energy efficiency at 0.3-0.4 kW per cubic meter of treated water.

The system’s flexible design makes it applicable for wastewater treatment in coastal facilities as well as maritime operations. The group is seeking industry partners or investors to advance the project from lab testing to prototyping and commercialization.
Advantages and Innovations
Ionized Treatment:
The system incorporates ultraviolet irradiation and ionization processes. Its innovative design features ultraviolet lamps arranged parallel to the water flow, enabling effective cleaning of the lamps by the ballast water itself. This reduces resistance and enhances irradiation efficiency.

Mechanical Filtration:
A "self-discharge" filter with carbon inserts ensures continuous filtration without particle adhesion. This cyclical process maintains consistent performance and minimizes maintenance requirements.

Chemical Efficiency:
The device employs advanced reagents that significantly reduce the corrosive effects on ballast tank hulls, addressing a common issue associated with traditional chlorinated lime. This feature extends the vessel's service life and reduces maintenance costs.
Stage of Development
  • Already on the market
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Not relevant

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
The company is looking for partners in the fields of ship-repair, shipbuilding or cruise shipyards. They are looking for a financial partner to facilitate and speed up the production of the prototipe.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME 11-49
  • SME <=10
Type of partnership
  • Investment agreement

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 10004009 - Marine Environment
Market keywords
  • 05008001 - Marine products
  • 08004003 - Water treatment equipment and waste disposal systems
Targeted countries
  • All countries