DEVELOPMENT OF UV-BASED STERILIZATION SYSTEMS FOR AIR AND WATER TREATMENT IN SHIPS

Abstract

Ballast Water (BW) management is an efficient strategy to prevent the migration of species and bacteria via BW to other regions.The International Maritime Organization (IMO) enacted the International Conventions on the Conservation and Management of Bilge Water and Ship Sediments, which govern bilge water management practices.Many methods have been investigated and produced; specifically, the utilization of Ultraviolet (UV) rays is assessed with many benefits and aligns with the stipulations of the Conventions.The UV reactors in the BW sterilization systems possess substantial capacity, necessitating the usage of multiple high-power UV lamps within a single reactor.These high-intensity UV lamps require significant electrical power and are pretty costly.It is essential to research the regulation of UV radiation during water disinfection to enhance the longevity of UV lamps, reduce electricity consumption, and ensure excellent antibacterial performance.The article details the creation of a control device for UV reactors and BW flow within the BW sterilization system implemented on vessels.Experimental findings on vessels demonstrate the efficacy attained by the designed UV controller.