Filter performance testing

Filters in Ballast Water Management Systems

We offer testing of filtration units for use in ballast water management systems (BWMS) in accordance with the IMO and U.S. Coast Guard requirements for type approval. The U.S. Coast Guard defines two standard procedures for testing to include an upgraded filter version or a new filter in the existing type approval certificate.

Upgraded filter testing is the less comprehensive testing procedure, which includes two tests of an upgraded filter version in each of two test water salinities. The testing procedure is designed to verify equivalence between filters.

The tests are typically performed as comparison testing between the old and a new version of the filter. The filter comparison test normally includes analyses of water quality parameters and live organisms ≥50 µm. The ‘upgraded filter testing’ is required, when the filter manufacturer makes significant changes of the filter, such as mesh geometry, additional backwash suction-arm or a new and more compact design.

Alternate filter testing is the more comprehensive testing procedure, which includes three tests of a new filter in each of three test water salinities. The new filter will be connected to the BWMS, and the testing will be performed according to the requirements for type approval of BWMS.

Manufacturers are welcome to contact us directly for an initial discussion of the challenge conditions and the design of the filter performance testing. We are happy to collaborate with a verification body (classification society) to overview the testing and we may introduce you to the parties with whom we collaborate such as Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Lloyd’s Register (LR), Prüfinstitut für Abwassertechnik (PIA), and ETA-Denmark.

Key Features

Equivalence between filters can be determined by applying statistical tools of the results from filter testing.

Testing can be completed in 1 month (upgraded) or 2 months (alternate) from the date of installation.

Testing can be performed at our test facility in Denmark or at the manufacturer’s own facility.

Testimonial

Hydac has ordered DHI in the late fall of 2019 to perform comparison tests with our automatic backflushing filter AutoFilt® RF14. It was imperative for Hydac to get the tests done within the biological season of 2019. DHI was despite the short notice able to meet our deadline. The project test plan was executed timely and to our full satisfaction. The reporting was in the same way efficient and professional. We thank the DHI team for their professionalism and timely work.

When we were considering DHI as a candidate for the project, a key obstacle for us was the geographic distance. However, from our previous positive partnership with DHI, we knew DHI’s technical expertise and global credibility make their team the right choice for the project. We have been able to clear the clients’ doubts around the treatment performance of BalClor BWMS. Due to the reputation of DHI, our clients have full confidence in the alternative filter. As a result, we can continue to provide leading-edge, high quality services to our clients and see an increase in production and sales.