Kuraray Microfade II awarded USCG type-approval

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Centre has issued its 34th US Coast Guard ballast water management system type-approval certificate to Kuraray Co Ltd after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type-approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.

The treatment principle of the Kuraray Microfade II Ballast Water Treatment System consists of filtration with chemical injection treatment at uptake and neutralisation during discharge. This approval covers six models with maximum treatment rated capacities between 250 m³/h and 2,000 m³/h. The USCG type-approval lists the operational limitations as:

• Salinity: Not applicable
• Water Temperature: Not applicable
• Hold Time: >4 hours in marine and brackish water (>1PSU), >24 hours in fresh water (<1PSU)
• Maximum active substance dose: 8 mg/l

The USCG type-approval certification also stipulates that the Kuraray Microfade II does not meet the requirements of 46 CFR Subchapter F and J and may not be installed on a US flag vessel. The BWMS is not intended for installation in hazardous locations on foreign vessels.

The entire test project for USCG type-approval was conducted under the supervision of Control Union Certifications which is an accepted USCG Independent Laboratory.