Norwegian class society DNV has issued a type-approval design certificate for Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 Ex deckhouse, which is a solution for tankers which do not have a readily available space such as a pump house on the deck
While the system type-approval applies to the ballast water management system (BWMS) itself, both the enclosure and the installation within it must also be approved by a classification society. The DNV type-approval design certificate means PureBallast 3 Ex deckhouse deliveries will have this approval in advance.
“Alfa Laval quickly recognised the importance of having a standardised and purpose-built solution for installing PureBallast 3 Ex on deck,” said Alfa Laval head of PureBallast Peter Sahlén.
He added, “Likewise, DNV recognised this would require a unique approach to the approval – given that the solution falls outside traditional class definitions. Working together, we have achieved a design approval that encompasses the reinforcements, insulation, ventilation and other elements that protect ballast water treatment system performance and lifetime.”
DNV project manager Endre Lajord said, “When dealing with a new type of installation that may not fit within existing class definitions, it is essential to make sure the solution conforms to the same rigorous standards.”
He continued, “Installing ballast water treatment systems on the weather deck is a new area, and we were very pleased Alfa Laval chose to work with us on this design approval. We are always ready to help forward-looking companies like Alfa Laval to deliver unique solutions. We do this by giving their customers the necessary trust and confidence through the DNV class-approval process.”
In practice, the design approval for PureBallast 3 Ex deckhouse solutions will greatly reduce the time and effort needed from system integrators – and the implications for shipowners. For the final onboard approval, only the mounting of the enclosure on deck and its interconnections with the vessel will need to be evaluated by the classification society.
“Having class approval for our design specifications makes the deckhouse essentially a plug-and-play solution for installation on the weather deck,” said Mr Sahlén.
Alfa Laval’s approved design includes the deckhouse enclosure itself, as well as the system’s internal installation on fixed rails and all of the internal piping and electrical connections. Its specifications go far beyond those of standard containers, which lack the protective features and longevity needed to ensure performance over the vessel lifetime.
“Our deckhouse design ensures conditions that keep PureBallast 3 Ex within its design limits, from the interior climate to factors like wind and wave loads,” said Mr Sahlén.
“It may be a containerised solution, but it is by no means a standard container.”
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