Combining SOx scrubber system andBallast water treatment system (BWTS) will benefit both systems.
SOx scrubber system uses seawater and discharges wastewater with decreased pH level. It is because MEPC puts pH criteria in the washwater, Section 10.1.2.1 in MEPC 184(59).
For Ballast water treatment system (BWTS), low pH in the incoming seawater will help the system performance within the electrolysis.
Having some amount of washwater, of course PAH and turbidity should be controlled, stored onboard and mix with the ballast water to lower the pH value would be a way to improve the performance of BWTS.
Being able to have some storage capacity of washwater from SOx scrubber units can give a room to deal with sulfates in solid form, especially when operating in closed loop mode.
This is a preliminary idea to improve system performance and operability of SOx scrubber system and BWTS by combining them.
STI is looking for ways in this way.
Please feel free to contact STI for any questions about this issue.
Aug. 2016
STI