Abstract:
Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship&#39;s ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship&#39;s fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship&#39;s ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/046,554 filed Jan. 29, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,351,336, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,328 filed Jun. 28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,074, which claimed the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/392,388 filed Jun. 29, 2002. This application also includes subject matter from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/840,529 filed Aug. 26, 2006. All of the above disclosures are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates in general to water treatment and, in particular, to ballast water treatment for ships. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiments hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to in-port water treatment systems directed to filtering ballast water and deactivating biological material to prevent translocation of aquatic invasive species. 
         [0004]    2. General Discussion and Related Art 
         [0005]    Over the past 25 years, the introduction of foreign aquatic invasive species (AIS) into ports and waterways has increased significantly throughout the globe. Ships from around the world pump 40,000 gallons of foreign ballast water into U.S. waterways every minute. 
         [0006]    This discharged ballast water contains countless species of foreign marine life including fish, shellfish, plants, and microorganisms. More than 200 AIS are now established in the San Francisco Bay and Delta areas in California and 150 AIS in the Great Lakes of North America alone. 
         [0007]    Many of these foreign AIS are disrupting the local marine ecosystems. Invading organisms are steadily replacing native species by competition or predation. Viruses and bacteria carried in ships ballast water have the potential to cause the destruction of native species as well as create human health problems. 
         [0008]    The Zebra Mussel, Chinese Mitten Crab, Sea Lamprey, and Purple Loosestrife are just some of the AIS causing serious and costly problems globally by clogging canals and water intake and/or outlet systems. Billions of dollars have been spent on problems arising from these organisms. The primary source comes from the discharge of ships&#39; ballast water, taken in as ballast in one port then discharged into another port. 
         [0009]    Globally, there are seven major marine ecological zones, each having distinct marine species which have evolved in those zones over many millennia. In recent years, however, there has been significant displacement of indigenous species from one zone to other zones around the globe. Today, no country has escaped from the widespread impact of aquatic invasive species arriving from other marine environments. In many instances, these translocated species have prospered in their newly found environment with damaging economic and ecological consequences. According to recent studies conducted by marine scientists, the most significant contributing factor for these undesired re-locations is the discharge of ballast water contained in vessels of commerce. Typically, an ocean going vessel takes sea water into its ballast tanks prior to departing its port of origin to stabilize the vessel during its voyage. This ballast water from the home port may then be discharged at ports of call in other ecological locations. Currently at least 162 non-indigenous aquatic species have colonized the Great Lakes alone. Thus far, the economically most significant aquatic invader to arrive in the Great Lakes system is the zebra mussel. A 1988 import from the Black Sea, the zebra mussel has become an economic and ecological disaster in this region. In addition to ecologically contaminating the Great Lakes, the zebra mussel is now spreading rapidly to other waters within the United States in spite of massive efforts and methodology deployed to control this invasive species. For all foreign aquatic species invading United States waters, the U.S. Coast Guard estimates the collective domestic economic impact of these undesired AIS arrivals at more than $7.3 billion per year. 
         [0010]    The world&#39;s nations and different states of the United States are responding to this threat by promoting treaties and state legislation directed to setting standards for halting the spread of aquatic invasive species. On the international front, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing an IMO Convention relating to ballast water management requirements. This Convention is expected to be signed within a few years then ratified by national legislative bodies and entered into force as domestic law in several of the world&#39;s nations. It is currently anticipated that after the year 2008, all international trading vessels using seawater as ships ballast will fall under the IMO Convention. Royal Haskoning Report,  Global Market Analysis of Ballast Water Treatment Technology , Oct. 24, 2001, Reference No. 42810/001R/HSC/SKO. 
         [0011]    On the U.S. domestic front, the states of Washington and California are leading state legislative development efforts directed to regulating the discharge of ballast water into their respective state ports. These regulations are technical in nature and will provide specific standards relative to the discharge of particulate matter and active biological organisms. 
         [0012]    Prior to current state legislative activities and collective international concern, the shipping industry had shown an acceptable degree of compliance to pre-existing standards. However AIS are still being introduced into the world&#39;s ports and waterways. Thus prior standards and technical measures implemented over the past years have proven inadequate. Currently, no known economically viable system has been found to prevent these organisms from entering or leaving ships&#39; ballast water tanks. 
         [0013]    Some of the prior methods and devices that have been employed in an attempt to control the AIS problem include (1) the mid-ocean ballast water exchange method, (2) ozone and nitrogen systems, (3) cyclone systems, (4) heat systems, and (5) use of biocides. These prior methods and systems are briefly described in further detail immediately herein below. 
         [0014]    Mid-ocean Ballast Water Exchange: The U.S. Congress has passed legislation requiring ships carrying ballast water from foreign ports to exchange this point-of-origin ballast water with mid-ocean sea water before entering the Great Lakes. This method has not proven effective in killing freshwater organisms. Very small quantities of survivors, one per several thousand, were found sufficient to start an invasion. 
         [0015]    Ozone and Nitrogen Systems: These gases, when introduced to the ship&#39;s ballast water, were found to be effective in controlling bacteria and other small organisms. However, they have proven to be less effective at controlling adult crustaceans and fish. Other disadvantages of these systems include those next enumerated. (1) Problems of uniformity in mixing the gases with the ballast water. Several days are required to kill the organisms. Ballast water exchange sometimes takes place within several hours. (2) Unable to treat the organisms in the sediments which are disturbed during ballasting. (3) Requires modification to the ship and significant space on board for system installation. (4) High cost. 
         [0016]    Cyclone Systems: Water drawn into the system for ballasting is spun to remove organisms. The filtered water is allowed to flow into the ballast tanks and the removed organisms and unfiltered water returned to its source. These types of systems are capable of removing sediments, large particles, and some organisms. The disadvantages of these systems include the following. (1) Centrifugation does not work effectively with organisms that have densities close to that of water. (2) The system is prone to clogging and must be back flushed to clean. (3) An inability to treat or remove organisms that passed through the system. Once in the ballast tanks, these organisms may continue to grow and multiply. (4) Requires modification to the ship and significant space on board for system installation. (5) High cost. 
         [0017]    Heat Systems: Heat energy high enough to kill organisms is added to the ballast water. Disadvantages of these systems are next briefly listed. (1) Huge quantity of energy is required to raise the temperature high enough to kill organisms. The energy required to kill bacteria and viruses make this system impractical for ballast water treatment. (2) Problems of uniformity in mixing the heated water with the ballast water, requiring many hours to kill the organisms. Ballast water exchange may have to take place within several hours. (3) Enough energy to run the system may not be available from the ship&#39;s power system. (4) High cost to install and operate. 
         [0018]    Use of Biocides: Biocides such as vitamin K and chlorine are effective at killing AIS when added to the ballast water. Disadvantages of these systems include the following. (1) Problems of uniformity in mixing the biocide with the ballast water, requiring many hours to kill the organisms. Ballast water exchange may have to take place within several hours. (2) Some bacteria and viruses may not be killed by the biocides used. (3) Treated ballast water may be toxic to the environment when discharged. 
         [0019]    In addition to the above technical limitations and cost considerations, none of the known prior art ballast water treatment systems will meet the newly emerging regulatory standards. Therefore it is desired to provide a cost effective, technically efficient ballast water treatment system that is acceptable by the marine shipping industry and that satisfies the emerging more stringent regulatory standards. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to improve ballast water treatment systems in a cost effective and technically efficient manner that also meets the anticipated future standards of currently developing legislative mandates. 
         [0021]    Another object of this invention is to reduce the negative impact aquatic invasive species have on the marine environment. 
         [0022]    It is a further object of the present invention to apply filtering methods to ballast water to aid in the removal of aquatic invasive species from ballast water before the ballast water is returned to the marine environment. 
         [0023]    Still another object of the present invention is to apply UV treatment methods to ballast water to aid in the elimination of aquatic invasive species from ballast water before the ballast water is returned to the marine environment. 
         [0024]    It is still a further object of the present invention to utilize the existing fire hydrant systems on board ship as the pumping system for ballast water transfer to treatment apparatus to thereby avoid the need for additional on-board pumping equipment for ballast water treatment purposes. 
         [0025]    Yet another object of the present invention is to utilize the existing ballast water discharge systems on board ship as the pumping system for ballast water transfer to treatment apparatus to thereby avoid the need for additional on-board pumping equipment for ballast water treatment purposes. 
         [0026]    An additional object of the present invention is to enable the use of portable on ship ballast water filter systems with ballast water supplied from the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system. 
         [0027]    Still yet another object of this invention is to shift the burden of ballast water filtration operations from the ship owner to an in-port service provider with local knowledge. 
         [0028]    Yet a further object of the present invention is to enable the use of dock-side ballast water filter systems with ballast water supplied from the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system. 
         [0029]    It is yet an additional and further object of the present invention to enable the use of ballast water filter systems on in-port service vessels that utilize ballast water supplied from the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system. 
         [0030]    Still another object of the present invention is to enable the use of dock-side ballast water filter systems with ballast water supplied from the ship&#39;s existing ballast water discharge system. 
         [0031]    And yet still a further object of the present invention is to enable the use of ballast water filter systems on in-port service barges that utilize ballast water supplied from the ship&#39;s existing ballast water discharge system. 
         [0032]    These and many other objects and advantages are attained in accordance with the present invention wherein there is provided a dock-side service vehicle for treating discharged ballast water from a ship in port. In one embodiment, this vehicle includes (1) a water treatment processing platform accessible to a respective ship docked in port; (2) a housing tank positioned within said water treatment processing platform, said housing tank having at least one inlet port and one discharge port, said at least one inlet port being adapted to receive ballast water from a ballast discharge port of said respective ship by connecting a hose between the ballast discharge port on said respective ship and said at least one inlet port of said housing tank; (3) a filter positioned within said housing tank, said filter employed to filter particulate matter from said ballast water received from said respective ship&#39;s ballast discharge port; and (4) a source of electromagnetic radiation maintained within said housing tank for irradiating said ballast water to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained therein. 
         [0033]    According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of treating discharged ballast water from a ship using an in-port service barge. In one particular embodiment this method includes the steps of providing a ballast water treatment apparatus on board said service barge; positioning said service barge adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment; and directing ballast water from a ballast tank of said respective ship into said ballast water treatment apparatus on board said service barge to thereby treat said respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging said ship&#39;s ballast water. 
         [0034]    This invention is further directed to an in-port service barge for treating discharged ballast water from a ship. In one preferred embodiment the barge includes (1) a ballast water treatment apparatus on board said service barge, said apparatus including an inlet port, a discharge port, means for filtering ballast water, and means for directing UV energy at said ballast water; (2) a hoisting system for positioning a supply hose between a ballast water discharge port of the ship and said inlet port of said ballast water treatment apparatus. 
         [0035]    According to yet another aspect of this invention, there is further provided a dock-side service vehicle for treating discharged ballast water from a ship in port. This vehicle may advantageously include (1) a water treatment processing platform accessible to a respective ship docked in port; (2) a housing tank positioned within said water treatment processing platform, said housing tank having at least one inlet port and one discharge port, said at least one inlet port being adapted to receive ballast water from a ballast discharge port of said respective ship by connecting a hose between the ballast discharge port on said respective ship and said at least one inlet port of said housing tank; (3) a filter positioned within said housing tank, said filter employed to filter particulate matter from said ballast water received from said respective ship&#39;s ballast discharge port; (4) a source of electromagnetic radiation maintained within said housing tank for irradiating said ballast water to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained therein; and (5) an articulating arm for positioning said hose a hose between the ballast discharge port on said respective ship and said at least one inlet port of said housing tank. 
         [0036]    In accordance with yet a further aspect hereof, there is also provided a ballast water filtration and treatment system. In one preferred embodiment thereof, this system may include (1) an inlet reservoir having an inlet port; (2) a main tank member fluidly connected to said inlet reservoir, said main tank member having filter means positioned in an upper portion thereof; (3) a side channel tank in fluid communication with said main tank member; (4) a side fill tank in fluid communication with said side channel tank; and (5) a UV containment chamber in fluid communication with said side fill tank, said UV containment chamber including a source of UV light directed into filtered ballast water contained in the chamber. 
         [0037]    According to still an addition aspect hereof, there is further provided a ballast water filtration and treatment system alternatively including (1) an upper flow chamber for receiving ballast water and including a plurality of filter bag compartments, each filter bag compartment including valve means to fluidly isolate a respective filter bag compartment from ballast water maintained with in said upper flow chamber; (2) a filter bag associated with each of said of filter bag compartments; (3) a lower tank chamber in fluid communication with said upper flow chamber, each of said filter bags depending downwardly from a respective filter bag compartment into said lower tank chamber; and (4) at least one UV tank fluidly connected to said lower tank chamber implemented so that ballast water filtered through said filter bags is directed into said least one UV tank for further treatment. In this system, said at least one UV tank fluidly may be positioned below said lower tank chamber so that filtered ballast in said lower tank chamber is moved by gravity to flow from said lower tank chamber into said at least one UV tank. Alternatively, the system may include a pump to move filtered ballast in said lower tank chamber into said at least one UV tank. 
         [0038]    In accordance with a further aspect hereof, this invention is direct to an apparatus for connecting a hose to a ballast water discharge port located in the hull of a ship. The apparatus may advantageously include a ring member sized to mate with the ballast water discharge port in the ship; at least two hook arms positioned around the circumference of said ring member; and means for making a water-tight seal between said ring member and the hull of the ship. In an alternative embodiment thereof, the apparatus a ring member including a nipple extension sized to mate with the ballast water discharge port in the ship; and means for making a water-tight seal between said ring member and the hull of the ship. In this embodiment the ring member of the apparatus may include at least one electro-magnet associated therewith so that when said electro-magnet is activated a magnetic holding force is applied between said ring member and the hull of the ship. 
         [0039]    According to still yet another aspect hereof, there is further provided a method of retro-fitting a ballast water discharge port located in the hull of a ship to receive a hose connection. One embodiment of this method includes the steps of obtaining measurements relating to the size of a respective ballast water discharge port; providing a flat annular ring sized to fit said respective ballast water discharge port; welding said flat annular ring into said respective ballast water discharge port to thereby form a lip onto which a hose connector may be secured. 
         [0040]    Still according to yet additional aspects of this invention there is provided a UV tank system for use in treating ballast water. This tank system may advantageously include a tank member having an inlet port and a discharge port; at least one UV lamp positioned within said tank member between said inlet port and discharge port; and an electronic circuit operatively connected to said at least one UV lamp to control operation thereof. The electronic circuit may further include a processor, a controller, and a memory. And the tank system may further include means for wiping clean said at least one UV lamp after a predetermined amount of use. 
         [0041]    Other aspects of the present invention are further directed to a portable deck apparatus for treating ballast water discharged from the fire hydrant system of a ship. Different embodiments of the apparatus are provided. 
         [0042]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of distributing portable water treatment devices around the deck of a ship to process ballast water discharged from the fire hydrant system of the ship. 
         [0043]    In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is also provided a built-in water treatment assembly for processing ballast water discharged from the fire hydrant system of a ship. This assembly is manufactured and installed during the ship building process rather than adapted as a retro-fit device or intended for use on pre-existing ships. There also provided methods related to this built-in water treatment aspects of the present invention. 
         [0044]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is further provided a marine service vessel for treating discharged ballast water from a ship. Related methods include a method of treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the in-port marine service vessel and methods of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the in-port service vessel of the present invention. 
         [0045]    In accordance with still yet another aspect of this invention, the inventors hereof have also provided a dock-side service vehicle for treating discharged ballast water from a ship in port. Related methods include a method of treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the dock-side service vehicle and methods of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the dock-side service vehicle as out-fitted according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         [0046]    In addition to the above, the present invention further provides methods for processing, filtering, or treating ballast water discharged from a ship, and related methods directed to using the fire hydrant system of a ship to process, filter, or treat ballast water before directing the ballast water into an open water environment to thereby protect the environment form undesired aquatic invasive species. 
         [0047]    More particularly, the present invention is directed to a portable deck apparatus for treating ballast water discharged from the fire hydrant system of a ship. This apparatus includes (1) a housing having at least one inlet port and one discharge port, the at least one inlet port being adapted to receive ballast water from the fire hydrant system of a ship, (2) a filter positioned within the housing, the filter employed to filter particulate matter from the ballast water received from the fire hydrant system, and (3) a source of electromagnetic radiation maintained within the housing for irradiating the ballast water to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained therein. 
         [0048]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of distributing portable water treatment devices around the deck of a ship to process ballast water discharged from the fire hydrant system of the ship, each of the water treatment devices having a known processing rate. This method includes the steps of (1) determining the number and location of fire hydrant outlets on the deck of a ship, (2) ascertaining the flow rate of each of the located fire hydrant outlets, (3) determining an amount of the ship&#39;s ballast water requiring treatment, (4) setting a maximum duration of time during which the determined amount of ballast water requiring treatment is to be processed, (5) determining the number of water treatment devices necessary to process the determined amount of ballast water within the maximum duration of time, and (6) distributing the determined number of water treatment devices around the deck of the ship proximate selected fire hydrant outlets to direct ballast water from the fire hydrant outlets into respective water treatment devices for processing. 
         [0049]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a marine service vessel for treating discharged ballast water from a ship. This vessel includes a water treatment processing area accessible to a respective ship docked in port; a housing tank positioned within the water treatment processing area, the housing tank having at least one inlet port and one discharge port, the at least one inlet port being adapted to receive ballast water from the fire hydrant system of the respective ship by connecting a fire hose between a fire hydrant on the respective ship and the at least one inlet port of the housing tank; a filter positioned within the housing tank, the filter employed to filter particulate matter from the ballast water received from the respective ship&#39;s fire hydrant system; and a source of electromagnetic radiation maintained within the housing tank for irradiating the ballast water to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained therein. 
         [0050]    According to certain methods of the present invention associated with the service vessel aspect thereof, there is further provided a method of treating discharged ballast water from a ship using an in-port service vessel. This method includes the steps of (1) providing a ballast water treatment apparatus on board the service vessel, (2) positioning the service vessel adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment, (3) and directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the respective ship into the ballast water treatment apparatus on board the service vessel to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water. In this method, the respective ship&#39;s ballast water is directed from the ballast tank through the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system and into the ballast water treatment apparatus on board the service vessel. The method may include the further step of connecting at least one fire hose between a fire hydrant outlet on a deck of the respective ship and an inlet port provided on the ballast water treatment apparatus on board the service vessel. 
         [0051]    According to the business method aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using an in-port service vessel. This method includes the steps of positioning the service vessel adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment; directing ballast water from a ballast tank of a respective ship into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on board the service vessel to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into the environment; determining an amount of time required to treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water; and calculating a water treatment service fee based on the amount of time required to treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water. 
         [0052]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided another method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using an in-port service vessel. This method includes the steps of positioning the service vessel adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment; directing ballast water from a ballast tank of a respective ship into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on board the service vessel to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into the environment; determining a total volume of treated ballast water processed from the respective ship&#39;s ballast water tanks; and calculating a water treatment service fee based on the total volume of treated ballast water. 
         [0053]    According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a dock-side service vehicle for treating discharged ballast water from a ship in port. This vehicle may advantageously include a water treatment processing platform accessible to a respective ship docked in port; a housing tank positioned within the water treatment processing platform, the housing tank having at least one inlet port and one discharge port, the at least one inlet port being adapted to receive ballast water from the fire hydrant system of the respective ship by connecting a fire hose between a fire hydrant on the respective ship and the at least one inlet port of the housing tank; a filter positioned within the housing tank, the filter employed to filter particulate matter from the ballast water received from the respective ship&#39;s fire hydrant system; and a source of electromagnetic radiation maintained within the housing tank for irradiating the ballast water to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained therein. 
         [0054]    A method of treating discharged ballast water from a ship using a dock-side service vehicle is also provided. This method includes the steps of providing a ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle; positioning the service vehicle adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment; and directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the respective ship into the ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into an open water environment. In this method, the respective ship&#39;s ballast water may be directed from the ballast tank through the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system and into the ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle. The method may further include the further step of connecting at least one fire hose between a fire hydrant outlet on a deck of the respective ship and an inlet port provided on the ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle. 
         [0055]    There is still also provided a method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using a dock-side service vehicle. This method includes the steps of (1) positioning the dock-side service vehicle adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment, (2) directing ballast water from a ballast tank of a respective ship into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on the dock-side service vehicle to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into an open environment, (3) determining an amount of time required to treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water, and (4) calculating a water treatment service fee based on the amount of time required to treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water. 
         [0056]    There is also provided another method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using a dock-side service vehicle. This method includes the steps of (1) positioning the dock-side service vehicle adjacent a respective ship requiring ballast water treatment, (2) directing ballast water from a ballast tank of a respective ship into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on the dock-side service vehicle to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into an open environment, (3) determining a total volume of treated ballast water processed from the respective ship&#39;s ballast water tanks, and (4) calculating a water treatment service fee based on the total volume of treated ballast water. 
         [0057]    According to yet a further aspect of this invention there is also provided a method of processing ballast water discharged from a ship. This method includes the steps of accessing ballast water requiring treatment from a ship&#39;s ballast tank through a fire hydrant system of the ship, directing the ballast water from the fire hydrant system through a filter to thereby remove undesired particulate matter from the ballast water, and directing the filtered ballast water into an open water environment. This method may further include the step of directing electromagnetic radiation at the ballast water before directing the filtered ballast water into the open water environment to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained within ballast water. 
         [0058]    There is yet still provided a method of using the fire hydrant system of a ship to treat ballast water. This method includes the steps of accessing ballast water requiring treatment from a ship&#39;s ballast tank through a fire hydrant located on a deck of the ship, directing the ballast water from the fire hydrant through a filter to thereby remove undesired particulate matter from the ballast water, and directing the filtered ballast water into an open water environment. This method may include the further step of directing electromagnetic radiation at the ballast water before directing the filtered ballast water into the open water environment to thereby deactivate biological organisms contained within ballast water. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0059]    Further objects of the present invention together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing therefrom will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention which are shown in the accompanying drawing with like reference numerals indicating like components throughout, wherein: 
           [0060]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a one embodiment of a ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  including a cut-away section to illustrate the interior of a more particular embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus according to this invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view showing a filter bag assembly as employed in conjunction with different embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 4  is a perspective cut-away view showing a filter frame support structure according to one aspect of this invention and further illustrating removal of the filter bag assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detailed perspective view of the filter frame support structure and bag assembly illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 6  is a perspective cut-away view of another embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged detailed perspective view of a water treatment tank and related piping as utilized in conjunction with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 8  is a typified diagrammatic cross-sectional representation of a ship&#39;s ballast tank and related mechanical piping as adapted for use with the ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a container ship docked port-side for unloading that is also being serviced by a dock-side service vehicle according to the ballast water treatment aspects of the present invention and alternate methods relating thereto; 
           [0069]      FIG. 10  is a deck plan of the container ship illustrated in  FIG. 9  showing the location of the ship&#39;s second deck fire hydrants; 
           [0070]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the container ship illustrated in  FIG. 9  showing the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
           [0071]      FIG. 12  is perspective view along the second deck of a typical container ship illustrating the placement of ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a tanker docked port-side for loading or unloading that is also being serviced by an in-port service vessel according to the ballast water treatment aspects of the present invention and additional methods relating thereto; 
           [0073]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a passenger cruse ship docked port-side for loading or unloading; 
           [0074]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the tanker shown in  FIG. 13  illustrating the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
           [0075]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate class Great Lakes bulk vessel showing the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
           [0076]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a Panamax size oil bulk ore carrier representing the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
           [0077]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use thereof as positioned on the side of a typical container ship; 
           [0078]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a half-face housing member that may be employed in combination with the ballast water treatment apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the ballast water treatment apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 20  including break-away sections to show interior elements of principal components of the apparatus; 
           [0081]      FIG. 22  is a detailed partial plan view of the UV lamp assembly utilized in conjunction with the ballast water treatment apparatus shown in  FIG. 20  illustrating build-up of UV-irradiated biological material on the lamp assembly; 
           [0082]      FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22  showing a tube wiper system and actuator assembly cleaning the build-up of UV-irradiated biological material on the lamp assembly according to another aspect of the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23  showing the lamp assembly in a fully cleaned or wiped condition after full activation of the tube wiper system; 
           [0084]      FIG. 25  is a detailed isolated elevation view of a wiper plate employed in the tube wiper system illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 26  is a perspective schematic representation including detail cut-way views of a large volume through-put filtration system employing several filter modules and UV irradiation according to alternate embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0086]      FIG. 27A  is a schematic end-view elevation diagram of a filter bag assembly positioned in the upper main tank of the system represented in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 27B  is a schematic side-view elevation diagram of the filter bag assembly of  FIG. 27A ; 
           [0088]      FIG. 28  is a schematic side-view elevation diagram of a lower portion of the main tank of  FIG. 26  further illustrating an associated fill tank of the present invention; 
           [0089]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a container ship docked port-side for unloading that is being serviced by a dock-side service vehicle according to an alternate ballast water treatment aspect of the present invention utilizing the ballast water discharge port of the ship; 
           [0090]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a tanker docked port-side for loading or unloading that is being serviced by an in-port service barge according to aspects of the present invention that utilize the ballast water discharge port; 
           [0091]      FIG. 31A  is a perspective view of a connector ring assembly according to one aspect of the present invention employed to couple a discharge hose to the ballast water discharge port of a ship; 
           [0092]      FIG. 31B  is a perspective view of an alternate connector ring assembly according to the present invention employed to couple the discharge hose to the ballast water discharge port of a ship; 
           [0093]      FIG. 32A  is a cut-away side elevation view of a typical ballast water discharge port; 
           [0094]      FIG. 32B  is a plan view of an annular insert or retainer ring used to retro-fit the typical ballast water discharge port according to one aspect of the present invention; 
           [0095]      FIG. 32C  is a cut-away side elevation view of a ballast water discharge port after the annular insert ring of  FIG. 32B  has been welded therein according to certain aspects of this invention; 
           [0096]      FIG. 32D  is cut-away side elevation view of the ballast water discharge port of  FIG. 32C  including the connector ring assembly of  FIG. 31A ; 
           [0097]      FIG. 33  is a cut-away section view of the connector ring assembly of  FIG. 31A  shown locked into position in the discharge port of a ship to illustrate certain detail mechanical aspects thereof; 
           [0098]      FIG. 34  is a side elevation schematic view of an alternate large volume through-put ballast water treatment system employing several filter modules and UV irradiation according to additional embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0099]      FIG. 35  is a top view of the large volume through-put treatment system of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0100]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a filter bag used in the system of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0101]      FIG. 37  is an enlarged detailed perspective view and block diagram of a UV irradiation water treatment tank system and related piping as utilized in conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0102]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the container ship and dock-side service vehicle of  FIG. 29  further illustrating use of an articulating arm for positioning and maintaining the discharge hose in cooperative engagement with the ship; 
           [0103]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of the tanker and in-port service barge of  FIG. 30  further illustrating use of a hoisting derrick system for positioning and maintaining the discharge hose in cooperative engagement with the ship; 
           [0104]      FIG. 40  is a logic flow chart illustrating one method according to the present invention for as employed with low pressure UV lamps; and 
           [0105]      FIG. 41  is another logic flow chart illustrating one method according to the present invention for as employed with medium pressure UV lamps. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0106]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a ballast water treatment apparatus or device  102  according to the present invention. The ballast water treatment apparatus  102  includes a tank housing  104  as illustrated. The housing  104  includes an inlet port  106  having a gallon metered device as shown. The housing  104  further includes a discharge port  108 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the housing member  104  is further provided with a discharge hose  110  mounted thereon by use of hook brackets  112 . During use of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  as described in further detail below, the discharge hose  110  is connected to the discharge port  108 . With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , there is further shown transport wheels  114  integrally arranged with the housing member  104  to thereby provide mobility during use of the apparatus on a ship&#39;s deck. As also shown in  FIG. 1 , the housing member  104  is provided with a filter apparatus which is discussed in further detail in connection with  FIGS. 2-5 . 
         [0107]    With reference now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown the filter apparatus  116  including a filter bag  118 , support rods  120 , and a support frame  122 . The support frame  122  is positioned on a first platform  124  as illustrated. The first platform  124  divides the interior housing  124  into an upper filter chamber  125  and a lower treatment chamber. According to this embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided a second platform  126  positioned below the first platform  124  and above the bottom  128  of the housing  104 . The first platform  124  fluidly isolates the upper filter chamber from the lower chambers. The first platform  124  includes a first flow aperture  130  which allows filtered water to pass from the upper chamber into a first lower flow channel formed between the first platform member  124  and the second platform member  126 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the second platform member  126  includes a flow aperture  132  allowing fluid flow from the first treatment channel into the second treatment channel formed between the second platform  126  and the tank bottom  128 . As further indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 2  representing the direction of flow of ballast water through the ballast water treatment apparatus  102 , the filtered water exits the housing  104  through a third flow aperture  134 . As illustrated, water flow is through the aperture  134  in the tank bottom  128  and then through the discharge port  108 . 
         [0108]    As discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , during use of the device  102 , the discharge hose  110  is connected to the discharge elbow  108  to direct filtered and treated water over the side of the ship as further discussed in detail below. As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each of the lower flow chambers includes at least one ultraviolet (UV) lamp  136  which is secured to either side of the housing  104  by UV lamp sockets  138 . Each of the individual UV lamps  136  is provided with an electrical feedback connection  140  that connects into an electrical control box  132  as illustrated. The electrical control box  132  further includes an electrical power supply  134  that provides power to the UV lamps  136 . Electrical power is provided to the control box  132  by an electrical connection  146  that connects to the ship&#39;s power supply. During use of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102 , the control box  142  includes an hour meter to monitor and record UV bulb usage time.  FIG. 2  illustrates one UV lamp in each of the lower treatment chambers. It would be readily understood by those of skill in the art, however, that a greater number of UV bulbs may be situated within these treatment chambers to provide additional electromagnetic UV energy into the chamber. Thus during the operation of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102 , after the ballast water has passed through the filter bag  118 , it is directed by gravity flow into the lower UV treatment chambers wherein electrical energy is applied to the UV bulbs and UV energy is directed in all directions into the flowing filtered water. 
         [0109]    The UV energy is selected to be of sufficient power so that any micro-organisms or other biological organisms passing through the filter-bag  118  will be deactivated by the application of the UV energy. As used herein, “deactivation” means rendering any harmful or undesired biological organisms inactive in a manner that either kills the organisms, renders them unable to reproduce, or otherwise prevents them from causing harm to the open water environment into which the ballast water is discharged. The UV lamps utilized in one specific embodiment preferably number 8 in each chamber and are preferably 2000 watts (2 KW) with an operating voltage of 1,454 volts AC running at 1.35 amps. Thus in this embodiment of the present invention, UV radiation is principally employed to deactivate any biological organisms contained within the ballast water. 
         [0110]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the ballast treatment apparatus  102  may be provided with two inlet ports  106  each having a respective gallon meter. In this alternate embodiment of the present invention, two supply hoses may be utilized from the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system to double the input flow into the apparatus  102  thereby decreasing the time required to filter and treat the ship&#39;s ballast water according to the various methods of the present invention discussed below in further detail. 
         [0111]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective top view of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  according to the present invention.  FIG. 3  also shows a top view of the filter apparatus  116  including filter bag  118  and support rods  120 . As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the filter bag  118  is folded upwardly within the filter bag itself so that the bottom of the filter bag is situated some distance below the top edge of the filter bag  118 . As further shown, the bottom of the filter bag  118  is provided with a change-filter indicator strip  148 . In this manner, during use of the device when particulate matter is filtered from ballast water, the material forming the filter bag  118  will eventually collect an external layer of filtered particulate matter. As this layer of filtered particulate matter increases in thickness, the change-filter indicator strip  148  will eventually become fully covered by such filtered particulate matter. When this occurs, this is an indication that the filter bag  118  should be changed. 
         [0112]      FIG. 4  illustrates the process for changing the filter bag  118 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , one or two crew members may grasp the support rods  120  and lift the filter bag  116  from the housing member  104 . As further shown in  FIG. 4 , when filter bag  118  is removed from the housing member  104 , the support frame  122  remains within the housing  104 . The preferred shape of the support frame  122  is the A-frame style indicated in  FIG. 4 . In this manner, the support frame  122  provides the necessary elevation so that the end of the filtered bag and the change-filter indicator strip  148 ,  FIG. 3 , is situated at a desired height within the housing  104  so that it is substantially always submerged under ballast water during the filtration process to provide an accurate indication of the amount of particulate matter filtered during the filter operation. 
         [0113]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the top edge of the housing member  104  is provided with support rod notches  150  that are located to position support rods  120  in a desired parallel fashion as indicated in  FIG. 3 . The support rod notches  150  also secure the rods during use of the device. 
         [0114]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detailed perspective view of the filter frame support structure  122  and filter bag  118 . As illustrated, as the filter bag  118  is loaded into the apparatus, the support frame  122  provides a structure that positions the indicator strip  148  at a desired location above the first platform  124  shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 . In this manner, not only does the indicator strip  148  result in being positioned in a desired height above the first platform  124 , the surface area of the filter bag is thereby increased thus giving increased flow-through and filtering effect during the filtering operation. 
         [0115]    With reference next to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  according to the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the upper chamber is substantially similar to that discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 . As illustrated, this embodiment of the apparatus  102  includes the filter apparatus  116 , and the housing member  104  having an inlet port  106  and discharge port  108 . This embodiment of the present invention also includes a first platform  124  and a second platform  126 . This embodiment also similarly includes the first flow aperture  130  provided in the first platform  124  and a second flow aperture  132  formed in the second platform  126 . As illustrated, the first flow aperture  130  is rectangular in shape while the second flow aperture  132  in this embodiment is circular to conform to an inlet pipe  152  shown in  FIG. 7 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , this embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment tank  154 . The treatment tank  154  includes the UV lamps  136 . Depending on the application of the energy required, anywhere between one and eight UV lamps extending the entire length of the treatment tank  154  are preferably desired. The tank  154  is further provided with discharge piping  156 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the discharge piping  156  is fluidly connected to the discharge port  108 . The discharge piping  156  includes a trap portion  158  which is situated above the highest water level attainable within the tank  154 . In this manner during non-use, water will be maintained within a pipe segment  160  to thereby prevent undesired back-flow. The treatment tank  154  is similarly provided with an electrical power supply  144  and an electrical feedback connection  140 . In this specific embodiment of the apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the treatment tank  154  is further provided with heat sensors  162 . The electrical feedback connection  144  and electrical power supply  144  are similarly connected to a control box  142  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the heat sensors  162  are similarly connected to the control box  142 . The heat sensors detect the temperature of the filtered water as it passes through the treatment tank  154 . In one preferred embodiment, once the UV bulbs  136  reach a desired temperature, they will heat the water and thereby deactivate any biological organisms contained within the ballast water as it passes through the tank  154 . In this embodiment, both UV radiation and heat are employed as indicated to deactivate any biological organisms contained within the ballast water. 
         [0116]    To prevent premature discharge of filtered water from the treatment tank  154  through the discharge port  108 , this embodiment of the present invention is provided with a solenoid-activated valve  164  which is similarly electrically connected to the control box  142 . In this manner, the valve  164  is not opened until the water temperature within the tank  154  reaches a pre-determined processing temperature. In one preferred embodiment, the required bulb temperature for water treatment is 125° F. In this embodiment low pressure UV lamps are employed to achieve the desired temperature. In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, high pressure UV lamps are utilized to achieved a water temperature of 400° F. Thus during use of the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , discharge flow is not permitted until the temperature in tank  154  reaches a predetermined desired temperature set to effectively kill or otherwise deactivate any biological microorganisms contained within the ballast water. As with the embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-4 , the UV lamps utilized in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  are preferably 2000 watts (2 KW) with an operating voltage of 1,454 AC running at 1.35 amps. In one specific implementation, six UV lamps of this particular rating are preferred. 
         [0117]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a schematic cross-sectional side view of a typical ship&#39;s ballast tank and first main deck. As represented schematically, the main deck includes a fire hydrant outlet  166  as indicated. During the process of loading sea water into the ship for ballast, the sea chest and sea valve  168  are open to allow sea water to enter the ballast tanks  170 . To allow sea water into the ballast tank, ballast tank valve  172  is typically provided to control the flow of sea water into the ballast tank. A strainer is provided to remove any large particulate matter from the sea water as it enters the ballast tank  170  from the sea chest through the sea valve  168  and into the ballast tank  170  through the ballast tank valve  172 . As indicated in  FIG. 8 , the sea water mechanical system also typically includes a fire hydrant system main valve  174 . During use of the apparatus of the present invention, the sea valve  168  is closed while the ballast tank valve  172  is opened. A pump  176  is activated to pump sea water from the ballast tank  170  up through pump  176  and through the connecting piping  178  to feed the fire hydrant outlets  166  with sufficient pressure. Thus in this manner, the apparatus of the present invention may advantageously utilize the ballast water mechanical systems and the fire hydrant system of a ship to direct ballast water from the ballast tanks of a ship through the fire hydrant system to the fire hydrant outlets  166  on board the ship and then into the apparatus of the present invention. 
         [0118]    With reference now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a typical container ship  180  docked in port alongside a dock  182 . According to one aspect of the present invention, the ballast treatment apparatus  102  is mounted on a dock-side service vehicle  184 . In accordance with one method of the present invention, the dock-side service vehicle  184  is positioned adjacent to the docked ship, in this case the container ship  180 . Fire hoses  186  are then connected to the ship&#39;s fire hydrant outlets and directed overboard from the ship&#39;s deck to be secured to the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  contained on or secured to a suitable work space area provided preferably on the back of the dock-side service vehicle  184 . The fire hoses  186  are then connected to the inlet ports  106  of the apparatus  102  and filtration and treatment of the ship&#39;s ballast water proceeds as described above. The dock-side service vehicle  184  contains a discharge pipe  188  which directs the filtered and treated water back into the harbor or port. 
         [0119]    The inventors of the present invention have designed and contemplated many implementations of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  for use in combination with the dock-side service vehicle  184 . As indicated, the preferred embodiment of the dock-side vehicle  184  is a modified, small tank truck that has a filter apparatus contained therein and the UV lamps positioned within the truck-mounted tank or tanks. Thus in this manner, the truck-mounted tanks are completely self-contained and include a suitable number of inlet ports  106  designed to readily quick connect to the ends of fire hoses provided from the ship&#39;s fire hydrants. 
         [0120]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 9 , the inventors hereof have specifically provided a method of treating discharged ballast water from the ship  180  using the dock-side service vehicle  184 . This method includes the steps of providing a ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle  184 , positioning the service vehicle  184  adjacent the ship  180 , and directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the ship  180  into the ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle  184  to thereby treat the ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into an open water environment. In this method, the respective ship&#39;s ballast water may be directed from the ballast tank through the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system and into the ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle  184 . The method may include the further step of connecting at least one fire hose  186  between a fire hydrant outlet on the deck of the ship  180  and an inlet port provided on the ballast water treatment apparatus on the dock-side service vehicle  184 . 
         [0121]    The inventors hereof have further provided a method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from the ship  180  using the dock-side service vehicle  184 . This method includes the steps of (1) positioning the dock-side service vehicle  184  adjacent the ship  180 , (2) directing ballast water from a ballast tank of a ship  180  into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on the dock-side service vehicle  184  to thereby treat the ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into an open environment, (3) determining an amount of time required to treat the ship&#39;s ballast water, and (4) calculating a water treatment service fee based on the amount of time required to treat the ship&#39;s ballast water. 
         [0122]    There is also provided another method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the dock-side service vehicle  184 . This method includes the steps of (1) positioning the dock-side service vehicle  184  adjacent ship  180 , (2) directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the ship into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on the dock-side service vehicle  184  to thereby treat the ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into an open environment, (3) determining a total volume of treated ballast water processed from the ship&#39;s ballast water tanks, and (4) calculating a water treatment service fee based on the total volume of treated ballast water. 
         [0123]    Referring next to  FIG. 10 , there is shown the deck plan of the typical container ship  180  and the location of the fire hydrant outlets  166 .  FIG. 11  shows the ballast tank areas  170  relative to the cargo areas represented by reference numeral  190 . The typical cargo container ship  180  will carry a known amount of sea water for ballast. Thus if it is desired to completely treat and filter the ballast water in accordance with the methods of the present invention, the number of available fire hydrant outlets  166  may be determined along with flow rates thereof and the known flow rates of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  to completely filter the entire ship&#39;s ballast water within a predetermined maximum amount of time. As represented diagrammatically in  FIG. 10 , a number of ballast water treatment apparatus  102  are distributed around the ship&#39;s main deck or second deck adjacent fire hydrant outlets  166 . The ship&#39;s fire hydrant as indicated in  FIG. 8  typically includes one outlet. According to one aspect of the present invention, ships with one outlet fire hydrants many be equipped with a Y-adaptor to thereby provide two outlets. Both of these outlets may be employed to direct ballast water into the ballast water treatment apparatus  102 . Alternatively one outlet may be employed with the apparatus  102  while the other is reserved for use in case it is needed in a fire emergency. Thus according to one preferred method of this invention, two hoses may be connected to each of the fire hydrants  166  and directed to adjacent ballast water treatment devices  102  as inter-connected by the ship&#39;s fire hoses  186 . As represented in  FIG. 10 , the series connected arrangement of fire hydrants  166  feeding two adjacent ballast water treatment apparatus  102  will utilize the full flow-through rate of the fire hydrant system of the ship to filter and treat the ship&#39;s ballast water according to this aspect of the present invention in a minimum amount of time.  FIG. 12  next illustrates a perspective pictorial representation of this multi-hydrant and multi-apparatus method. 
         [0124]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , there is shown a perspective view of a typical tanker  202  situates dockside in a port-of-call. As indicated in  FIG. 13 , the main deck of the tanker  202  includes a number of fire hydrant outlets  166 . In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an in-port service vessel  204  which is outfitted with a ballast water treatment apparatus  102  according to the present invention. Thus in accordance with alternate methods of the present invention, the in-port service vessel  204  may be employed to pull alongside a docked ship and provide ballast water filtration and treatment services. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a tanker  202  may be required by local, state, national, or international regulations to have the ship&#39;s ballast water treated before its ballast water is discharged into the port or harbor. Thus in accordance with this method of the present invention, the ship&#39;s fire hoses  186  are connected to the main deck&#39;s fire hydrants  166  and directed to the in-port service vessel  204  as represented in  FIG. 13 . The in-port service vessel  204  may be a barge type vessel or tug boat type vessel utilized to provide the water filtering and treating service to a ship. According to alternate methods of this embodiment, neither the ship nor the service vessel  204  need necessarily be dockside. The ship may be anchored in port or alternatively, even serviced in this manner in open waters or on the high seas before entering port. 
         [0125]    Thus in continuing reference to  FIG. 13 , the inventors hereof have provided a method of treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the in-port service vessel  204 . This method includes the steps of (1) providing a ballast water treatment apparatus  102  on board the service vessel, (2) positioning the service vessel adjacent the ship  202  requiring ballast water treatment, (3) and directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the ship  202  into the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  on board the service vessel  204  to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water. In this method, the ship&#39;s ballast water is directed from the ballast tank through the ship&#39;s fire hydrant system and into the ballast water treatment apparatus on board the service vessel  204 . The method may include the further step of connecting at least one fire hose  186  between the fire hydrant outlet  166  on the deck of the ship  202  and an inlet port provided on the ballast water treatment apparatus on board the service vessel. 
         [0126]    Accordingly, there is also provided a method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from a ship using the in-port service vessel  204 . This method includes the steps of positioning the service vessel  204  adjacent the ship  202  requiring ballast water treatment; directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the ship  202  into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on board the service vessel  204  to thereby treat the ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into the environment; determining an amount of time required to treat the ship&#39;s ballast water; and calculating a water treatment service fee based on the amount of time required to treat the ship&#39;s ballast water. 
         [0127]    There is further provided another method of deriving financial revenue for services provided for treating discharged ballast water from the ship  202  using the in-port service vessel  204 . This method includes the steps of positioning the service vessel  204  adjacent the ship  202  requiring ballast water treatment; directing ballast water from a ballast tank of the ship  202  into a ballast water treatment apparatus maintained on board the service vessel  204  to thereby treat the respective ship&#39;s ballast water before discharging the ship&#39;s ballast water into the environment; determining a total volume of treated ballast water processed from the respective ship&#39;s ballast water tanks; and calculating a water treatment service fee based on the total volume of treated ballast water. 
         [0128]    Referring next to  FIG. 14 , there is shown a perspective view of a typical cruise ship  194  in port dockside for loading or unloading passengers, cargo, and supplies. As discussed in connection with  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  11 , the cruise ship  184  may be similarly serviced by the dock-side service vehicle  184  or alternatively carry on-board a desired number of ballast water treatment apparatus  102  for on-ship deck hands to filter and treat the ship&#39;s ballast water according to the methods discussed above. In addition thereto, cruise ship  194  may have its ballast water treated by the in-port service vessel  204  discussed above. 
         [0129]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the tanker illustrated in  FIG. 13  illustrating the ballast tank area  170  relative to cargo space  190 .  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate class Great Lakes bulk vessel showing the ballast tank area  170  relative to cargo space  190 .  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a Panamax size oil bulk ore carrier representing the ballast tank area  170  relative to cargo space  190 . In each of these three different types of ships, typically the weight of the cargo loaded on or off the ship is approximately made equal to the weight of ballast water used to counter-balance the ship in accordance with known methods for loading and unloading ships. In these types of ships, ordinarily, a relatively larger volume of ballast water is discharged during loading as compared to the typical container ship illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 9 . Nonetheless, the apparatus  102  and methods of the present invention utilizing either the dock-side service vehicle  184  or the in-port service vessel  204  may be readily scaled up to meet the volume of ballast water typically discharged by these types of ships. 
         [0130]    With reference now to  FIG. 18 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus of the present invention. A ballast water filtration apparatus  210  is shown in  FIG. 18 . The ballast water filtration device  210  similarly includes a filter bag  118  and support rods  120 . In this embodiment, the support rods  120  are provided with members to hook over the side of the ship as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . In use, a fire hose  186  is connected to the fire hydrant on the ship&#39;s deck and the open end of the fire hose  186  is simply placed in the filter bag  118  as illustrated. Thus in this embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a very simply and economically cost effective filtration apparatus and method. 
         [0131]      FIG. 19  shows a half-face housing member for the ballast water filter apparatus  210  illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The half-face housing member  212  illustrated in  FIG. 19  may be employed in conjunction with the ballast water filter apparatus  210  shown in  FIG. 18  to provide a directed outlet flow as indicated in  FIG. 19 . The half-faced housing is similarly provided with the discharge port  108  to direct the water downwardly into the harbor. The discharge port  108  may similarly have adapted thereto the discharge hose  110  illustrated in  FIG. 1  to thereby further direct the filtered ballast water into the open water environment of the harbor or port. 
         [0132]    With reference next to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , there is shown a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  according to the present invention.  FIG. 21  in particular is an exploded view of the ballast water treatment apparatus  102  illustrated in  FIG. 20  including break-away sections to show interior elements of principal components of the apparatus  102 . In this embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the apparatus  102  includes a filtration unit  214 , a UV containment vessel or compartment  218 , and an electrical compartment  220 . As illustrated, the filtration unit  214  includes a cap member having view ports  216 . When in use, the cap member prevents ballast water from splashing out of the apparatus  102  while the view ports  216  provide viewing access to the interior of the filtration unit  214  during filtration operations. As further illustrated in FIG.  20 , the filtration unit  214  includes the inlet port and associated piping  106  which may be implemented with a gallon meter at the T-junction shown. To further increase the intake flow, the filtration unit  214  may be outfitted with two inlet ports and associated piping  106 , one such situated as illustrated and the other similarly installed on the reverse-side or back-side of the unit  214  as shown. The UV compartment  218  includes the UV lamps  136  which in this embodiment are positioned within the UV compartment  218  by use of a pair of UV bulb mounting brackets  222 . 
         [0133]    As shown in  FIG. 21 , the UV compartment  218  includes UV sensors  221  which are employed to detect the UV output of the bulbs  136 . As shown, the apparatus  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21  includes the control box  142  that is implemented to similarly control operations of the apparatus as discussed above in connection with the embodiment of the apparatus  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the electrical compartment may include additional components to provide further operations and functions to the apparatus  102 . 
         [0134]    In operation, a fire hose connected to the ship&#39;s fire hydrant at one end is connected at its other end to the inlet piping  106 . Ballast water then travels from the lower right area of the filtration unit  214  as illustrated to the upper left thereof to then be directed and discharged into the filter apparatus  116 . The ballast water then drains through the filter  116  to thereby remove particulate matter as small as 1 micron. The filtered ballast water then exits the filtration unit  214  through the first flow aperture  130  and is directed into the UV compartment  218  for UV treatment. As the UV compartment  218  fills with filtered ballast water at one end, filtered water is then directed to the other end thereof toward the discharge port  108 . As the filtered water flows along in the UV compartment  218  toward the discharge port  108 , the UV lamps are activated to treat the filtered water so that any micro-organisms, viruses, or bacteria that may have remained in the ballast water after the filtration step are thereby deactivated by UV treatment. The general direction of flow is indicated by the wide arrows shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0135]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the UV lamps  136  are situated substantially perpendicular to the flow of ballast water. In one particular preferred embodiment of the UV compartment  218 , the UV lamps  136  utilized therein are 3000 KW lamps operating at 220 VAC and 30 Amps. In one such preferred embodiment, six UV lamps  136  are employed. While in other embodiments, the number of UV lamps  136  may vary depending on the desired flow rate, type of ballast water, and desired deactivation or “kill” effectiveness. 
         [0136]      FIG. 22  is a detailed partial plan view of a UV lamp assembly utilized in conjunction with the ballast water treatment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 .  FIG. 22  illustrates build-up of UV-irradiated biological material on the lamp assembly.  FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22  showing a tube wiper system and actuator assembly  226  cleaning the build-up of UV-irradiated biological material on the lamp assembly according to another aspect of the present invention.  FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23  showing the lamp assembly in a fully cleaned or wiped condition after full activation of the tube wiper system  226 .  FIG. 25  is a detailed isolated elevation view of a wiper or face plate  228  employed in the tube wiper system  226  illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 . 
         [0137]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 , each UV lamp  136  is enclosed in a transparent sleeve  224 . When the filtered ballast water is treated in the UV compartment, deactivated particulate matter may build up on the transparent sleeves  224 . As this build-up of particulate matter increases in thickness, the effect of the UV lamps will be diminished. Thus the UV sensors  221  are employed to detect the UV output of each associated bulb. Once the UV lamp output decreases below a certain set threshold, the cleaning actuator  226  is activated to wipe clean the transparent lamp sleeves  224 . This wiping effect is achieved by use of a rubber wiper washer  230 ,  FIG. 25 , which snuggly fits around the sleeve  224  as illustrated. After activation, the sleeve is wiped clean and the UV effectiveness is returned to a maximum. The control box  142  and electrical compartment  220 ,  FIGS. 21 and 22 , are implemented with operational features that control sleeve cleaning or wiping in a desired manner. 
         [0138]    To accommodate the need to treat larger volumes of ballast water, additional methods and embodiments of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with ballast water discharged through the typical discharge port in various sea-going ships. Compared with the fire hydrant outlet  166  ( FIG. 12 ) in the typical ship-board fire hydrant system, the ballast water discharge port in the side of the ship&#39;s hull is typically larger thus providing greater fluid volume flow. The size of the ballast water discharge port in the side of the ship&#39;s hull can rage up to 18 to 24 inches in the largest of sea-going ships. Thus the present invention includes additional methods, apparatus, systems and related aspects and functionalities thereof directed to large volume through-put filtration ballast water filtration systems. 
         [0139]    Now turning to  FIG. 26 , there is shown a perspective schematic representation including detail cut-way views of a large volume through-put filtration system  232  employing several filter modules and UV irradiation according to alternate embodiments of the present invention. The filtration system  232  includes an input port  234  and a discharge port  236 . In operation, the input port is  234  is connected to the ballast water discharge port of a ship described in further detail below. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the input port is  234  is connected to an inlet reservoir  238 . The inlet reservoir  238  is in fluid communication with a main tank  240  which includes a plurality of filter bag assemblies or modules  242 . In the illustrated preferred embodiment hereof, the filter bag modules  242  are positioned in the upper portion of the main tank  240  so the lower portion thereof may fill with treated ballast water that has been filtered through the filter bag modules  242  as described in further detail below. The main tank  240  is in fluid communication with a side channel tank  244  as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 . The main tank  240  and the side channel tank  244  are separated from each other by a dividing wall  246  which includes flow holes  248  position in the lower part of the dividing wall  246  as shown in both  FIGS. 26 and 28 . The side channel tank  244  includes an end wall  250  which is provided with a lip edge  252  as shown in  FIG. 26 . Thus in operation, as the side channel tank  244  fills with filtered ballast water, it will eventually fill to the level of the lip edge  252  and then filtered water from the side channel tank  244  will spill into a side fill tank  254  as illustrated. The filtration system  232  also includes a UV containment chamber  256  which is configured to include UV bulbs or lamps  257 . As shown, the side fill tank  254  and the UV containment chamber  256  are separated by a common wall  258  which includes flow holes  259  in the bottom thereof. As further illustrated in  FIG. 26 , each filter bag module  242  is associated with a hatch cover  260  and the main tank  240  is provided with a manifold plate  262  including flow holes  264 . As shown in this embodiment, the manifold plate  262  is positioned above the filter bag modules  242 . In this particular embodiment, the manifold plate  262  is divided into manifold section doors  266  that correspond in size to the hatch covers  260  so that during maintenance, a workman may open a hatch cover  260  and a corresponding manifold door  266  to change and replace a used filter bag with a new one. 
         [0140]    With reference next to  FIG. 27A , there is shown a schematic end-view elevation diagram of the filter bag module  242  which is positioned in the upper portion of the main tank  240  discussed above in connection with  FIG. 26 . Now as illustrated in  FIG. 27A , the filter bag module  242  in this particular embodiment includes a first filter bag  268  and a second filter bag  270 . Thus in this manner during operation, a workman may open the hatch cover  260  and the manifold door  266  and change a used first filter bag  268  with a new clean filter bag without interrupting the overall flow of ballast water through the system so that filtering operation may continue. This is achieved by leaving in place the second filter bag  270  while the first filter bag  268  is changed out with a new first bag. As further illustrated in  FIG. 27A , the filter bag module  242  may include an A-frame support member  272  similar to the support frame  122  discussed above in conjunction with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In this manner when using both the first and second filter bags  268  and  270  in this embodiment, the filter area may be increased four-fold when the A-frame support member  272  is made to extend to just below the top edge of the bags  268  and  270  as illustrated. As further shown here in  FIG. 27A , the filter bag module  242  may include a bottom screen plate  274  including flow holes  276 . The first and second filter bags  268  and  270  may have any desired manufacture and sizing as needed for the various applications hereof. Each of the filter bags  268  and  270  may preferably be formed of material having porosity on the order of microns and more preferably in the range of 10 to 200 microns. It is desired that the filter bags filter out various biological material including plankton and in particular zooplankton which has an average size of 50 microns. Thus in one preferred embodiment, the filter bags are made from material capable of filtering participles of about 25 microns or larger. 
         [0141]      FIG. 27B  is a schematic side-view elevation diagram of the filter bag module  242  of  FIG. 27A . Here as illustrated, incoming untreated ballast water is shown flowing over the manifold plate  262  and falling through the flow holes  264  into the first and second filter bags  268  and  270 . Thereafter, the filtered ballast water is shown flowing out of the bottom of the first and second filter bags  268  and  270  onto the screen plate  274  and then through the flow holes  276  as provided in the screen plate  274 . 
         [0142]    Continuing next with  FIG. 28 , there is illustrated a schematic side-view elevation diagram of the lower portion of the main tank  240  of  FIG. 26  and the associated side channel tank  244 . As shown, the filtered ballast water from the above the first and second filter bags  268  and  270 ,  FIG. 27A , flows through the flow holes  276  as provided in the screen plate  274  into the bottom of the main tank  240 . 
         [0143]    With reference now back to  FIG. 26  here taken in conjunction with  FIGS. 27A ,  27 B, and  28 , operation of the filtration system  232  is next described in detail. As briefly mentioned above, the input port is  234  is connected to the ballast water discharge port of a ship to begin the filtration method according to this aspect of the present invention. As represented in  FIG. 26 , when unfiltered ballast water enters the input port is  234  the inlet reservoir  238  begins to fill. When the water in the inlet reservoir  238  reaches the level of the manifold plate  262 , the water will spill out over onto the manifold plate  262  and drain down through the flow holes  264  into the filter bag modules  242 . Thereafter, incoming untreated ballast water flows into the first and second filter bags  268  and  270 . Next, the filtered ballast water flows out of the bottom of the first and second filter bags  268  and  270  onto the screen plate  274  and then through the flow holes  276  in the screen plate  274 . As the bottom of the main tank  240  fills, filtered water will pass through flow holes  248  in the dividing wall  246  positioned between the main tank  240  and the side channel tank  244  as shown best in  FIG. 28 . As would be readily understood by those of skill in the art, the water level in the bottom of the main tank  240  and that in the side channel tank  244  will be the same and rise at the same time since they are in fluid communication by the flow holes  248  so positioned in the bottom of the dividing wall  248 . Now as the water level in the side channel tank  244  reaches the level of the lip edge  252  in the end wall  250 ,  FIG. 26 , filtered water will proceed to overflow into the side fill tank  254 . And then as side fill tank  254  fills; the UV containment chamber  256  will fill by virtue of the flow holes  259  positioned in the bottom of the common wall  258 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , the discharge port  236  is preferably position above the highest level of the UV lamps  257  so that the UV lamps  257  are fully submerged in filtered ballast water in the UV containment chamber  256  before water begins to flow out the discharge port  236 . Thus in operation, the out flowing filtered ballast water is irradiated by UV energy to deactivate any living biological organisms remaining in the water after filtration. The lamp cleaning system shown and discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 22-25  may be readily adapted to the UV lamps  257  utilized here in the UV containment chamber  256 . 
         [0144]    It should thus be apparent to those skilled in the art, given the present disclosure, that water flow in the filtration system  232  is achieved by gravity and that electric pumps are not required in this embodiment. Thus water flow rates through the present system may be adjusted by design parameters relating to the size of tanks, the height of tanks, the size of overflow gaps, lips, and holes as well as the number of filter modules employed and the flow rate through the filter bags. 
         [0145]    Turning now to use of the filtration system  232  of  FIGS. 26-28  in the shipping and marine environment, reference is had next to  FIG. 29  which is a perspective view of a container ship  180  docked port-side being serviced by a dock-side service vehicle  278 . As illustrated, the service vehicle  278  includes a trailer  280  which is adapted to include the system  232 . In this integrated embodiment, the hatch covers  260  are implemented in the top of the trailer  280  as shown. The trailer  280  is also adapted to include the inlet port  234  of the system  232  in the top of the trailer  280  and the discharge port  236  of the system  232  in the side of the trailer  280  at an appropriate height level given the gravity-feed aspects of this particular embodiment. As further illustrated, the inlet port  234  is connected to a ballast water discharge port  282  in the ship  180  by a supply or discharge hose  284 , and the discharge port  236  of the system  232  is connected to a discharge hose  286  to transfer filtered and UV treated water from the trailer  280  back into the harbor environment. Thus in this manner there is provided an integrated vehicle and ballast water treatment system that does not require any substantial modifications to the ship  180 . 
         [0146]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a tanker  202  docked at the dock  182  for loading or unloading. The tanker  202  is being serviced by an in-port service barge  288  according to additional aspects of the present invention that utilize the ballast water discharge port  282 . Here in  FIG. 30 , in similar fashion to the container ship  180  of  FIG. 29 , the discharge port  282  of the tanker  202  is connected to the supply hose  284  which in turn is connected to the inlet port  234  of the system  232  as configured to reside in the service barge  288 . The service barge  288  preferably includes a discharge port  236  (not shown here) for the system  232  so that filtered and UV treated ballast water from the ship may be discharged back into the marine environment. However in this barge configuration, the various tanks of the system  232  may be made large enough such that filtration and UV treatment need not be performed in a continuous real-time manner but, for example, unfiltered water, filtered water, or otherwise partially treated water may be stored in the barge  288  for further processing at a later time such as after the tanker  202  has left port. Thus in this manner, several ships may be serviced before any discharge of any fully treat ballast water becomes necessary. 
         [0147]    With reference next to  FIG. 31A , there is shown a perspective view of a connector ring assembly  290  according to one aspect of the present invention employed to couple the supply hose  284  to the ballast water discharge port of a ship. The connector ring assembly  290  includes a main ring member  292  that is provided with a plurality of hook assemblies  294  distributed around the main ring member  292 . Each hook assembly  294  includes a hook arm  296  with a hook head  297 , a fastening bolt  298  with a wing nut head  299 , a return spring  300 , and a rocker arm  302  and a hinge pin  304 . As illustrated, the rocker arm  302  is secured to the main ring member  292  at one end and operatively engaged with the hook arm  296  by use of the hinge pin  304 . Additional aspects hereof will be described in further detail below with regard to  FIGS. 32A-32D  and  33 . 
         [0148]      FIG. 31B  is a perspective view of an alternate connector ring assembly  306  coupled to the discharge supply hose  284  for mating to the ballast water discharge port  282  of a ship. In this embodiment, the connector ring assembly  306  includes a flange member  308  and an extending nipple member or connector  310 . Positioned adjacent the flange member  308  and the nipple connector  310  is a rubber O-ring. This embodiment of the connector ring assembly  306  further includes electro-magnets  314  which are operatively connected to a suitable electric supply  316 . In this manner, the nipple member  310  of the connector ring assembly  306  may be inserted into the ballast water discharge port  282  in the ship and the electro-magnets activated to case an attracting magnetic force between the assembly ring and the ship&#39;s hull to thereby compress the rubber O-ring  312  against the side of the ship adjacent the discharge port  282  to thereby further cause a water tight seal between the assembly and the discharge port of the ship. In an alternate embodiment hereof, the electro-magnets are not included and the water-tight seal is achieved by maintaining mechanical presser on the ring assembly while inserted into the discharge port  282 . Additional aspects hereof will be described in further detail below with regard to  FIG. 38 . 
         [0149]      FIGS. 32A to 32D  relate to retro-fitting a ship so that it is made compatible with certain aspects of the present invention and methods associated therewith. This retro-fit is simple and inexpensive and thus should be easily implemented by ship owners. Thus  FIG. 32A  is presented as an isolated cut-away side elevation view of a typical ballast water discharge port  282  before being retro-fitted according to this aspect of the present invention.  FIG. 32B  shows a plan view of a flat annular insert or retainer ring  316  used to retro-fit the typical ballast water discharge port  282  according hereto. Now so that the ship is rendered compatible with the connector ring assembly  290  shown  FIG. 31A , the flat annular ring  316  of  FIG. 32B  is sized to fit into the discharge port  282  and welded therein as shown in  FIG. 32C . Thus in this manner the connector ring assembly  290  shown  FIG. 31A  may operatively connect with the discharge port  282  as represented in  FIG. 32D . 
         [0150]    More particularly now with reference to  FIG. 33 , there is shown a cut-away section view of the connector ring assembly  290  locked into position in the discharge port  282  of a ship to illustrate certain detail mechanical aspects thereof. As shown, when the wing nut heads  299  are tightened down, the hook heads  297  will engage the annular ring  316  and provide a water-tight fit between the supply hose  284  and the ship&#39;s discharge port  282  so that the ship&#39;s ballast water may be directed to the filtering and treatment apparatus according to other aspects of this invention. When the discharge of ballast water is complete, the wing nut heads may be loosened and the springs  300  will then push the hook heads  297  away from the annular retainer ring  316  by having the hook arms  296  pivot about the hinge pins  304 . In this manner, the supply hose  284  including the connector ring assembly  290  may be quickly and easily removed from the ship&#39;s ballast water discharge port  282 . 
         [0151]    Next with reference to  FIG. 34 , there is illustrated a side elevation schematic view of an alternate large volume through-put treatment system  320  employing several filter modules and multiple UV irradiation units according to additional embodiments of the present invention. The ballast water treatment system  320  includes an upper flow chamber  322  and a lower tank chamber  324 . This system is similarly provided with an inlet port  326  and at least one discharge port  328 . As shown in the top view of  FIG. 35 , the upper flow chamber  322  is formed of a multitude of individual filter bag compartments  330 . In the upper flow chamber, each filter bag compartment is  330  fluidly isolated from all adjacent chambers  330  by use of flow shut-off or cut-off valves  332 . The individual filter bag compartments  330  may be clustered into cooperative groups such as, for example, the 3-by-3 groupings illustrated. In this manner, both the upper flow chamber  322  and the lower tank chamber  324 ,  FIG. 34 , may be subdivided into cooperative sub-chambers with associated flow valves. The system  320  is further provided with UV irradiation water treatment tanks or units  334  with an inlet  335  that will be described in further detail below with reference to  FIG. 37 . 
         [0152]    Now with continuing reference to both  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the shut-off valves  332  may be employed to shut off the flow of ballast water into a respective individual filter bag compartment  330 . Each compartment  330  is provided with a hatch cover  336  so that the compartment  330  may be accessed from the top. As shown further, each compartment  330  includes a filter bag  338  illustrated in perspective view in  FIG. 36 . Thus when an individual bag needs to be changed, the shut-off valves  332  around the respective compartment  330  may be closed, the corresponding hatch  336  opened, and then the bag  338  changed as needed. Thereafter, the shut-off valves  332  are opened and the individual compartment  330  with a new bag is brought back into service.  FIG. 35  also shows that each UV treatment unit  334  is associated with a pump  339  positioned in the bottom of the lower tank chamber  324 . In this manner, the filtered ballast water collected in the bottom of the tank chamber  324  may be pumped into a respective UV treatment unit  334 . In an alternate embodiment hereof, the UV tanks  334  are located below the bottom of the lower tank chamber  324  so that filtered ballast water from the tank chamber  324  may flow by force of gravity into the tank  334  for further UV treatment. Thus in this embodiment, the pump  339  is not required. 
         [0153]    As with the first and second filter bags  268  and  270  discussed above, here the filter bag  338  may have any desired manufacture and sizing as needed for the various applications hereof. And similarly here, the filter bag  338  may be preferably formed of material having porosity on the order of microns and more preferably in the range of 10 to 200 microns. It is desired that the filter bags  338  filter out various biological material including plankton and in particular zooplankton which has an average size of 50 microns. Thus in one preferred embodiment, the filter bags  338  are also made from material capable of filtering participles of about 25 microns or larger. 
         [0154]      FIG. 37  is an enlarged detailed perspective view including a cut-away detail of the UV treatment tank or unit  334  and related piping.  FIG. 37  also includes in block diagram form various electronic components of the present UV lamp system. This UV lamp system may be readily adapted to perform with any of the filtration systems disclosed herein and for purposes of illustrating its functionally and principal components by way of example application, this system will be described as implemented with the filtration system of  FIG. 34 . Thus proceeding, the inlet  335  to the unit  334  is connected to the pump  339  or gravity-feed discharge,  FIG. 34 , and the outlet or discharge port  328  may be directed into the marine environment by hose connection. Alternatively all the discharge ports  328  from each of the UV units  334  any be ganged together by use of suitable piping to form only one downstream discharge port  328  which may in turn be connected to a single discharge hose. The UV unit  334  includes UV lamps  136  electrically connected to the lamp sockets  138 , and the power supply  144  to supply electric current to the lamps  136  and associated electronic circuits. In some embodiments, the heat sensors  162  may be employed as described above. The UV lamps  136  here are employed generally in the various embodiments hereof as described above and may further advantageously include the wiper cleaning system shown in  FIGS. 22 to 25 . As further illustrated in the particular exemplary embodiment  FIG. 37 , the inlet  335  is provided with an electronically activated inlet control valve  340  and the discharge  328  is similarly provided with a discharge control valve  341 . As illustrated, the UV unit  334  is operatively connected electronically to a controller  342 , a processor  343 , and a memory  344 . The unit  344  is further provided with a pressure sensor  345  to sense the water pressure within the tank and as also illustrated, the unit  334  includes an in-line inlet filter  346  and an in-line discharge filter  347 . These filters may have any desired manufacture and sizing as desired or needed for the applications hereof. Each of the filters  346  and  347  may preferably be formed of material having porosity on the order of microns and more preferably in the range of 10 to 200 microns. In one preferred embodiment, the filters include material designed to filter out particles of about 25 microns or larger. 
         [0155]    As enabled with the controller  342 , the processor  343 , and the memory  344 , the unit  334  may be programmed in any manner needed or desired for various and particular applications. Such functionalities and applications include, for example, opening and closing the inlet and discharge valves  340  and  341  to either prevent ballast water from entering when inlet valve  340  is closed, filling the tank  334  with water when inlet valve  340  is open and discharge valve  341  is closed so that, for example, water contained in the unit may be heated by the lamps  136 , or allowing flow through the unit when both valves  340  and  341  are open. The valves  340  and  341  may also be controlled to stop water flow so that the filters  346  and  347  may be changed as needed. The processor  343  and controller  342  are also operatively connected with the lamps  136  to turn them on and off, for example, and record their usage of time. Thus the memory  344  is provided, for example, to maintain a record of hours of service for each lamp. The memory  344  may also store a record of lamp changes and other system data as needed or desired of the various applications hereof. The UV lamps  136  here are also further implemented according to the methods described below in  FIGS. 40 and 41 . 
         [0156]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the container ship  180  and an alternate embodiment of the dock-side service vehicle  278  of  FIG. 29  further illustrating use of an articulating arm  348  for positioning and maintaining the supply hose  284  in cooperative engagement with the ballast water discharge port  282  of the ship  180 . This service vehicle  278  may utilize either the system  232  described in reference to  FIG. 26  or the alternate system  320  of  FIGS. 34 and 35 . In this particular embodiment, the articulating arm  348  includes three segments. These segments include a base segment  349 , an extension segment  350 , and an end segment  352 . The end segment  352  is formed from rigid pipe. Here in this embodiment of the service vehicle  278 , the flexible supply hose  284  is connected into the rigid pipe forming the end segment  352  and the distal end thereof is outfitted with the connector ring assembly  306  of  FIG. 31B . The connector ring assembly  306  as implemented here may not require the electro-magnets  314 ,  FIG. 31B , since the articulating arm  348  may be employed to provide sufficient presser on the ring assembly  306  against the side of the ship&#39;s hull to thereby provide the desired water-tight seal between the assembly and ship. Alternatively, the electro-magnets  314  may be readily employed here when desired and their needed electric supply may be supplied and controlled from the vehicle  278 . Once the connector ring assembly  306  is engaged with the ship&#39;s ballast water discharge port  282 , any of the filtration and treatment process described above may begin. This includes utilizing either the system  232  described in reference to  FIG. 26  or the alternate system  320  of  FIGS. 34 and 35 . 
         [0157]    With reference next to  FIG. 39 , there is shown a perspective view of the tanker  202  and an augmented embodiment of the in-port service barge  288  of  FIG. 30  further illustrating use of a hoisting derrick system  354  for positioning and maintaining the supply hose  284  in cooperative engagement with the ship  202 . The hoisting derrick system  354  includes a tower member  356 , and operator&#39;s platform  358 , and a crane type boom arm  360 . In this embodiment, the distal end of the boom arm  360  is outfitted with block and tackle rigging  362  so that an operator positioned on the platform  358 , the ship&#39;s deck, or the dock  182  may easily hoist the end of the supply hose  284  up to the ballast water discharge port of the ship. As with the service vehicle  278  described above in connection with  FIG. 38 , the in-port service barge  288  here may utilize either the filtration and treatment system  232  described in reference to  FIG. 26  or the alternate system  320  of  FIGS. 34 and 35 . The supply hose  284  may preferably here include either of the connector ring assemblies  290  of  FIG. 31A  or  306  of  FIG. 31B . 
         [0158]    Now continuing with reference to  FIG. 40 , there is shown a logic flow chart illustrating one method according to the present invention for as employed with low pressure UV lamps. This method includes some steps performed by the electronic components shown in  FIG. 37  and thus the following method is presented with reference to both  FIGS. 37 and 40 . The method begins with the step  364  where data is written to the memory  344 . This data may include date, time, and any other desired information. At step  366  both water valves  340  and  341  are opened. Next at step  366 , the system verifies that low pressure UV lamps are bring used. Then at step  370  the lamps  136  are turned on, and again at step  372  lamp data are written to the memory  344 . At step  374 , the system runs a self check to insure the valves remain open. At the next step  376  a continuous check of the tank water pressure is performed by use of the pressure sensor  345 . If the pressure increases above or decreases below pre-determined thresholds then the method proceeds to step  378  where an alarm is sounded and an indication to check and change either or both of the filters  346  and  347  is provided at step  380 . As long as the tank pressure is maintained within operating parameters, the system proceeds to step  382  where the lamps are polled and dated is updated to memory  344 . As indicated at step  384 , lamp status is also continuously monitored. If the lamp status becomes negative, the method proceeds to step  386  where the memory  344  is updated, then at step  388  the alarm is sounded, and lastly at step  390  the lamp is replaced or the system is otherwise checked as needed. As long as the lamps  136  are operating properly, the system proceeds to step  392  where the lamps are wiped clean by the wiper system discussed in regard to  FIGS. 22-25 . During normal operation the water flow may be timed out or otherwise the flow stops when the full amount of water is treated as needed. Thus at step  394  the system inquires whether there has been a timeout or the process is completed for the current session. If the session is to continue, the method proceeds back to step  374  to keep the valves open and continue with water flow and treatment. On the other hand, if there is a timeout or the system is stopped, the method proceeds to step  396  where the valves  340  and  341  are closed and the lamps  136  are turned off. Then next at step  398  the memory  344  is updated and the session ends. 
         [0159]      FIG. 41  is another logic flow chart illustrating one method according to the present invention for as employed with medium pressure UV lamps. As with the method above, this method includes some steps performed by the electronic components shown in  FIG. 37  and thus the following method is presented with reference to both  FIGS. 37 and 41 . The method begins with the step  400  where data is written to the memory  344 . This data may include date, time, and any other desired information. At step  402  water valve  340  is opened. Next at step  404 , the system determines whether the tank  334  is full of water. If not, then valve  340  remains open. When the tank is full, the system proceeds to step  406  where both valves are close. Thus here at step  406  the tank is full and water flow has stopped. Then at step  408  the lamps  136  are turned on, and at step  410  the lamps are allowed to warm up. If the lamps do not warm as intended the system proceeds back to step  404  as indicated. When the lamps reach operating temperature, the method proceeds to step  412  and lamp data is written to the memory  344 . At step  414 , both valves are opened to allow flow full through after the lamps have warmed to operating temperature. At the next step  416  a continuous check of the tank water pressure is performed by use of the pressure sensor  345 . If the pressure increases above or decreases below pre-determined thresholds then the method proceeds to step  418  where an alarm is sounded and an indication to check and change either or both of the filters  346  and  347  is provided at step  420 . As long as the tank pressure is maintained within operating parameters, the system proceeds to step  422  where the lamps are polled and dated is updated to memory  344 . As indicated next at step  424 , lamp status is also continuously monitored. If the lamp status becomes negative, the method proceeds to step  426  where the memory  344  is updated, then at step  428  the alarm is sounded, and lastly at step  430  the lamp is replaced or the system is otherwise checked as needed. As long as the lamps  136  are operating properly, the system proceeds to step  432  where the lamps are wiped clean by the wiper system discussed in regard to  FIGS. 22-25 . During normal operation the water flow may be timed out or otherwise the flow stops when the full amount of water is treated as needed. Thus at step  434  the system inquires whether there has been a timeout or the process is completed for the current session. If the session is to continue, the method proceeds back to step  414  to keep the valves open and continue with water flow and treatment. On the other hand, if there is a timeout or the system is stopped, the method proceeds to step  436  where the valves  340  and  341  are closed and the lamps  136  are turned off. Then next at step  438  the memory  344  is updated and the session ends. 
         [0160]    While this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain and various preferred embodiments along with aspects, functionalities, and characteristics thereof, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. Rather, in view of the present disclosure which describes the current best mode for practicing the invention, many modifications and variations would present themselves to those of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, modifications, and variations coming within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be considered within their scope.