Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/392,388 filed Jun. 29, 2002 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     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. 
     2. General Discussion and Related Art 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 
     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. These and many other objects and advantages are attained in accordance with the present invention wherein there is provided a portable deck apparatus for treating ballast water discharged from the fire hydrant system of a ship. Different embodiments of the apparatus are provided. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 dockside 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. 
     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 dockside 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. 
     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. 
     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 
       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: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a one embodiment of a ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
         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; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view showing a filter bag assembly as employed in conjunction with different embodiments of the present invention; 
         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 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged detailed perspective view of the filter frame support structure and bag assembly illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective cut-away view of another embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
         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 ; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the container ship illustrated in  FIG. 9  showing the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
         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; 
         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; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a passenger cruse ship docked port-side for loading or unloading; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the tanker shown in  FIG. 13  illustrating the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate class Great Lakes bulk vessel showing the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a Panamax size oil bulk ore carrier representing the ballast tank area relative to cargo space; 
         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; 
         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 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the ballast water treatment apparatus according to the present invention; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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; and 
         FIG. 25  is a detailed isolated elevation view of a wiper plate employed in the tube wiper system illustrated in FIGS.  22 - 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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. 
     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  FIG. 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 dockside 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. 
     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 dockside service vehicle  184 . 
     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 dockside 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. 
     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. 
     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 interconnected 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. 
     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 out-fitted 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
       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 . 
     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. 
     While this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments and aspects 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.

Technology Category: 4