Figure 34  General 16 – Ballast Water Discharge

Ballast Systems are typically used on ships to balance their weight and keep them stable. A construction of pipes and pumps allow the ship to take in or expel water in order to keep an even weight distribution. Ballast systems are typically operated when loading or unloading cargo and as the ship manoeuvres.


The ballast water is pumped from different sea chests using two pumps. The water then undergoes filtration and a UV treatment process where the ballast water is sterilized before being discharged from the ship to drop into the ocean.


Pipe Flow Expert calculates the steady state flow versus pressure loss solution for this scenario as defined by the data in the model. A flow rate of 479 m^3/hr is calculated at the point the ballast water is discharged.