HF scientific

Source-USEPA web site:  Ballast water is water from a port or other location that is taken onboard a ship and stored in tanks to add weight, thereby maintaining the ship’s trim and stability. Depending on where the ballast water is taken onboard, it may be freshwater, brackish, or saltwater, and might contain organisms that are not native to the port area where ballast water will be discharged. 

Prior to departure or while en route, a ship may need to take ballast water onboard to maintain its stability and safety or to maximize its propulsion efficiency.  On entry into a port, the ship may need to discharge ballast water to lighten the ship in order to maintain clearance under the keel in navigational channels or berthing areas, or to offset additional weight resulting from the loading of cargo or fuel.

Aquatic invasive species constitute a significant threat to biodiversity in the world’s coastal waters because they often have no natural predators and may out-compete native species for food in their new environment. Once established, invasive species can cause major environmental and economic harm as they multiply and spread.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed a treaty in February 2004 that, once it goes into effect, will help control the discharge of ballast water and sediments from ships on international voyages in order to reduce the risk of introduction of invasive species through disinfection and other controls.

The HF scientific CLX-XT (Extended Reagent Life) Online Residual Chlorine Monitor is used onboard vessels that need to continually monitor and control residual Total Chlorine levels in their disinfection process.