Tag Archive for: superyacht

AFECO in the press: the importance of alkalinity for wastewater treatment

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Building on a series of technical articles written by AFECO specifically for Superyacht Technology magazine on marine wastewater treatment, the latest edit written by the AFECO technical experts explains the importance of alkalinity in biological wastewater treatment.

In the operation and smooth running of a biological sewage treatment plant (STP) one of the parameters which is most often overlooked is alkalinity. Our article looks at what alkalinity is, why it is especially important for on board systems, and what can be done to ensure that everything works as it should.

Biological systems are very sensitive to the pH of the solution in which they are in. Species such as proteins and enzymes will only work properly within a very narrow range of pH values, and can be very susceptible to any changes in pH. Biological wastewater treatment systems in STPs are no different. The bacteria and enzymes which treat the wastewater are also sensitive to pH, and operate most efficiently within the pH range 6.8 to 8.0. The biological wastewater treatment process also generates hydrogen ions, and so alkalinity is needed to keep the pH of the solution in the required range. If the alkalinity is too low then the extra hydrogen ions are not removed, the pH drops, and the speed of the wastewater treatment slows or even stops. If the STP is nitrifying too (converting the ammonia in the wastewater into nitrates) then this process will also consume alkalinity.

This makes it even more complicated, as not only is it does the user need to know the alkalinity of the wastewater prior to treatment, it is also helpful to measure the residual alkalinity of the treated wastewater. The leftover alkalinity is a useful measure of whether the STP’s biological processes are working efficiently.

Alkalinity in natural water comes from the soil and rocks, which the water passes through prior to treatment. This means that the alkalinity present in shore water will vary depending on the geology of where the shore water was treated. It also means that when a vessel changes from shore water to water produced on board (through reverse osmosis), the process will remove the majority of the alkalinity from the water. This has a dramatic effect on the pH, and therefore the performance, of the STP.

As any discharges from a superyacht must comply with MEPC.227(64), this process could also mean owners are breaking the law if not aware of its effects. MEPC.227(64) states that ‘The pH of the samples of effluent taken during the test period should be between 6 and 8.5.” Ensuring an adequate alkalinity concentration in the wastewater will enable the pH to be kept within this range, and so will keep any discharges compliant with the legislation.

The full article can be read here:

http://magazine.superyachttechnology.com/january-2018#!/is-your-waste-water-being-treated-right

 

ENDS

NOTES:

AFECO is a dynamic, specialist engineering services and solutions provider focussed on servicing the immediate and future needs of the water, marine and energy sectors. AFECO offer a comprehensive range of professional services, solutions and products, based on a strong core expertise of process, chemical, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering. With services ranging from the provision of expert consultancy, asset optimisation, concept development, engineering design, site installation and commissioning, AFECO have the skills and experience to provide a complete and integrated project delivery and support service. With a strong focus on robust and appropriate, yet innovative and cost-effective solutions, AFECO have established a reputation of professionalism, efficiency and innovation. AFECO is a subsidiary of EcoGenR8 Limited, a cleantech innovation and development company.

SUPERYACHT TECHNOLOGY is a company dedicated to digital marketing for the superyacht sector and is the only publication focused purely on technology. Through their website and a monthly online interactive magazine, Superyacht Technology seeks to bring the latest technologies to engineers and captains, shipyards, project managers, technical managers and ETO’s.

 

AFECO in the press: technical solutions to dumping wastewater in ports

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Recognised as the go-to industry experts for wastewater treatment in the marine sector, AFECO have recently published an experts article for Superyacht Technology on the alternatives to dumping wastewater in ports.

The article explains the different types of wastewater generated on board superyachts: black water and grey water. Black water is wastewater and sewage from toilets. Grey water in the wastewater from baths, sinks, laundry and kitchen which can include fats, detergents and chemicals. Both types of wastewater can damage ecosystems if discharged into aquatic environments.

The challenge facing vessels is how to handle and treat these waste waters in the most environmentally sensitive yet cost effective manner whilst ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

The treatment of these wastewaters is the subject of a number of MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee) resolutions but knowing how to effectively meet these requirements can be challenging. For a start, there are numerous suppliers of wastewater treatment systems and knowing which one would be best suited to your vessels requirements and operation can be a challenge. Secondly, understanding where you are permitted to discharge treated wastewater overboard and the costs of disposing of these wastewaters whilst in port can impact the operational costs of a vessel.

The full article discusses these issues and can be read here:

http://magazine.superyachttechnology.com/july#!/tech-solutions-to-yachts-dumping-water-in-port

ENDS

NOTES:

AFECO is a dynamic, specialist engineering services and solutions provider focussed on servicing the immediate and future needs of the water, marine and energy sectors. AFECO offer a comprehensive range of professional services, solutions and products, based on a strong core expertise of process, chemical, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering. With services ranging from the provision of expert consultancy, asset optimisation, concept development, engineering design, site installation and commissioning, AFECO have the skills and experience to provide a complete and integrated project delivery and support service. With a strong focus on robust and appropriate, yet innovative and cost-effective solutions, AFECO have established a reputation of professionalism, efficiency and innovation. AFECO is a subsidiary of EcoGenR8 Limited, a cleantech innovation and development company.

SUPERYACHT TECHNOLOGY is a company dedicated to digital marketing for the superyacht sector and is the only publication focused purely on technology. Through their website and a monthly online interactive magazine, Superyacht Technology seeks to bring the latest technologies to engineers and captains, shipyards, project managers, technical managers and ETO’s.

 

AFECO recommended as No. 1 specialists in wastewater treatment

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AFECO have been recommended as the go to specialists for wastewater treatment in the marine sector by the editor of ONBOARD magazine.

In the Editors Essentials section of ONBOARD magazine, AFECO are described as “the No. 1 specialist in biological waste treatment in the superyacht sector”. The recommendation goes on to describe the services provided by AFECO in as “unique, independent and impartial and will save your vessel time and money.”

The full article is transcribed below. To learn more about our superyacht wastewater management services please click here.

ONBOARD Editors Essentials article:

“AFECO is the No. 1 specialist in biological waste treatment in the superyacht sector. They provide the management and engineering tools to ensure when overboard your discharge remains compliant. AFECO’s wastewater management solutions are completely independent and impartial. With a wealth of experience in wastewater treatment, they provide a range of professional services as well as bespoke wastewater packages tailored specifically to address the unique challenges faced by the superyacht sector. Solutions are unique, independent and impartial and will save your vessel time and money through the right combination of knowledge, prevention, optimisation, training and support.”

ENDS

NOTES:

AFECO is a dynamic, specialist engineering services and solutions provider focussed on servicing the immediate and future needs of the water, marine and energy sectors. AFECO offer a comprehensive range of professional services, solutions and products, based on a strong core expertise of process, chemical, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering. With services ranging from the provision of expert consultancy, asset optimisation, concept development, engineering design, site installation and commissioning, AFECO have the skills and experience to provide a complete and integrated project delivery and support service. With a strong focus on robust and appropriate, yet innovative and cost-effective solutions, AFECO have established a reputation of professionalism, efficiency and innovation. AFECO is a subsidiary of EcoGenR8 Limited, a cleantech innovation and development company.

ONBOARD magazine is a quarterly published magazine that is aimed purely at the superyacht crew on the Mediterranean. Produced in the Côte d’Azur, ONBOARD is an industry magazine with a consumer feel. Designed to be entertaining and informative in equal balance, ONBOARD is packed with varied articles on provisioning, health and fitness, legal matters, wines, crew training, equipment for above and below decks, product launches and features from leading industry experts on relevant superyacht matters.

Tag Archive for: superyacht