Overview
Currently, onboard large ships the disinfection process involves the use of chemical agents necessary to neutralise elements harmful to human life, which however remain in small quantities in the treated water and cause high corrosion of the piping lines. In addition, the removal of these residues in the water takes place by adding sodium metabisulphite, whose handling generates potential risks for the safety of employees.
The WCL System project aimed to solve the problems related to disinfection and dechlorination systems on board ships, such as the high management costs and the presence, although within the permitted limits, of potentially dangerous products for human consumption and the environment. The project intends to compare different solutions already existing in civil/industrial applications, with the aim to develop a virtual pilot plant and a reduced-scale prototype that consider the distinctive aspects related to water treatment on board.
The primary objectives are:
- Reduction of the chemicals present in the supply to users, which allow a higher quality of water for human consumption;
- Reduction of maintenance costs by reducing the corrosive potential in the treatment and storage phases.