GSI welcomes applications from developers of ballast treatment prospects, regardless of the state of development of the proposed system. Applications for GSI research services are available from the GSI's Solicitation webpage.
The GSI's Land-Based RDTE Facility offers easy plus and play capabilities for treatment systems. The facility can accept component-based treatment systems as well as standard 20' shipping containers. For treatment systems employing active chemicals, there are portable containment berms that can enclose a typical 20' shipping container.
Other specifications of the GSI Land-Based RDTE Facility include:
Piping:
The facility was built using schedule 40 steel piping with 150 lb. ANSI flanges. Typical installation of a treatment system uses Schedule 80 PVC piping to bridge between the steel piping of the facility and the treatment system components.
Flow Characteristics:
Due to the facility’s variable speed supply pump and control valves, flow rate and pressure can be modified to suit the treatment system. The flow through the treatment lab is controlled using an automated control valve downstream of the treatment system. Typical flow rates range from 340 m3/hr to 150 m3/hr. Inlet pressures for the treatment system can range from 2.2 bar to 3.6 bar.
Electrical:
Each of the treatment labs is offered 100 AMP, 3 Phase at 480 Volts. Other arrangements can be supported by transformers supplied by the treatment vendor or rented from local electrical contractors.
Monitoring and Control System:
The facility’s control system has the ability to maintain flows and pressures throughout the facility. It also logs flow rates, pressures and chemical parameters of the source water and power consumption. This information is used to verify comparability between trials and also to quantify the cost of running a particular treatment system.
The facility’s control system also has the ability to interact directly with the control system of the treatment system. This can be used either for data logging purposes or for controlling of one system with input from the other. Two way communication using discrete or 4-20 mA analog can be achieved between the two control systems.
Design Recommendations:
The proposed treatment system should have the ability to allow water to pass through it without being powered or have a bypass installed where water can flow thorough the treatment lab without affecting the treatment system.
Active Chemicals:
Chemicals can be evaluated on a case by case basis. Most active chemicals will need to be stored inside one of the lab containment areas. The area under the treatment labs are equipped with concrete troughs. The interior of the trough measures 17’ x 13’ x 1’. The area is designed to contain any active chemical that is spilled or leaked during the treatment process. GSI also has a mobile containment berm capable of enclosing a standard 20’ shipping container.
Installation and Commissioning:
Installation and commissioning is performed in accordance with the vendor’s instructions. The vendor may require tests of subsystems prior to a full commissioning test. GSI will accommodate all subsystem tests outlined in the vendor’s O&M Manual. Depending on the treatment system, GSI may advise additional subsystem testing for proper integration into the facility. After commissioning, a commissioning acceptance form is signed by the vendor stating that the treatment system has been satisfactorily installed
