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ERMA FIRST FIT 2000

Updated: Jun 16

The ERMA FIRST FIT 2000 is a filtration + electrolysis ballast water treatment system approved by IMO and USCG. It is designed to eliminate invasive marine species during both ballasting and deballasting operations.

⚙️ How ERMA FIRST FIT 2000 Works – Full Guide for Pump-In and Pump-Out

The ERMA FIRST FIT 2000 is a filtration + electrolysis ballast water treatment system approved by IMO and USCG. It is designed to eliminate invasive marine species during both ballasting and deballasting operations.

Here is a clear, step-by-step explanation of how the system works during Pump-In (ballasting) and Pump-Out (deballasting), based on official system documentation .

🧭 System Overview – Key Components

Component

Function

Sea Chest Suction

Water intake during pump-in

Backflush Line

Used to clean filters during backflushing

Filter Unit

Removes particles > 50 µm

Electrolysis Cell (TROS)

Produces oxidants (NaOCl) from seawater

TRO Sensors (TR0-1, TR1)

Measure oxidant concentration before and after injection

Neutralization Unit

Adds sodium thiosulfate to remove residual oxidants during pump-out

Control Valves

Automatically open/close based on mode

Flow Meter (FM1)

Measures treated water volume

TRO Generator Power Supply

Provides voltage and current to TROS

Discharge to Tank/Overboard

Direction of treated water

🔄 Pump-In Operation (Ballasting)

During ballasting, the system performs filtration + disinfection using electrolysis.

🧪 Treatment Steps:

  1. Seawater Intake

    • Ballast pump draws water from the sea chest

    • Enters system through open suction valve

  2. Flow Measurement

    • Water passes through Flow Meter (FM1)

    • TRO Pre-Sensor (TR0-1) checks oxidant in raw water (normally ~0)

  3. Filtration

    • Water flows into Filter Unit

    • Particles and organisms >50 µm are removed

    • Differential pressure is monitored to detect clogging

  4. Electrolysis Disinfection

    • After filtration, water enters Electrolysis Unit (TROS-1-L)

    • Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is generated onboard via electrolysis of seawater

    • No chemicals are stored or dosed externally

  5. TRO Monitoring

    • Water passes through Post-TRO Sensor (TR1)

    • Checks that TRO is within 1.0–2.5 mg/L

    • If outside limits → alarms & shutdown possible

  6. Flow to Ballast Tanks

    • Treated water is discharged to selected ballast tanks via valve V1.03

🔁 Pump-Out Operation (Deballasting)

During deballasting, the system performs TRO neutralization before overboard discharge.

🧼 Neutralization Steps:

  1. Tank Water Suction

    • Water is drawn from ballast tanks

    • Enters the treatment system via pump

  2. Flow Monitoring

    • Water passes through Flow Meter (FM1)

  3. TRO Check

    • Pre-TRO Sensor (TR1) measures oxidant level in tank water

    • If above 0.1 mg/L TRO → Neutralization system activates

  4. Neutralization

    • Sodium thiosulfate is injected automatically

    • Converts NaOCl into harmless salts

    • Ensures no oxidant reaches the environment

  5. Overboard Discharge

    • Water is discharged overboard via open valves

    • Final Post-TRO Sensor ensures TRO < 0.1 mg/L (USCG limit)

🧠 TRO – What It Is and Why It Matters

TRO (Total Residual Oxidant) = concentration of oxidants (mainly hypochlorite) used to disinfect water.

  • Generated onboard by electrolysis

  • TRO during pump-in:✅ Normal = 1.0–2.5 mg/L

  • TRO before pump-out:Must be reduced to < 0.1 mg/L by neutralization

⚠️ High TRO without neutralization = port violation risk
⚠️ Low TRO during ballasting = ineffective treatment

🛠️ Alarms and Safety

  • TRO Deviation Alarm – triggered if values outside safe limits

  • Pressure Alarms – triggered if filter clogging or bypass needed

  • Bypass Only Possible if inlet water meets clarity standards

  • System must flush before standby or shutdown

✅ Crew Best Practices

  • Always monitor TRO levels and electrolysis current/voltage

  • Confirm correct valve status in Ballast or Deballast mode

  • Log flow totals and TRO data

  • Conduct pre-port tests during drills

  • Never isolate key valves (V1.03, neutralizer line) manually

📌 Final Reminder

ERMA FIRST FIT 2000 uses automated electrolysis chlorination during pump-in, and chemical neutralization during pump-out. Both must be correctly monitored to meet IMO/USCG discharge criteria.

⚠️ Always follow your vessel's SMS, the official ERMA FIRST manual, and port authority instructions.








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