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Ballast systems play an important role in the safe operation of both surface and subsurface ships.
On submarines the ballast system determines the maximum operating depth. The ability to quantify key design parameters earlier in the design process leads to increased confidence in the final design. Such parameters may include:
- Optimised storage capacity of the compressed air storage tanks
- Blow-down time
- Compressed air storage recharge times
For surface ships such as cargo ships, chemical tankers, oil tankers and cruise ships the addition of shipboard filtration systems has added more complexity. Simulating the ballast system before it is installed can help to ensure:
- Ballast tank filling and emptying times can be accurately predicted
- Pump size can be optimised to achieve system design specifications
- Ballast water treatment plant supply can be predicted
- Quantify the length of time for deballasting
- Ballast and deballasting control systems can be developed effectively
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