CMR Takes Module Approach to BWTS, Controls

A modular approach for Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) and marine control panels has been developed by CMR Group, specialists in controls, instrumentation and wiring systems for marine and high-horsepower applications.

Goldfinch is an advanced engineering process that is based around standard and modular panels for BWTS, enabling OEMs to expand and improve their offering through reduced lead times and cost savings, CMR Group said.

CMR Group claims that using Goldfinch can reduce time-to-market lead times by 75 percent when compared to traditional systems, delivering potential savings of upwards of thousands of dollars per project.

Goldfinch enables BWTS OEMs to select from a range of modular and standard control panel parts and technologies compliant with Marine Classification societies, which can be tailored to individual requirements. This simplifies the whole process from initial technical specification to final delivery of completed units.

These include steel constructed Local Operating Panel-based (LOP) solutions which provide protection from dust and water ingress (to a minimum of IP54) and incorporate industry standard PLC-based control systems, HMI user interfaces and are suitable for a Supply Voltage range 380 – 690V, 3-Phase, 50/60Hz. 

Following manufacture, all panels are subject to inspection, including high-voltage flash testing to ensure the panels meet customer requirements and Class Rules.

 Said the introduction of Goldfinch will meet the need for standardization which is becoming increasingly urgent as the final ratification of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) worldwide Ballast Water Management (BWM) convention approaches, which will require thousands of vessels to be retro-fitted with BWTS to comply with new regulations.