Optimization of operational parameters of pneumatic system for ballast tank sediment reduction with experimental and ANN applications

The studies show that ballast tank sediments pose several problems, including the continuing risk of invasive and pathogenic species transfer. Moreover, Regulation B.5 of The IMO's BWM convention states “ships should be designed and constructed with a view to minimize the uptake and undesirable entrapment of Sediments, facilitate removal of Sediments”. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of the pneumatic system for reducing the amount of accumulated sediment under different operating conditions and determine an optimal operating condition for the pneumatic system. The experimental study has demonstrated that there are complex relationships and interactions among initial air pressure, run number, and run time in terms of reducing sediment accumulation. The overall results of this study show that sediment reduction occurs at rates ranging from ∼4% to ∼29% in sets completed under different operating conditions. Even though the total amount of the sediment was reduced in all conditions at different rates, it is figured out that the sediment amount increased in some locations within the tank. However, when operated under optimal conditions suggested by the ANN application, the sediment reduction occurred at a rate of ∼29% and there was no local increase detected throughout the tank model.