Retrofitting at the Port of Ravenna: Innovation and Sustainability with Hydroshark®
Retrofitting of existing systems represents a crucial challenge for those working in environmental engineering: combining innovative solutions with existing structures while complying with strict regulations and pursuing sustainability goals. At Swi Group, we are dedicated to this type of project, which enhances water treatment quality and contributes to a more sustainable future.
A concrete example is our work at the Port of Ravenna, where we are installing the first Hydroshark® system in Italy, marking a significant step forward in managing stormwater runoff. This project serves as a model for optimizing existing infrastructures through the integration of advanced technologies.
Hydroshark®: Advanced Pretreatment for Stormwater Management
Hydroshark® is an innovative technology designed for the treatment of stormwater runoff, which, as it flows across quay surfaces, can carry pollutants such as oils, hydrocarbons, and suspended solids. At the Port of Ravenna, Hydroshark® represents the pretreatment phase of a new treatment process, which also includes a purification system based on our patented SWID adsorption filtration technology.
This two-stage approach ensures that stormwater is treated effectively and safely before being discharged, contributing to marine environmental protection and compliance with environmental regulations.
How Does Hydroshark® Work?
Lightweight and colloidal substances, such as oils and hydrocarbons.
Suspended and settleable solids, such as sand, debris, and particulate pollutants.
The core of the system is a cyclone effect generated by tangential motion, facilitated by internal deflector plates that efficiently separate various pollutant fractions. Settleable solids collect at the bottom of the chamber, while oils and hydrocarbons are retained within the inner walls.
Key Features of Hydroshark®
Certified Efficiency: Hydroshark® is the only system in its category certified by the prestigious German institute DIBT, ensuring high performance and reliability standards.
Compactness and Versatility: With its compact size, Hydroshark® can be installed in existing infrastructures without requiring invasive structural work, as demonstrated at the quay in Ravenna, where it was integrated into an existing concrete tank.
Zero Pressure Loss: Its innovative design maintains the same elevation for inlet and outlet pipes, ensuring a stable and continuous flow without slowdowns.
Low Maintenance: The absence of moving mechanical parts reduces wear and lowers operational costs over time.
Operational Sustainability: The design optimizes energy consumption and simplifies management, promoting a more sustainable approach to water treatment.
Why Choose Hydroshark®?
Excellence in Pollutant Removal: Effectively removes oils, hydrocarbons, and suspended solids with high efficiency.
Ease of Installation: Its compact design allows seamless integration into existing infrastructures, reducing excavation and construction costs.
Durability and Low Operating Costs: Minimal maintenance requirements due to the absence of moving mechanical parts.
Adaptability: Ideal for retrofitting projects and infrastructures with space constraints or consolidated structures.
A Commitment to the Future
The intervention at the Port of Ravenna is not just a technological success but a concrete example of how existing systems can be transformed into modern, environmentally friendly solutions. The combination of Hydroshark® and the SWID filtration system ensures comprehensive stormwater treatment, significantly reducing the environmental impact of port operations.