BEAM Brochure

BackgroundThe discharge of ship ballast water into coastal waters has been identified as a primary mechanism for incidental introduction of invasive aquatic species. The currently accepted method of prevention is to exchange potentially harmful coastal ballast water with relatively innocuous open ocean water. This exchange reduces or eliminates the threat of incidental transport of harmful aquatic plants/animals. Salinity and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM or DOM) are two key indicators that have been shown to distinguish open ocean water from coastal water. Properly exchanged ballast waters show salinities and DOM concentrations matching those of the world’s open oceans. Regulatory verification of proper ballast water exchange will demand a sensitive and robust handheld fluorimeter capable of accurately measuring DOM at levels equivalent to parts-per-billion quinine sulfate (a widely used fluorescent standard).In response to the need for a portable DOM verification instrument, Dakota Technologies has developed the Ballast Exchange Assurance Meter or BEAM™. The BEAM recently underwent verification under the EPA’s ETV program. The ETV test considered a variety of scientific performance criteria, as well as operational factors such as ease of use and maintenance. For more information visit the following link: http://www.epa.gov/etv/vt-ams.html#bwestBEAM™Ballast Exchange Assurance meterDakota Technologies, Inc. Telephone: (701) 237-4908www.dakotatechnologies.comTravis Martin, Product Managertmartin@dakotatechnologies.com(701) 237-4908BEAM™ FeaturesRapid • – Sample measurement time is less than ten seconds following a 90 second warm-up Precise • – BEAM-to-BEAM variation as low as 1%Accurate • – DOM ratio to sample concentration error <1% ( >1 ppb to 1000 ppb quinine sulfate)Sensitive • – Limit of detection <0.2 ppb quinine sulfateLinearity Range • – 1 ppb to 1000 ppb quinine sulfate (individual channels >0.998 R2)Battery• powered – Runs on standard AA batteries, no external power source requiredPortable • – Weighs 2.5lbs (1.1kg) with batteries, measures 10.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 in. (26.6 x 16.5 x 6.3 cm)Easy• to use – Intuitive LCD display and simple four-button keypadInternal• sample well – Protected sample well never needs to be handled- simply fill with ballast sample and rinse when doneRugged• carrying case included – Case houses the BEAM instrument and all consumablesData stored to internal memory • – Date, time, and all measurement results can be later downloaded to a computer using supplied softwareManual and training slideshow with videos • – Comprehensive training aids make learning how to use the BEAM and sharing that knowledge straightforwardBEAMTMBallast Exchange Assurance MeterDakota Technologies, Inc. Telephone: (701) 237-4908www.dakotatechnologies.comTravis Martin, Product Managertmartin@dakotatechnologies.com(701) 237-4908ETV logo disclaimerInformation on the performance characteristics of the BEAM can be found at www.epa.gov/etv, or call Dakota Technologies at 701-237-4908 for a copy of the ETV report. Use of the ETV Name or Logo does not imply approval or certification of this product nor does it make any explicit or implied warranties or guarantees as to product performance.BEAM™ OperationThe technician interfaces with the BEAM using just four buttons. Information is presented on the BEAM’s LCD display. DOM values are based on fluorescence and Raman intensities from a ballast water sample placed in a cuvette well permanently mounted in the BEAM. All readings are stored to internal memory for subsequent downloading to a computer. The unit is battery powered and battery DOM Verification ProcessUnpack supplies1. Collect the ballast sample2. Turn on BEAM for a brief 90 second warm up period3. Dispense ballast sample into BEAM via a syringe and filter 4. (to remove particulates/biota)Run DOM measurement with the BEAM5. Empty and rinse the sample well with clean water6. Repack supplies7. life is in the hundreds of measurements.A typical measurement consists of loading a 10mL syringe with ballast water and dispensing this water through a cleanup-filter into the sample well. The measurement itself takes less than ten seconds to complete.Calibration is accomplished using pre-packaged quinine sulfate standard solutions and the BEAM comes complete with a carry case stocked with all the supplies needed to perform two daily readings for one month. Software for data downloading and managing data is also included.The BEAM is affordable, robust, rapid, accurate, and portable – making shipboard verification feasible.