A device for holding a drink container, such as a cup, mug or bottle, of different diameters in the interior of a passenger car includes a coupling device, into which a bottle holder or cup holder can be inserted and removed therefrom, on the center console or on a seat. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. Methods include use of a ship’s fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship’s ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment.