Objective
The primary objective of this effort is to demonstrate and validate the full-scale performance and integrated operation of a novel potable water electrolytic disinfectant generator (PWEDG) technology for Department of Defense (DoD) shipboard potable water applications. There will be three tasks over three years to meet this objective. The three tasks include: 1) Full Scale Laboratory Evaluation, 2) Ruggedization and Qualification, and 3) Seawater Reverse Osmosis Demonstration.
Technology Description
A commercial inline chlorine generator, the Oxaqua by Bright Spark, uses a novel electrode technology that permits the system to generate disinfectant (i.e. free chlorine) in situ using only the chloride ions naturally present in the water. This differs from other PWEDG technologies that require the addition of salt to generate disinfectant. In situ generation of hypochlorite allows for a much simpler and smaller design, eliminates the need for storing and handling chemical consumables, and does not require the use of pumps or other moving parts. In theory, this will reduce the required labor associated with operating and maintaining a shipboard PWEDG. Maintenance operations are reported to be minimal and do not require a specific operator skillset or specialized equipment. The Oxaqua technology is currently used in shipboard settings, such as cruise ships, as well as some foreign naval vessels and United Nations facilities in Europe. In its current form, its size is similar to the brominator cartridge system used aboard most U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, providing a favorable footprint compared to other chlorine generators currently available. However, the PWEDG has not been qualified to military shipboard ruggedization specifications, i.e. shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference. The construction materials are mostly plastic and likely not consistent with military standards in its current form. As such, a ruggedized variant of the Oxaqua needs to be developed and tested, prior to deployment on aboard Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security vessels.
Benefits
Ensuring proper treatment and storage of potable water is critical to Navy sailor safety, which has direct impacts to shipboard operations and overall readiness. A successful demonstration will provide Armed Forces vessels with a capable potable water disinfection system that eliminates the need for storage and handling of hazardous materials. This will offer both a safe working environment and safe potable water for sailors. Additional benefits include a reduced foot print, simpler design, and cheaper costs compared to current PWEDG’s used on Navy Ships. The ruggedization, qualification, and demonstration of the novel potable water disinfection technology will provide the Fleet with a potentially viable and effective alternative to bromine for use by new ship design programs, as a back-fit option for shipboard disinfection systems, or as a supplemental addition to a platform capability. In addition to shipboard disinfection, the Oxaqua technology could provide an alternative disinfection method to forward operating bases for ground warfighters in U.S. Army and Marine Corps.