Total Residual Oxidant Sensor for Automation of the Antifouling Process

While the sensing of Total Residual Oxidant (TRO) in potable water and treated water streams is well understood and devices are commercially available, the technology to measure TRO in seawater is not well developed. The overall objective of this project is to design and build a field-deployable, real-time sensor for the measurement of TRO in saltwater to provide control of the electrolytic hypochlorite-enhanced seawater flushes to ensure discharge levels fall within a narrow range that is effective. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the approach. Sensors chip will be fabricated and tested. Key to the success of the proposed sensing is the use of highly robust sensing electrode that is resistant to fouling combined with the high sensitivity technique and microarray configuration. The addition of reagents is eliminated, providing continuous and real-time monitoring capabilities. Direct detection of TROs will be carried out for various concentrations (i.e. chlorine/bromine or other mixed oxidant naturally formed species) between 10 and 500 mg/L. Laboratory studies to confirm the feasibility of proposed approaches will be performed in synthetic and actual seawater. During Phase II we will demonstrate the sensor performance integrated with commercial electrolytic generators in an operational environment.