Sensor for the Automation of Electrolyte Chlorination

Increased littoral deployment of submarines and other naval vessels has seen an increase in biological fouling and clogging of vessel cooling systems resulting in costly cleaning procedures and curtailed operations pending completion of cleaning procedures. To address and reduce the increased threat of biofouling, the Navy has begun installing electrolytic chlorination systems in submarines and surface vessels. However, chlorination cannot be used without consideration to the impact of discharged chlorinated waters on marine ecosystems as waters with significant levels of residual chlorine is toxic to many kinds of aquatic life. Efficient electrolytic chlorination requires active, real-time control feedback systems. Presently chlorination, and dechlorination, systems used by naval vessels require manual monitoring and control. Such manual processes are not an efficient use of naval resources and the feedback is not real-time. Efficient control and monitoring of electrolytic chlorine generation and dechlorination systems requires a total residual oxidant sensor that will operate accurately, reliably and for long durations in the marine environment. ADA Technologies proposes to adapt a halogen oxidant sensor technology with proven robust, long-term measurement stability to operate with the level of performance necessary to provide control feedback in a seawater chlorination system.