Halogen Systems has developed a robust compact amperometric measurement system using novel measurement methods with integrated pH, conductivity and temperature measurement. Recent efforts to improve shipboard operations have focused on desalination systems. One area in which manpower may be significantly reduced is in the monitoring of chlorine residuals from hypochlorite enhanced streams that are used for periodic biofouling control flushes of microfiltration membranes. These membranes are used for pretreatment of seawater prior to exposure to reverse osmosis membranes used for desalination. During operation in littoral waters, increased biofouling requires daily maintenance, compared with every 35 days when operating in the deep blue sea. Current manual methods are not an efficient use of resources. These manual methods require consumables and are not real-time measurements. Commercially available sensors do not accurately measure levels of oxidant in the 50 to 500 parts per million (ppm) range, and will not work reliably in pH ranges above 8.0 in corrosive seawater. Value to the Warfighter: The technology will enable automated monitoring of high total residual oxidants. Currently, this process requires manual sampling and measurement using reagents, glassware and other apparatus, and manual control of chlorination equipment. Significant reductions in manpower will be possible, along with elimination of consumables and longer intervals without maintenance. Operational Gap: The manual methods of Total Residual Oxidant (TRO) measurement are impractical in the automated backflushing and cleaning methods envisioned for the Shipboard Desalination Future Naval Capability (FNC) Program.
