Electrolytic Ion Generator for Watermaker Biofouling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Desalination systems in sea-going vessels face challenges with algae and bacteria growth during non-use periods, leading to inefficiency and contamination of the RO membrane, requiring costly and inconvenient chemical treatments.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic method and apparatus that introduces copper and silver ions into the flush water using a filter/ion-generator component, which automatically generates ions during system shutdown to prevent biofouling without the need for harsh chemicals, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical treatments are used to sterilize and prevent growth of bio film during shutdown, then algae and bacteria growth is prevented, but maintenance cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatment systems with an electrolytic ion generation system. Instead of manually introducing and managing chemical sterilants, the system uses electrical current passed through sacrificial copper and silver bars to generate protective ions in situ, eliminating the need for chemical storage, handling, and application equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic ion generation system is automatically activated by the watermaker controller during shutdown periods. The system self-regulates by passing current through the sacrificial bars, which continuously generate copper and silver ions that prevent biofilm formation without requiring manual intervention or chemical replenishment
2Reliability
If chemical sterilants are introduced into the system during shutdown, then bacteria and algae are killed, but harsh chemicals may damage system components and increase operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from chemical concentration to electrical current intensity. By controlling the amperage and duration of electrolysis, the system generates precise amounts of copper and silver ions without introducing harsh chemicals. The sacrificial bars gradually dissolve through controlled electrochemical reactions, providing sustained ion release without chemical shock to system components
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial copper and silver bars serve as intermediaries between the electrical power source and the water system. These bars undergo controlled corrosion to release ions into the water, acting as a benign mediator that protects system components while effectively preventing microbial growth through ion release
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the system is shut down for long periods without treatment, then operational flexibility is improved, but serious systemic corrosion and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary protective action by automatically initiating electrolytic ion generation at the onset of shutdown. The copper and silver ions are released into the system water before significant microbial growth or corrosion can occur, creating a protective environment that maintains system integrity throughout extended shutdown periods
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic ion generation operates continuously throughout the shutdown period, maintaining a constant protective ion concentration in the system water. This continuous action ensures sustained prevention of corrosion and contamination regardless of shutdown duration, eliminating the need for periodic manual re-treatment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents algae and bacteria growth, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures the desalination system's readiness upon restart, eliminating the need for chemical treatments and minimizing systemic corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolytic method and apparatus to produce and introduce ions into a stream of flush water during the system shutdown process
Data Source
AI summary
An algae and bacteria contamination preventing apparatus and subsystem including a conduit forming a flush-water flow path between a potable water supply and a connection to a feed water entry port of a watermaker system. A check-valve and flush-water connector is installed in the feed water entry conduit. The flush-water flow path includes a valve means for opening and closing the flow path, a filter/ion-generator component a controller for sensing flush-water flow in the flow path, and in response thereto, applying electrical power to an ion-generating element of the filter/ion-generator component. The filter/ion-generator component also includes a filter element which removes undesirable chemicals from the potable flush-water before the ion-generating element introduces copper and/or silver ions into the flush-water. The valve means may be manually operated or be controlled by a watermaker system shut down controller.