Abstract: A process for self-cleaning an electrolytic cell involves introducing a stream of seawater into the electrolytic cell having at least one cathode and one anode. The cathode and anode are substantially fully coated with a coating composition. A forward bias is applied between the anode and the cathode at a first current density as seawater flows between the electrodes. Subsequently, a reverse bias is provided at the cathode. The reverse bias is provided at a second current density that is lower than the first current density. When the reverse bias is applied, the polarity of the cathode is reversed for a short duration. This facilitates the generation of a small amount of hydrochloric acid at the previous cathode surface causing the dissolution of calcium, magnesium or other deposits on the surface of the electrodes without damaging the coating composition on the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for controlling the production of chlorate in electrolytic cells. The methods can produce a hypochlorite-containing solution having a chlorate to free available chlorine ratio of less than 0.1 by contacting a flow of a chloride-containing brine to an aqueous feed stream so as to give rise to an admixture. The disclosed technology also includes modulating at least one of the flow rate of the chloride-containing brine and the chloride concentration of the chloride-containing brine so as produce the hypochlorite-containing product solution.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater involves electrolyzing a stream of seawater and wastewater mix within one or more electrolytic cells mounted outside a batch tank. The electrolyzed stream is piped to a quelling chamber which is mounted above the batch tank. A diluted polymer solution is injected at upstream of an in-line mixer piping into the quelling chamber substantially concurrently with the electrolyzed stream. The polymer solution and the electrolyzed stream are dispersed as a fine shower over residual seawater and wastewater in the batch tank. The polymer solution facilitates flocculation of the suspended solid particles and creates a distinct buoyant layer of flocculated solid particles attached with micro bubbles. A substantially clarified effluent is separated from the flocculated layer and neutralized prior to discharge. The flocculated layer is pumped from the batch tank to a dewatering system where entrained solids are compacted to a desired level.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater involves electrolyzing a stream of seawater and wastewater mix within one or more electrolytic cells mounted outside a batch tank. The electrolyzed stream is piped to a quelling chamber which is mounted above the batch tank. A diluted polymer solution is injected at upstream of an in-line mixer piping into the quelling chamber substantially concurrently with the electrolyzed stream. The polymer solution and the electrolyzed stream are dispersed as a fine shower over residual seawater and wastewater in the batch tank. The polymer solution facilitates flocculation of the suspended solid particles and creates a distinct buoyant layer of flocculated solid particles attached with micro bubbles. A substantially clarified effluent is separated from the flocculated layer and neutralized prior to discharge. The flocculated layer is pumped from the batch tank to a dewatering system where entrained solids are compacted to a desired level.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) apparatus and methods of using the ECR apparatus in the treatment of a fluid stream. The ECR apparatus includes a noncorrosive cylindrical cell housing a plurality of horizontally stacked electrode plates. The electrode plates are held in a pair of grooved, crescent shaped non-conductive inserts. The ECR apparatus further includes two end flanges each having integral flow diverters to facilitate a continuous single serpentine flow of the fluid in the cell. The ECR apparatus further includes a single flow inlet and single flow outlet.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) apparatus and methods of using the ECR apparatus in the treatment of a fluid stream. The ECR apparatus includes a noncorrosive cylindrical cell housing a plurality of horizontally stacked electrode plates. The electrode plates are held in a pair of grooved, crescent shaped non-conductive inserts. The ECR apparatus further includes two end flanges each having integral flow diverters to facilitate a continuous single serpentine flow of the fluid in the cell. The ECR apparatus further includes a single flow inlet and single flow outlet.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for treating wastewater onboard small marine vessels. A pre-determined volume of wastewater generated onboard the vessel is mixed with a larger volume of seawater. This mixture is disinfected and subjected to further oxidation. The excess oxidants are neutralized and the treated effluent is discharged overboard the vessel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating wastewater. Wastewater slurry collected in a tank is routed by a macerator pump. The macerated slurry is piped to an electrolytic cell to oxidize and disinfect it. The slurry is then piped to an electrocoagulation cell. Suspended solid particles are flocculated in the electrocoagulation cell. The flocculated slurry is routed to a primary settling tank for separation of sludge and a substantially clarified supernatant. The supernatant is piped to a secondary clarifying tank to facilitate further separation of the sludge. The sludge is discharged to a sludge collection tank. The turbidity levels of the sludge discharged is continually monitored. When the turbidity level equals a pre-determined low value, the sludge discharge is stopped. The substantially clarified supernatant may be discharged as an effluent following dechlorination.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for treating ballast water by chemical injection using an injector having a geometry that minimally obstructs the ballast water flow to accomplish homogeneous mixing of hypochlorite with the ballast water within a short distance. The injector is inexpensive and has a configuration that may be easily installed and maintained.

Abstract: A system for treating ballast water includes one or more electrolytic cells in fluid communication with a salt water source and in fluid communication with one or more ballast water tanks, a means for controlling hypochlorite generation by the one or more electrolytic cells, and a neutralization system in fluid communication with the one or more ballast water tanks. The neutralization system includes a means for measuring presence of oxidizing agents in the ballast water, a reducing agent source in fluid communication with the ballast water, and a means for controlling the amount of reducing agent supplied to the ballast water in communication with the means for measuring presence of oxidizing agents in the ballast water. The system may include a flow meter for measuring a ballast water flow rate and/or a TOC analyzer for measuring a TOC content of the ballast water.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for treating wastewater onboard small marine vessels. A pre-determined volume of wastewater generated onboard the vessel is mixed with a larger volume of seawater. This mixture is disinfected and subjected to further oxidation. The excess oxidants are neutralized and the treated effluent is discharged overboard the vessel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating wastewater. Wastewater slurry collected in a tank is routed by a macerator pump. The macerated slurry is piped to an electrolytic cell to oxidize and disinfect it. The slurry is then piped to an electrocoagulation cell. Suspended solid particles are flocculated in the electrocoagulation cell. The flocculated slurry is routed to a primary settling tank for separation of sludge and a substantially clarified supernatant. The supernatant is piped to a secondary clarifying tank to facilitate further separation of the sludge. The sludge is discharged to a sludge collection tank. The turbidity levels of the sludge discharged is continually monitored. When the turbidity level equals a pre-determined low value, the sludge discharge is stopped. The substantially clarified supernatant may be discharged as an effluent following dechlorination.

Abstract: A method for managing ballast tank circulation system comprising a means for adding one or more halogens in controlled amounts to the water within the ballast tank. Test streams of water from the ballast tank can be analyzed to determine the level of halogens in the test stream to provide a halogen content signal. A controller receives the signal and compares the signal to a set point indicative of the level of halogen desired within the ballast tank to maintain, increase, or decrease the amount of chemical added to the water within the ballast tank in controlled amounts.

Abstract: A ballast tank circulation system having inlet and outlet piping and means for adding one or more halogens in controlled amounts to the water within the ballast tank. One or more eductors are positioned within the ballast tank to mix and circulate water within the ballast tank. A recirculating pump is located externally to the ballast tank to ingest water from the ballast tank and discharge a stream of pressurized water. The recirculating pump receives water from the ballast tank through an inlet line that taps into the outlet piping from the ballast tank. An outlet line transport the pressurized water to the ballast tank. The eductor draws in the pressurized water entering the ballast tank and emits a high pressure jet of water that circulates within the ballast tank thereby circulating the chemical content of the ballast water. Test streams of water from the ballast tank can be analyzed to determine the level of at least one of halogens in the test stream to provide a halogen content signal.

Abstract: A system and process for treating ballast water within an ocean going vessel by generating hypochlorite for treating the ballast water. The system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells in fluid communication with ballast water. The total organic carbon content of the ballast water is ascertained and the amount of hypochlorite generated is modulated in response to the total organic carbon content of the ballast water. In one embodiment the system comprises a total organic carbon analyzer for measuring total organic carbon content. In one embodiment of the process of the invention, hypochlorite production is modulated so that the residual halogen-containing oxidizing agent is maintained in the ballast water. In another embodiment of the process, hypochlorite production is modulated to maintain a weight ratio of hypochlorite to total organic carbon in the ballast water ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.0.

Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) and methods for executing operations using an FPGA are provided. The method includes providing a first dynamic macro and a second dynamic macro in the FPGA. The first dynamic macro and the second dynamic macro each represent logic within the FPGA that can be reconfigured. The method further includes executing a first operation associated with the user application using the first dynamic macro; reconfiguring the second macro to execute a second operation associated with the user application prior to completion of the first operation; and upon completion of the first operation, executing the second operation using the second dynamic macro.

Abstract: In a process for producing sodium hypochlorite in an electrolytic cell comprises forming an aqueous based chloride solution with a chloride salt; controlling the concentration of chloride within the solution to an amount comprising less than 25 g/L chloride salt; piping the salt solution to the electrolytic cell, the electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode, the cathode comprising a metallic base material, a first coating on the metallic base material and a second non-conductive ceramic coating on the metallic base material. The chloride solution is then in contact with the anodes and cathodes and an electric current is sent throughout the electrolytic cell to produce hypochlorite. During this process the electric current is controlled so that the power consumption is less than 2.5 kWh per pound of hypochlorite produced and the resulting cell efficiency comprises less than 2.5 kg of chloride salt consumed for every 1 kg of hypochlorite generated.

Abstract: A system and method for treating ballast water within an ocean going vessel by generating hypochlorite for treating the ballast water. The system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells in fluid communication with a stream of ballast water. A chlorine analyzer is positioned downstream from the electrolytic cells to determine the chlorine concentration of the treated ballast water. A hydrogen separator is connected to the hypochlorite electrolytic cells for venting hydrogen. In the method of this invention, water is taken aboard the ship for ballast in one port. A treatment stream is separated from the ballast water stream and piped to hypochlorite electrolytic cells. Hypochlorite is generated into the treatment stream and the hydrogen byproduct is separated by the hydrogen separators. The treatment stream is then reintroduced to the ballast water to eliminate marine species and pathogenic bacteria from ballast water.