Research Vessel Knorr

       A custom-designed Chem-Free WQA (Water Quality Assurance) system was installed aboard R/V KNORR to eliminate bacterial activity in the ship's five potable water holding tanks. Ozone is far more powerful than chlorine in purifying water, and was first used in a municipal water treatment plant in Nice, France in 1906. The initial system was semi-automatic, requiring manual selection of the tanks to be treated, and the amount of ozone flowing to each tank circuit in parallel. Ozone is injected into each tank by means of a special "micro-pore" ceramic diffuser located at the bottom of each holding tank. In a matter of days, the Chem-Free system totally eliminated a problem that had been plaguing the KNORR's potable water for years. The system uses a Chem-Free model C-15 ozone generator, with process air supplied by a Chem-Free AD-10L air dryer, and was installed while the vessel was at its Woods Hole, MA. home port.

       The original semi-automatic system was removed and sent to our facility for an upgrade to fully automated operation. A PLC and "Man-Machine Interface" were installed in order to make the system self-tending by programming dwell times for and between each tank in turn. Tank selection is made on the MMI front panel which also displays system condition, as well as any alarms that may occur. A software-based control unit makes the Chem-Free WQA system very flexible, with the ability to adapt to any condition likely to be encountered in maintaining potable water purity. The Chem-Free system was reinstalled and put back on line during a yard period in Jacksonville, FL late in 1997. Christopher Morgan, Second Engineer aboard R/V KNORR, reported that through Email that, "Everyone loves the system." The vessel's potable water is clear, sparkling and sweet for the first time in many years according to crew members, and even the Chef was very complimentary about the water quality. The Chem-Free automated WQA system can be adapted to virtually any fresh water storage and/or distribution system, afloat or ashore, and is the only system of its type in use anywhere.

       There is a small, portable Chem-Free model U-11PF unit in operation aboard R/V ATLANTIS, the new escort vessel for D.S.V. (Deep Submergence Vehicle) "ALVIN," which has recently undergone a total refit and overhaul. "ALVIN" is also the mobile garage for R.O.V. (Remote Operated Vehicle) "JASON JR." "KNORR," "ALVIN" and "JASON Jr." are perhaps more widely known from when they were used by Dr. Bob Ballard for the discovery and subsequent first exploration of H.M.S. "TITANIC."

       Next in line for a Chem-Free, automated WQA system will be R/V OCEANUS, also operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The R/V OCEANUS system, in addition to having the exclusive Chem-Free WQA system, will also be dealing with odor emissions from two black water holding tanks, and is due to be installed in 1999.

       Ken Hughes  Delta Marine International, Inc.