A safe, aesthetically acceptable potable water supply can be produced on shipboard by electrolytically generating ozone and chlorine directly in the water supply. This method does not require a supply of heavy, hazardous chemicals but generates ozone and chlorine electrolytically from sea water at ambient temperatures, requiring little power. Ozone and chlorine in combination are extremely effective in killing microorganisms. The ozone breaks down readily to oxygen, which poses no hazard; the chlorine residual remains to provide bacteriostatic protection. Under the proposed project, an electrolytic cell will be modified for operation and maintenance under adverse shipboard conditions. The cell will be tested using sea water as the electrolyte. The relationship of voltage and amperage to the production rate of each chemical species will be determine. The maximum dilution ratio of baterially contaminated fresh water to electrolyzed solution and the time required to kill all microorganisms will be determined. Residual chlorine level in the sterilized samples will be measured as a means of confirming adequate treatment. A laboratory-scale demonstration unit capable of producing sterile water at a minimum rate of 300 gal/hr (7,000 gpd) will be constructed and tested, using sea water.
