SBIR-STTR Award

In the research proposed, INTEK Marine Technology, LLC. proposes to modify and extend its current anti-scale product line (currently in use in the cruise line industry) to both freshwater and saltwater application, by investigating the blending and testing of two separate, but simultaneously usable, scale defeating systems: 1) A set of threshold effect scale-inhibitors that absorb on calcium carbonate crystal growth sites, altering growth patterns such that any crystals form more slowly and will be highly distorted...thus rendering them "non-adhering" to surfaces and, 2) A set of scale-inhibitor compatible, low molecular weight sequestrants having the ability to seek out and "tie-up" calcium ions (at the exclusion of other competing metal ions) in both seawater and freshwater...thus removing their availability to form scale. As part of this work, INTEK also proposes to develop a low maintenance, automated chemical delivery system for use on a wide variety of naval vessels.

Benefits:
The use of calcium carbonate scale inhibitors and removers for freshwater flushed shipboard vacuum sanitary waste systems is steadily growing in the cruise line industry. The availability of an enhanced calcium carbonate scale inhibitor and remover for both seawater and freshwater flushed shipboard sanitary waste systems will be of substantial benefit to not only the U.S. Navy, but also the entire commercial and pleasure marine industries. Successful application of an enhanced calcium carbonate inhibitor and remover will eliminate problems associated with calcium carbonate deposit accumulation in seawater and freshwater flushed shipboard sanitary waste systems and periodic dock-side cleaning. This will result in the saving of thousands of dollars in repair and maintenance cost per year for each vessel in the United States Navy. The same order of magnitude in savings can be achieved in commercial shipping as well. As a result of this research INTEK proposes to market this technology to the Navy, Commercial Marine, and Pleasure Craft markets

Keywords:
Scale, Chemical , CHT, Sanitary, Chelant,

The objective of this project is to develop an innovative system or product that can be used to alter or otherwise change the character of flushing water (seawater and freshwater) supplied to shipboard urinals and water closets, in gravity flush and vacuum flush systems, to reduce scale build-up in CHT piping. To ensure the ability of ships to discharge sanitary waste overboard is not impacted, the system or product shall not significantly change the character of the sanitary waste effluent discharged overboard (i.e. pH and biodegradability) from that of existing ship generated sewage waste. Based upon the findings and success of Phase I, we propose to develop a Sanitary Line Inhibitor (SLI) chemical that will prevent no more than 1/16-inch of scale build-up in the CHT piping within a period of six months. We propose to develop a Sanitary Line Cleaner (SLC) chemical that will remove existing scale build-up in the CHT piping within a 45-60 day period. We propose to design and develop an automatic chemical delivery system. Finally, we propose to conduct at sea test and demonstration, commencing with shipboard installation of the chemical delivery system in selected toilets and urinals of an operating Aircraft Carrier