CN117836246A

CN117836246A - Electrolytic biocide generating unit integrated with filter

Info

Publication number: CN117836246A
Application number: CN202280053360.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 路易·西罗·科森蒂诺; 丹尼尔·L·科森蒂诺; 布莱恩·艾伦·戈尔登; P·S·B·芬泽尔
Original assignee: Electrolux Tracy Ltd
Current assignee: Electrolux Tracy Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2024-04-05

Abstract

A biocide generating apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The biocide generating apparatus further includes a filter basket mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket including parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket. The biocide generating apparatus further includes a dielectric protective sheath in which the electrode plate is received. The dielectric protective sleeve is positioned between the electrode plate and the filter basket.

Description

Electrolytic biocide generating unit integrated with filter

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is filed as PCT international patent application at month 29 of 2022 and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/308,262 filed at month 9 of 2022, U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/281,469 filed at month 19 of 2021, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/227,485 filed at month 30 of 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to biocide generating apparatus for reducing or eliminating biofouling within an aqueous system.

Background

Biofouling caused by biological growth (e.g., brine or freshwater marine growth) can lead to clogging of the water system, as well as inefficient operation, overheating, and malfunction of equipment that relies on the water system, thereby leading to costly downtime and costly maintenance. For some applications, the problem of biological growth within the water system is solved by periodic (e.g., once a half year) pickling of the water system. Pickling is expensive, time consuming, and involves the use of harsh and dangerous chemicals. Systems have also been developed for treating water systems in real time to prevent biofouling by generating biocides in situ in water passing through the water system (see, for example, U.S. patent No. 11,027,991).

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a biocide generation system for inhibiting biofouling within a water system. In one non-limiting example, the system may be a water system of a ship such that the ship's associated equipment (e.g., heat exchanger) may operate at peak performance with minimal or no downtime. In certain examples, the biocide generating system may include an electrolytic arrangement for providing in situ generation of biocide within water passing through an aqueous system. Biocide generation systems according to the principles of the present disclosure can be used for both brine (e.g., seawater and brackish water) as well as freshwater applications.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to electrolytic biocide generating devices and systems having electrolytic cells with features that facilitate efficient operation when integrated with a filter (e.g., a marine filter used in a watercraft). In one example, the biocide generating device has features that prevent debris from interfering with the operation of the electrodes of the electrolytic cell. In one example, the biocide generating apparatus has the following features: the features provide a distributed flow of water across the electrode plates of the electrolytic cell while providing sufficient interior space within the filter for collecting debris captured by the filter without interfering with the distributed flow of water across the electrode plates. In one example, the electrode plates are positioned within a dielectric protective sleeve that prevents debris from becoming trapped between the electrode plates and that assists in distributed flow across the electrode plates. In one example, the filter is a filter basket, the electrode plates are positioned in the filter basket and the debris is collected in the filter basket, and the dielectric protective sleeve has an opening that is larger than a corresponding filtering opening of the filter basket. In one example, the electrode plates are arranged in a side-by-side parallel arrangement and positioned such that an upstream end faces an inlet of a housing of the electrolytic cell and a downstream end faces an outlet of the housing of the electrolytic cell. In one example, the upstream end is positioned along a reference plane oriented at an oblique angle relative to an inlet axis of the inlet and extending downward with the reference plane, the reference plane being oblique to extend in a downstream direction. In one example, the protective sleeve has an upstream face that extends along the reference plane. In one example, at least some of the electrode plates have lateral flow openings defined therein to allow flow through the electrode plates. In one example, a diverter that is at least partially curved in an upstream direction is disposed between the electrode plates.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a biocide generating apparatus. The biocide generating apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing. The biocide generating apparatus further includes a parallel electrode plate positioned within the interior of the filter basket and a dielectric protective sleeve received in the dielectric protective sleeve, the dielectric protective sleeve positioned between the electrode plate and the filter basket, the protective sleeve defining an aperture larger than a filtration aperture defined by the filter basket.

In another aspect, the present technology relates to a biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior; a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the basket defining an inlet opening; a plurality of electrodes positioned at least partially within the filter basket, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes separated from each other by a gap space, each of the plurality of electrodes having an upstream portion facing the inlet, a downstream portion facing the outlet, a first end, and a second end; and one or more flow diverters disposed within the interstitial space between two of the plurality of electrodes, the one or more flow diverters positioned between the upstream portion and the downstream portion and being substantially elongated in a direction between the first end and the second end, wherein the one or more flow diverters have a length that is greater than one-fourth of a length of the plurality of electrodes between the first end and the second end.

In an example, at least a portion of the one or more flow diverters are shaped to face the upstream portion. In another example, the shape of the one or more flow diverters includes a curved portion at the distal end. In yet another example, each end of the one or more flow diverters has a different curved portion. In yet another example, one or both of the housing and the filter basket include a keyed feature for defining an orientation of the filter basket within the interior of the housing. In an example, at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes defines at least one lateral flow opening defining a flow path through the respective parallel electrode, or the ratio of the cross-sectional distance of the inlet to the choke point distance defined between the inlet and the upstream portion is at least 0.5. In another example, a protective sleeve is included in which the plurality of electrodes are received, the protective sleeve positioned between the plurality of electrodes and the filter basket.

In another aspect, the present technology relates to a biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior; a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket defining an inlet opening configured to align with the inlet of the housing; and a plurality of electrode plates positioned at least partially within the filter basket, at least one electrode of the plurality of electrode plates defining at least one lateral flow opening that allows water flow through the respective electrode plate.

In one example, each electrode of the plurality of electrode plates has an upper portion defined above a reference line, the at least one lateral flow opening being positioned within the upper portion. In another example, the plurality of electrode plates includes a first set of electrode plates connected to a first terminal block and a second set of electrode plates connected to a second terminal block, the outer side plates of both the first set of electrode plates and the second set of electrode plates including the at least one cross-flow opening. In yet another example, the inner side plates of both the first set of electrode plates and the second set of electrode plates do not include the at least one cross flow opening. In yet another example, one or both of the housing and the filter basket include a keyed feature for defining a rotational orientation of the filter basket within the interior of the housing. In an example, one or more flow diverters are disposed within the interstitial spaces defined between each electrode of the plurality of electrode plates, or a ratio of a cross-sectional distance of the inlet to a choke point distance defined between the inlet and the upstream end is at least 0.5. In another example, a protective sleeve is included in which the plurality of electrode plates are received, the protective sleeve positioned between the plurality of electrode plates and the filter basket.

In another aspect, the present technology relates to a biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior, the inlet having a cross-sectional distance and an inlet edge, the inlet edge at least partially defining a boundary between the inlet and the interior of the housing; a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket defining an inlet opening; and a plurality of electrodes positioned at least partially within the filter basket, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes having an upstream end facing the inlet, at least a portion of the upstream end being inclined along a reference plane, the reference plane being inclined at an angle relative to an axis defined by the inlet, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional distance of the inlet relative to a choke point distance defined between the inlet rim and the upstream end is at least 0.5.

In one example, the choke point distance is defined between the inlet edge and the inclined portion of the upstream end such that the choke point distance is orthogonal relative to the upstream end. In another example, the ratio is between 0.7 and 0.8. In yet another example, the cross-sectional distance is a diameter of the inlet. In yet another example, one or more flow diverters are disposed within interstitial spaces defined between each of the plurality of electrodes, or at least one of the plurality of electrodes defines at least one lateral flow opening defining a flow path through the respective electrode. In an example, a protective sheath is included in which the plurality of electrodes are received, the protective sheath being positioned at least partially between the upstream ends of the plurality of electrodes and the inlet edge such that the choke point distance is defined between the inlet edge and a surface of the protective sheath.

Various additional aspects will be set forth in the description which follows. The aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples described herein are based.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates a watercraft including an on-board water system incorporating a biocide generating apparatus including a filter according to the principles of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 schematically depicts an electrolytic cell and a controller unit of the biocide generating apparatus of fig. 1;

FIG. 3 is a separate biocide generating apparatus from the ship of FIG. 1;

fig. 4 is a side view of the biocide generating apparatus of fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the biocide generating apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the biocide generating apparatus of FIG. 3 taken along section A-A shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the biocide generating apparatus of FIG. 3 taken along section C-C shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a separate electrolytic cell of the biocide generating apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the electrolytic cell of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the electrolytic cell of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the electrolytic cell of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a separate protective sheath fitted around the electrolytic cell of the biocide generating apparatus of FIG. 8;

figure 13 is a side view of the protective sleeve of figure 12;

figure 14 is a top view of the protective sleeve of figure 12;

figure 15 is a bottom view of the protective sleeve of figure 12;

fig. 16 is a filter of the biocide generating apparatus of fig. 1 shown separately;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the filter of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the filter of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another protective sheath and electrolytic cell that can be used with the biocide generating apparatus of FIG. 1;

figure 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective sheath and electrolytic cell of figure 1 9;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a biocide generating device having the protective sheath and electrolytic cell of FIGS. 19 and 20, a water flow path through the biocide generating device;

fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another biocide generating apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

fig. 24 is a perspective view of a protective sheath of the biocide generating apparatus of fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a filter of the biocide generating apparatus of fig. 23; and

fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the housing and electrode assembly of the biocide generating device of fig. 23.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to biocide generating apparatus and systems for inhibiting biofouling within water systems. Exemplary biocides can include chlorine and its derivatives, copper, and other biocides. An exemplary biocide generating apparatus may include an electrolytic cell including an electrode adapted to generate an electrode of a biocide (e.g., chlorine and derivatives thereof) when an electrical current flows across the electrode. In certain examples, the biocide generating device or system introduces the biocide in situ (e.g., in real time during operation of the water system) into water flowing through the water system. Preferably, the biocide is introduced at a concentration high enough to prevent biomass growth within the components of the aqueous system. Exemplary water system components through which biocide treated water flows may include heat exchangers for air conditioning and coolers.

Fig. 1 illustrates a ship 20 having an on-board water system 22 including a biocide generating device 21 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The vessel 20 is shown supported on a body of water 26. The on-board water system 22 includes an inlet 28, an outlet 30, and a water flow path 32 extending from the inlet 28 through the vessel 20 to the outlet 30. The inlet 28 is configured to draw water from the body of water 26 into the water flow path 32. The inlet 28 is located below the waterline 34 of the watercraft 20 and is preferably located at the bottom of the hull of the watercraft 20. Inlet 28 may be opened and closed by a valve 36, such as a sea valve. The outlet 30 is configured to discharge water that has passed through the water flow path 32 back to the body of water 26. Preferably, the outlet 30 is positioned above the waterline 34. The on-board water system 22 may include a plurality of components positioned along the water flow path 32. The water flow path 32 may include a plurality of conduits 38 (e.g., hoses, tubes, pipes, etc.) extending between the components of the on-board water system 22 and for transporting water between the various components along the water flow path 32. As shown at fig. 1, the depicted components include a biocide generating device 21 (which includes an integrated filter), a pump 42, and one or more systems and/or devices 44 that utilize water delivered through the water flow path 32. The biocide generating device 21 is adapted to generate biocide within the water of the water flow path 32 as the water passes through the biocide generating device 21. The biocide is configured to inhibit biofouling within the conduit 38 and within one or more of the components positioned along the water flow path 32. It will be appreciated that biocides may also be referred to as disinfectants or cleaners, as biocides may also include disinfection and cleaning properties.

It will be appreciated that examples of the types of systems and/or devices 44 that may benefit from biocide treatment may include cooling systems, such as air conditioning or coolers, where water extracted from the body of water 26 may be used as a cooling medium for cooling the refrigerant of the cooling system. In other examples, water from water flow path 32 may be used to provide engine cooling. In other examples, water from the water flow path 32 may be used in a sanitation system or a watercraft propulsion system.

As can be seen in fig. 3-7, the depicted filter, biocide generating device 21 is depicted as an electrolytic cell comprising a housing 52 (e.g., a can), the housing 52 comprising a housing body 54 and a cover 56. The cover 56 is preferably removable from the housing body 54 and may also be referred to as a cover. In some examples, the cover 56 is removably mounted at the top of the housing body 54. In some examples, fasteners such as bolts, nuts, clamps, clips, or other structures may be used to removably attach the cover 56 to the housing body 54. The housing 52 includes a longitudinal axis 53 extending between opposite first and second ends 55, 57 of the housing 52. The second end 57 corresponds to a closed end of the housing body 54. A cover 56 is located at the first end 55 of the housing 52 and is adapted to cover the open end of the housing body 54. In an example, the housing 52 and/or the cover 56 may be formed of a non-metallic material in order to reduce or prevent corrosion of the biocide generating apparatus 21. In aspects, the housing 52 and/or the cover 56 may be formed of a plastic type material.

The filter 61 is mounted inside the housing 52. It will be appreciated that a water filter is a device that mechanically or physically filters water drawn into the water flow path 32 to prevent unwanted material (e.g., particles exceeding a certain size) from passing through the water flow path 32. It will be appreciated that the filter 61 may be periodically removed from the housing 52, cleaned, and then returned to the interior of the housing 52. It will be appreciated that different filters may have different levels of filtration from coarse to fine. Typically, the unwanted material floats on or directly below the water surface and may include organic and/or non-organic materials. In an example, seaweed (e.g., gulfweed) may be within the water flow path 32.

The housing body 54 includes a water inlet 58 and a water outlet 60. As depicted, the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 are coaxially aligned along an axis 63 oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis 53 of the housing 52. The axis 63 is located at the upper third of the length of the housing 52 extending between the first and second ends 55, 57. In another aspect, the axis 63 is located at an upper half of the length of the housing 52 extending between the first end 55 and the second end 57. In yet another aspect, the axis 63 is located at an upper quarter of the length of the housing 52 extending between the first end 55 and the second end 57.

In other examples, the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 may not be coaxial along the axis 63. In an aspect, both the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 are located at an upper third of the length of the housing 52 extending between the first end 55 and the second end 57. In another aspect, both the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 are located at an upper half of the length of the housing 52 extending between the first end 55 and the second end 57. In yet another aspect, both the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 are located at an upper quarter of the length of the housing 52 extending between the first end 55 and the second end 57.

In still other examples, the centerline axis of each of the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 is offset relative to each other in a vertical direction (e.g., between the first end 55 and the second end 57) by no more than 50% of the maximum cross-sectional length of the water inlet 58 or the water outlet 60. In an aspect, the maximum cross-sectional length of the water inlet 58 or the water outlet 60 may be the diameter of the water inlet 58 or the water outlet 60. In another aspect, the centerline axes of each of the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 are offset relative to each other in the vertical direction by no more than 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% or 5% of the maximum cross-sectional length of the water inlet 58 or the water outlet 60, as needed or desired. In still other aspects, the centerline axis of each of the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 may be offset in a horizontal direction.

Generally, the water inlet 58 may be positioned toward the first end 55 of the housing 52 such that collection may occur toward the second end 57 and within the filter 61. In an aspect, the water outlet 60 may be positioned anywhere between the first and second ends 55, 57 of the housing 52, including below the water inlet 58, as needed or desired. As shown, the housing 52 may be considered a side-in-side container with both the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60 formed on the side walls of the housing 52. In other examples, the housing 52 may be a bottom-in side-out container with the water inlet 58 at the second end 57 and the water outlet 60 formed on a sidewall of the housing 52.

As described above, the filter 61 is removably mounted within the interior of the housing 52. As depicted in fig. 16-18, the filter 61 has a basket-like configuration with an open end 61a adapted to be positioned adjacent the top of the housing 52 and a closed end 61b adapted to be positioned adjacent the bottom of the housing 52. An inlet opening 70 is defined through the side of the filter 61. The inlet opening 70 is preferably aligned with the water inlet 58 of the housing body 54 when the filter 61 is installed within the housing 52. Thus, in use, water delivered through the water flow path 32 enters the housing 52 through the water inlet 58 and into the interior of the filter 61 through the inlet opening 70. The water then passes through the filter openings 163 of the filter 61 (e.g., openings sized to provide a desired level of water filtration) and exits the housing 52 through the water outlet 60. In some examples, the radial spacing between the filter 61 and the interior of the housing 52 provides an annular flow area for receiving a water stream that has passed through the filter openings of the filter 61 and is flowing toward the outlet 60. Particulate material filtered from the water by the filter 61 remains on the inside of the filter 61. When the filter 61 is removed from the housing 52, the filtered material remains on the inside of the filter 61 and is preferably removed during cleaning. The filter 61 has an open end 61a and a closed end 61b. In this particular example, the filter 61 is cylindrical in shape, in other examples, the filter 61 may have a taper as the filter extends from the open end 61a to the closed end 61b. The filter 61 may be different depending on the shape of the biocide generating apparatus 21.

The biocide generating device comprises an electrode device 72, the electrode device 72 fitting within the interior of the filter 61 located within the interior of the housing 52. In the depicted example, the electrode arrangement 72 includes a first electrode 74 and a second electrode 76. The first electrode 74 includes a first terminal 78 electrically connected to a plurality of parallel first electrode plates 80. The first terminal 78 includes a first terminal block 82 and a first terminal post 84. The first electrode plate 80 is electrically and mechanically connected to the first terminal block 82. In one example, the first electrode plate 80 includes a main body 86 and an upper tab 88. The upper tab 88 is preferably electrically and mechanically connected to the first terminal block 82 by, for example, welding or soldering. In some examples, the first terminal 78 and the first electrode plate 80 may have a metallic construction including a metallic material such as titanium. In some examples, the first electrode plate 80 may be coated with a catalyst material.

The second electrode 76 of the electrode arrangement 72 has a similar configuration to the first electrode 74. For example, the second electrode 76 includes a second terminal 90 and a second electrode plate 92, the second electrode plate 92 being electrically and mechanically connected to the second terminal 90. In a preferred example, the second terminal 90 and the second electrode plate 92 have a metallic configuration that may include a metallic material such as titanium. The second electrode plates 92 are positioned between the first electrode plates 80 and spaced apart from the first electrode plates 80 such that a gap space exists between each of the first electrode plates 80 and a corresponding one of the second electrode plates 92. The second terminal 90 includes a second terminal block 94, and the second terminal block 94 is electrically and mechanically connected to an upper protrusion 96 of the second electrode plate 92. The second electrode plate 92 further includes a main body 98, and the second terminal 90 includes a second terminal post 93. In some examples, the second electrode plate 92 may be coated with a catalyst material.

The first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92 of the electrode assembly 72 are connected together by a plurality of fasteners. In a preferred example, the fasteners are dielectric fasteners that do not provide electrical connectivity between the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92. In some examples, the fasteners are bolts that extend through openings defined in the electrode plates 80, 92. In some examples, a dielectric spacer is disposed on the fastener at a location between the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92. The dielectric spacers are used to maintain a desired spacing between each of the opposite sides of the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92. Other aspects of the spacer and fastener are discussed in U.S. patent No. 11,027,991, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some examples, the terminal post, terminal block, and terminal plate may have a metallic construction including a metallic material such as titanium or stainless steel. In some examples, the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92 may be coated with a catalyst material for catalyzing the production of chlorine or derivatives thereof. In one example, the catalyst coating may include a platinum group metal. Exemplary platinum group metals suitable for use in the catalyst coating include iridium and ruthenium. In some examples, the catalyst coating may include a metal oxide mixture that may include an oxide of iridium and/or an oxide of ruthenium and/or an oxide of titanium and/or an oxide of tantalum and/or an oxide of niobium. It will be appreciated that the above catalysts are merely examples, and that other catalyst mixtures may also be used. In other examples, at least one of the groups of first electrode plate 80 and second electrode plate 92 is composed of a material that includes copper such that copper ions are generated when a voltage is applied across first electrode plate 80 and second electrode plate 92.

In the preferred example, the electrode assembly 72 is mounted to the cover 56 of the housing 52. The first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92 are fixed at the bottom side/lower side of the cover 56, and protrude downward from the inner side of the cover 56. When the cover 56 is mounted on the housing main body 54, the electrode plates 80, 92 are fitted inside the housing 52 and inside the filter 61. During operation of the on-board water system 22, the interior of the housing 52 is filled with water such that the first and second electrode plates 80, 92 are preferably completely submerged in the water flowing through the housing 52. The electrode assembly 72 is preferably connected to the cover 56 such that when the cover 56 is removed from the housing body 54, the cover 56 is used to carry the electrode assembly 72. When it is desired to clean the filter 61, the cover 56 is removed from the housing body 54 to allow access to the filter 61. When the cover 56 is removed, the electrode arrangement 72 is carried by the cover 56 and simultaneously removed from the interior of the filter 61 so as not to interfere with subsequent removal of the filter 61 for cleaning.

In a preferred example, water flowing through the filter 61 flows through the interstitial space between the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92 in the direction indicated by arrow 104 (see fig. 8). In some examples, the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92 are positioned within the filter 61 with the open end of the interstitial space between the electrode plates 80, 92 facing the inlet opening 70 of the filter 61 and aligned with the water inlet 58 of the housing 52. In one example, electrode plates 80, 92 are oriented parallel with respect to axis 63.

The biocide generating apparatus may be controlled by a control system schematically depicted at fig. 2, which may include a controller 48 for controlling various functions. Exemplary functions include: a) Power conversion (e.g., DC-DC and/or AC-DC power conversion); b) Power conditioning (the depicted example shows DC power conditioner 249 attached to cell power circuit 256); c) Electrode polarity switching; d) Periodically terminating the supply to the electrodes and connecting the electrodes together and to a zero reference voltage; e) Insulating the circuit from ship ground; f) Gas sensing; g) Monitoring the flow of water through biocide generating device 21; and h) adjusting the magnitude of the current flowing across the electrodes based on the flow of water through the first chamber 24. To coordinate and implement the various functionalities, the control system may include a controller 48 having one or more processors 248. The processor 248 may be coupled to software, firmware, and/or hardware. In addition, the processor 248 may include digital or analog processing capabilities and may be coupled to memory (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, or other data storage). In some examples, processor 248 may include a programmable logic controller, one or more microprocessors, or similar structures. The processor 248 may also be connected to a display 252 (e.g., indicator lights, etc.) and a user interface 250 (e.g., control buttons, switches, etc.) mounted at the exterior of the unit housing 52. Other functions of the control system are discussed in U.S. patent No. 11,027,991.

In some examples, as seen in fig. 8-11, electrode plates 80, 92 include an upstream end 95 and a downstream end 97. The upstream end 95 faces the inlet 28 and the downstream end 97 faces the outlet 60. Electrode plates 80, 92 additionally include an upper portion 99a above reference line 65 parallel to axis 63 and a lower portion 99b below reference line 65. The upper portion 99a of the upstream end 95 of the electrode plates 80, 92 defines a concave shape when viewed from above (as seen in fig. 11). In some examples, the upper portion 99a and the lower portion 99b of the downstream end 97 of the electrode plates 80, 92 are each unitary and cooperate to define a convex shape when viewed from above.

In some examples, the lower portion 99b of the upstream end 95 is oriented along a reference plane 120 aligned at an oblique angle α with respect to the axis 63. When the reference plane 120 extends in a downward direction, the reference plane 120 is angled or sloped toward the outlet side of the housing 52. As can be seen in fig. 5, the bottom end of the electrode assembly is offset from the bottom of the filter 61 basket to provide space for debris collection. In some embodiments, the sloped shape of the electrode defined by the slope angle α provides space for debris collection within the filter 61 at the collection space 124 below the inlet 58. The angle of inclination alpha is between 10 deg. and 80 deg.. In various aspects, the tilt angle α may be between 20 ° and 70 °. The tilt angle α may be between 30 ° and 60 °. The tilt angle α may be between 45 ° and 60 °. The tilt angle α may be between 45 ° and 70 °. The tilt angle α may be between 45 ° and 80 °. The tilt angle α may be greater than 45 °, greater than 50 °, greater than 55 °, or greater than 60 °.

In some examples, the electrode plates 80, 92 are protected by a protective sleeve 110, as seen in fig. 12-15. Preferably, the protective sheath 110 has a dielectric construction (e.g., a material such as polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, etc.). The protective sheath 110 has an upstream side 110a and a downstream side 110b with an opening 110c, the opening 110c for allowing water to flow through the protective sheath 110 and between the electrode plates 80, 92. The openings 110c are adapted to assist in distributing flow across the surface of the electrode plate 80. In some examples, the opening 110c is larger toward the side section 110i away from the middle section 110d and smaller toward the middle section 110d, which aids in distributing the water flow. The middle section 110d is between the two side sections 110i when viewed from the top. In some examples, the opening 110c is larger than the filter opening 163 of the filter 61, but smaller than the spacing between the electrode plates 80, 92. It should be appreciated that in some examples, the electrode plates 80, 92 are disposed within the filter 61 without the use of the protective sheath 110.

In some examples, the downstream side 110b of the protective sheath 110 has a convex outer portion 110f and a concave inner portion 110g when viewed from the top/bottom (see fig. 14 and 15). The concave interior 110g allows the convex shape defined by the downstream ends 97 of the electrode plates 80, 92 to fit within the protective sheath 110 (e.g., match the inner contour of the protective sheath 110). In some examples, the upstream side 110a faces the inlet and includes an upstanding portion 110e intersecting the axis 63 and above the reference line 65, the upstanding portion 110e including a concave exterior and a convex interior when viewed from the top/bottom, which allows the concave shape of the upper portion 99a of the upstream end 95 of the electrode to fit within the protective sheath 110. The lower portion of the upstream side portion 110a below the reference line 65 extends along a reference plane 122 that extends at an angle α (e.g., parallel to the reference plane 120). In some examples, the protective sleeve 110 includes a wall 110h extending between the upstream side 110a and the downstream side 110b and having no openings.

The interior shape of the protective sheath 110 is complementary to the exterior shape of the electrode assembly 72. As discussed above, when the electrode plates 80, 92 are fitted within the protective sleeve, the convex interior of the upstanding portion 110e of the protective sleeve 110 fits over and mates with the concave shape of the upstream end 95 of the electrode plates 80, 92. The concave interior 110g of the downstream side portion mates with the convex shape defined by the upstream end 95 of the electrode plates 80, 92. In addition, the lower portions 99b of the upstream end portions of the first electrode plate 80 and the second electrode plate 92 fit within the lower portion of the upstream side 110a of the protective cover 110 because the reference planes 120, 122 are parallel to each other and configured to fit into each other.

In some examples, when the inlet opening 70 of the filter 61 is coaxially aligned with the inlet 58 of the biocide generating apparatus 21, the debris flows with the water into the biocide generating apparatus 21 through the inlet opening 70 and into the filter 61. Smaller debris can flow through the opening 110c and the larger debris is deflected below a reference plane 122 defining the upstream side 110a of the protective sheath 110, collecting in a collection space 124 (easily seen in fig. 5). As discussed above, the filter 61 has a smaller opening 110c such that debris that enters the filter 61 that is larger than the opening 110c cannot exit the outlet 60 of the biocide generating device 21, but is trapped in the interior of the filter 61.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of another protective sheath 200 and electrolytic cell 202 that may be used with biocide generating apparatus 21 (shown in fig. 1). Figure 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a protective sheath 200 and an electrolytic cell 202. Referring to both fig. 19 and 20, the protective sheath 200 has an upstream side 204 and a downstream side 206 with an opening 208, the opening 208 for allowing water to flow through the protective sheath 200 and between electrode plates 210 of the electrolytic cell 202 as described above. The openings 208 may have different sizes and/or shapes between the middle and side sections to at least partially control the water flow as needed or desired. In an aspect, at least some of the openings 208 in the intermediate section may be elongated in the top-bottom direction. Although the electrolytic cell 202 is shown in connection with the protective sheath 200, in an example, the electrolytic cell 202 may be used within the biocide generating device 21 without the protective sheath 200 and the electrolytic cell 202 placed directly into the filter.

As shown, the upstream side 204 includes an at least partially planar upstanding portion 212 and an angularly extending lower portion 214. In an aspect, the lower portion 214 may have a convex exterior and a concave interior. The protective sleeve 200 also includes a pair of walls 216 extending between the upstream side 204 and the downstream side 206 and parallel to the electrode plate 210.

The electrode plates 210 may be connected together by one or more fasteners 218 extending orthogonally through the electrode plates. Spacers 220 may be positioned around the fasteners 218 and used to define the dielectric spacing between the electrode plates 210. The distal end of the fastener may include a bolt head/nut or the like and extend outwardly from the outboard electrode plate.

In an example, one or more of the fasteners 218 are used to at least partially releasably secure the electrolytic cell 202 within the protective sheath 200. Each of the walls 216 has an open channel 222 defined therein. An open channel 222 extends from the top end of the protective sheath 200 and terminates before reaching the bottom end. In one aspect, the open channel 222 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 53 (shown in fig. 3) of the housing of the device. The open channel 222 is shaped and sized to at least partially receive an end portion of the fastener 218 and guide the reception of the electrolytic cell 202 within the protective sheath 200. The bottom end of the open channel 222 may include a latch 224, the latch 224 configured to releasably secure the end portion of the fastener 218 and the electrolytic cell 202 within the protective sheath 200. In an example, an elongated tool (e.g., a flat-head screwdriver) may be used to release the latch 224 and allow the electrolytic cell 202 to be removed. A bracket 226 may be provided at the top end of the open channel 222 and at least partially cover the channel. The brackets 226 may be used to align the fasteners 218 within the open channels 222. In an example, the stand 226 is open at both the top and bottom to allow water to flow through the stand. In other examples, the open channels 222 may take the form of openings defined in the wall 216 having any size or shape that enables the biocide to have increased circulation within the device 21.

In this example, the protective sheath 200 and the electrolytic cell 202 are configured to increase water circulation within the housing 52 (shown in fig. 3) in order to increase the distribution of byproducts (e.g., chlorine) in the housing during operation of the biocide generating device. For example, one or more of the electrode plates 210 define at least one lateral flow opening 228. The lateral flow openings 228 allow water to pass through the plate 210 at a location between the upstream and downstream ends of the electrode plate 20. In an example, the lateral flow openings 228 are cutouts in the electrode plate 210. In one aspect, the flow path of the water defined by the lateral flow openings 228 includes flow in a direction perpendicular to the parallel electrode plates 210 or at a large oblique angle to the parallel electrode plates 210.

The lateral flow openings 228 are positioned on the electrode plate 210 within an upper portion 230 of the electrode plate 210, the upper portion 230 being defined as the portion of the electrode plate 210 above the reference line 65 (shown in fig. 9 and 10) and above a lower portion 232. In other examples, the lateral flow openings 228 may extend through the reference line 65 or be disposed below the reference line 65, as needed or desired. In one aspect, the lateral flow openings 228 may be elongated slots oriented at an angle relative to the reference line 65. In another aspect, two or more lateral flow openings 228 may be defined within the electrode plate 210. It should be appreciated that the lateral flow openings 228 may have any shape, size, and/or orientation that enables water to flow perpendicular to the electrode plates 210 as described herein or at a large angle to the electrode plates 210 and increase the flow circulation within the housing 52. The lateral flow openings of the type described above may be provided in one, two, three, four, five, six or more of the electrode plates 210. In some examples, the outer set of electrode plates 210 are provided with lateral flow openings, and the inner set of electrode plates 210 between the outer set of electrode plates do not include lateral flow openings. In some examples, the electrode plates 210 of the terminal are provided with a cross-flow opening configuration that provides more cross-flow between a set of outer plates of the parallel plate arrangement than between a set of inner plates of the parallel plate arrangement.

In an example, the cross-flow openings 228 are at least partially aligned with the open channels 222 of the protective sheath 200. This allows the water flow to leave the wall 216 of the protective sheath 200 and circulate further within the housing 52. Thus, the open channels 222 also allow water to pass through the wall 216 in a vertical or large angle flow path.

Additionally, or alternatively, the electrolytic cell 202 may include one or more flow diverters 234 disposed within the interstitial space defined between the two electrode plates 210. Diverter 234 is configured to at least partially redirect or redirect water flow through electrode plate 210 and increase flow control of water through electrolysis cell 202. In an aspect, the flow redirector 234 may uniformly increase the flow distribution across the electrode plate 210. In addition, circulation of the water flow within the housing 52 is also increased. In an aspect, the flow diverter 234 also increases the flow of water through the lateral flow openings 228.

Diverter 234 is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 53 of housing 52. The flow redirector 234 spans between the upper portion 230 and the lower portion 232 of the electrode plate 210 and has a shaped distal end 235 that extends in an upstream direction. As shown, the distal end is curved in an upstream direction to divert biocide containing water to an area within the device that may contain untreated water. Additionally or alternatively, the diverter 234 increases flow control within the interstitial space. In other examples, the distal end may be obliquely angled or have any other type of shape that diverts water within the device 21 as described herein. Diverter 234 is located downstream of cross flow opening 228.

In an example, the diverter 234 is supported on one or more of the fasteners 218. In addition, the diverter 234 may also provide dielectric spacing for the plurality of electrode plates 210. As such, the diverter 234 may have the same thickness as the spacer 220.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell 202. The electrolytic cell 202 includes a plurality of electrode plates 210 arranged in parallel. The electrode plates 210 are secured together by one or more fasteners 218 having nut heads 236. The nut head 236 is configured to slide within the open channel 222 (as shown in fig. 19 and 20) of the protective sleeve 200.

The electrode plates 210 alternate the terminal blocks 238, 240 to which they are connected. In one example, the two outer plates 210 on each side are the only plates in which the cross flow openings 228 are defined. In one aspect, the inner side plates 210 of each pair of outer plates 210 have smaller sized cross flow openings 228 than the outer side plates of each pair of outer plates. In this example, the set (e.g., pair) of outer plates of each terminal block 238, 240 is the only plate having the lateral flow openings 228, and the inner plates of each block positioned between the outer plates of the set do not include the lateral flow openings 228. In other examples, at least some of the interior panels may include lateral flow openings 228 as needed or desired.

Fig. 22 is a schematic view of a biocide generating device 21 having a protective sheath 200 and an electrolytic cell 202, illustrating the water flow path therethrough. As described above, the device 21 includes the housing 52 having the water inlet 58 and the water outlet 60. The filter 61 is disposed within the housing 52 and the protective sheath 200 and the electrolytic cell 202 are disposed within the filter 61.

As the water flow 32 enters the device 21 and passes through the upstream side 204 of the protective sheath 200, the water flow path is directed through the interstitial spaces between the electrode plates 210. At the side wall 216 of the protective cover 200, at least some of the water flows out of the open channel 222 so as to increase the flow distribution and biocide distribution at the sides of the device. Flow through the open channels 222 may be further caused by the cross-flow openings 228 in the plate 210. As illustrated in fig. 22, the inner plate has no cross flow openings 228 therein. In addition, the diverter 234 increases the distribution of the water flow paths within the interstitial spaces between the electrode plates 210.

Returning to fig. 1, the water system 22 may further include a recirculation line 23, the recirculation line 23 being routed from a first location downstream of the pump 42 to a second location at the biocide generating device 21 or upstream of the device 21 such that a portion of the biocide containing water may be directed through the line 23 to treat the device 21 and/or conduit 38 to inhibit biological growth. The location of the outlet of the recirculation line 23 (at the device 21 or conduit 38) promotes mixing of water with biocide with water without biocide. For example, the outlet of recirculation line 23 is positioned far enough upstream from device 21 to facilitate mixing prior to entry into device 21. In an aspect, the second location may be adjacent to the inlet 28 and within the watercraft 20. In this example, the inlet 28 may comprise a valve, and the recirculation line 23 is positioned adjacent to and downstream of the valve. In some examples, a water scoop may be located at the inlet 28. In some examples, one or more valves (not shown) may be provided within line 23. In some examples, similar flow lines may be included to provide biocide treatment to other components of the water system 22 as needed or desired. Other aspects of the recirculation line are discussed in U.S. patent No. 11,027,991 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2020/0255306, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In an example, the recirculation line 23 may be a small portion of the diameter of the conduit 38. In aspects, line 23 may be less than or equal to 30% of the size (e.g., diameter) of conduit 38. In yet another aspect, line 23 may be less than or equal to 20% of the size (e.g., diameter) of conduit 38. In yet another aspect, line 23 may be less than or equal to 10% of the size (e.g., diameter) of conduit 38. In another aspect, line 23 may be less than or equal to 5% of the size (e.g., diameter) of conduit 38. In other examples, recirculation line 23 has a diameter that may be between 1% and 50% of the diameter of conduit 38. In one aspect, line 23 has a diameter between 20% and 40% of the diameter of conduit 38. In yet another aspect, line 23 has a diameter that is about 25%, 33%, or 38% of the diameter of conduit 38. Typically, recirculation line 23 has a diameter that is less than the diameter of conduit 38.

In other examples, the flow through recirculation line 23 may be a fraction of the flow (e.g., flow rate) through conduit 38. In one aspect, the flow rate through line 23 may be less than or equal to 30% of the flow rate of conduit 38. In yet another aspect, the flow rate through line 23 may be less than or equal to 20% of the flow rate of conduit 38. In yet another aspect, the flow rate through line 23 may be less than or equal to 10% of the flow rate of conduit 38. In another aspect, the flow rate through line 23 may be less than or equal to 5% of the flow rate of conduit 38. In an example, the flow through recirculation line 23 is between 5% and 50% of the flow through conduit 38. In one aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 5% and 40% of the flow through conduit 38. In another aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 5% and 35% of the flow through conduit 38. In yet another aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 5% and 25% of the flow through conduit 38. In yet another aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 10% and 50% of the flow through conduit 38. In one aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 10% and 40% of the flow through conduit 38. In another aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 10% and 35% of the flow through conduit 38. In yet another aspect, the flow through line 23 is between 10% and 25% of the flow through conduit 38. Generally, the flow through recirculation line 23 is less than the flow through conduit 38. The recirculation line 23 is shaped and sized to not provide biocide to components at or upstream of the biocide generating device in order to reduce biofouling. However, such recycled water need not inhibit the extraction of water from downstream systems and/or equipment of the watercraft.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another biocide generating apparatus 300. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the protective sheath 302, and fig. 25 is a perspective view of the filter 304. Referring also to fig. 23-25, biocide generating apparatus 300 includes a housing 306 with a cover 308. The housing 306 includes an inlet 310 and an outlet 312 positioned as described above.

In this example, the housing 306 also includes a recirculation line inlet 314. As described above, in certain aspects, the recirculation line 23 (shown in fig. 1) can enter the biocide generating apparatus 300 to facilitate mixing of the biocide. By providing recirculation line inlet 314 at housing 306, the pressure differential between the flow within housing 306 and recirculation line 23 facilitates mixing. The recycle line inlet 314 may be positioned below the inlet 310, which facilitates easy access or accessibility to the recycle line 23. In an aspect, the recirculation line inlet 314 may be positioned below the electrode arrangement 316. In another aspect, the recirculation line inlet 314 may be positioned at least partially below the inlet opening 318 of the filter 304 or completely below the inlet opening 318 of the filter 304. The recirculation line inlet 314 may be substantially parallel to the inlet 310 and have the same or similar radial orientation. In other examples, the recirculation line inlet 314 may have a different radial orientation than the inlet 310. In aspects, the recirculation line inlet 314 is positioned in the lower half of the housing 306. In other aspects, the recirculation line inlet 314 is positioned in the lower third of the housing 306. The recirculation line inlet 314 may be smaller in size than the inlet 310 and, for example, have a smaller diameter than the inlet 310. The housing 306 may also include a drain opening 320 as needed or desired.

In an example, the biocide generating apparatus 300 may include an electrode device 316 disposed directly within the filter 304 and not include the protective sheath 302. In other examples, biocide generating apparatus 300 includes electrode device 316 disposed within protective sheath 302, and both are disposed within filter 304.

The interior of the housing 306 is substantially cylindrical in shape and as such, rotational alignment of the filter 304 can be desired when the filter 304 is inserted into the housing 306 in order to align the inlet opening 318 with the inlet 310 and maintain the flow characteristics described herein. To ensure rotational orientation of the filter 304 within the housing 306, the filter 304 and the housing 306 are bonded with a key-like feature 322. If the key feature 322 is not aligned, the filter 304 will not allow the cover 308 to close properly. With the key features 322 aligned, the filter 304 is enabled to be oriented in only one rotational orientation within the housing 306. In an example, the keyed feature 322 is formed by a conical or frustoconical protrusion extending from the bottom of the housing 306 and a corresponding recess formed in the bottom of the filter 304. In other examples, the filter 304 may be formed with protrusions and the housing 306 includes recesses. In other aspects, other protrusion/recess shapes are contemplated. Although the key features 322 are formed at the bottom of the biocide generating apparatus 300, in other examples, the key features 322 may be located on a side wall or top as needed or desired. The bottom of the filter 304 may also include one or more shelves 324 for supporting the filter 304 on the bottom of the housing 306.

In addition to the filter 304 being oriented within the housing 306, the electrode assembly 316 is inserted into the protective sheath 302 with only one rotational orientation. In the example, the filter 304 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a flat portion at the sidewall of the inlet opening 318. The top outer perimeter shape of the protective sleeve 302 has an upstream side 326 formed as a flat portion corresponding to the inlet opening 318 on the filter and an opposite downstream side 328 formed as a curved portion. In this way, the shape of the protective sheath 302 is keyed to the shape of the filter 304 for rotational orientation. The electrode arrangement 316 has the same or similar outer perimeter shape as the protective sheath 302 when viewed from the top. When the protective sheath 302 is not in use, the electrode assembly 316 may still be bonded to the filter 304 for proper rotational orientation.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter 304 has one or more inwardly protruding radial flanges 330. The position of the flange 330 corresponds to the position of the bracket 332 of the protective sheath 302 to further key the orientation of the protective sheath 302 within the filter 304 and limit or prevent rotation of the protective sheath 302 within the filter 304.

The upstream side 326 of the protective sheath 302 includes a larger opening than previously described. For example, the opening may be elongated in both a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. In other examples, the number of openings may be greater than in the previous examples. The downstream side 328 of the protective sheath 302 may be formed from a top cross member 334a and a bottom cross member 334 b. The top and bottom cross members 334a, 334b form an opening 341 having a vertical height that is greater than the combined height of the top and bottom cross members 334a, 334 b. By increasing the flow opening at the downstream side 328, the flow out of the protective sheath 302 is increased. The opening 341 may be larger in size than any of the openings on the upstream side 326. In an example, the opening 341 may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more larger than the size of the opening on the upstream side 326. The opening 341 may be a majority of the area of the downstream side 328. The vertical height of the opening 341 may be at least half, two-thirds, or three-quarters of the height of the protective sheath 302.

In an example, the inlet opening 318 of the filter 304 is non-circular in shape. The height 336 of the inlet opening 318 may be greater than the width 338. The top of the inlet opening 318 may be straight, the bottom of the inlet opening 318 may be curved, and the two sides of the inlet opening 318 may be parallel. In one aspect, the area of the inlet opening 318 is greater than the area of the inlet 310. The area of the inlet opening 318 may be 5% greater than the area of the inlet 310. The area of the inlet opening 318 may be 10%, 15%, 20% or more greater than the area of the inlet 310. In an aspect, the inlet opening 318 has a shape that is different from the shape of the inlet 310. In other examples, the inlet opening 318 may have the same or substantially similar shape as the inlet 310. Although the inlet opening 318 is aligned with the inlet 310, the centerline axis of the inlet opening 318 may not be coaxial with the centerline axis of the inlet 310. In this way, the centerline axis of the inlet opening 318 may be offset from the centerline axis of the inlet 310. The enlarged inlet opening 318 removes a portion of the filter 304 between the interior of the housing 306 and the inlet 310 from around the inlet edge 340 of the housing 306. In this way, the flow past the inlet edge 340 increases during operation.

As illustrated in fig. 23, the bottom of the filter 304 is spaced apart from the bottom of the electrode arrangement 316. By creating space at the bottom of the filter 304, a greater amount of collected debris can accumulate within the water stream prior to removal and disposal. In one aspect, the electrode arrangement 316 is disposed in 2/3 of the top of the filter 304. In another aspect, the electrode arrangement 316 is disposed in the top half of the filter 304. In aspects, the bottom edge of the electrode arrangement 316 is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the filter 304 by at least one quarter of the height of the filter 304 between the bottom wall and the top end. The bottom edge of the electrode arrangement 316 may be spaced apart from the bottom wall by at least one third, half or more of the height of the filter 304. In another aspect, the height of the electrode arrangement 316 may be less than three-quarters, two-thirds, half or less of the height of the filter 304.

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 306 and electrode arrangement 316 of the biocide generating device 300 (shown in fig. 23). The electrode arrangement 316 includes a plurality of parallel electrode plates 342, each parallel electrode plate 342 having an upstream end 344 facing the inlet 310, a downstream end 346 facing the outlet 312, a top end 348, and a bottom end 350. As described above, upstream end 344 has a substantially vertical portion 352 and an angled portion 354 separated by a reference line 356. In this example, reference line 356 is positioned above inlet 310. Thus, the angled portion 354 faces only the inlet 310 and is opposite the inlet 310. In other aspects, the reference line 356 may extend through the inlet 310. Thus, both the angled portion 354 and a portion of the vertical portion 352 face the inlet 310 and are opposite the inlet 310.

The angled portion 354 has a vertical component 358 and a horizontal component 360. In an example, the vertical component 358 is greater than 50% of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. The vertical component 358 may be greater than 60% of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. The vertical component 358 may be greater than 70% of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. The vertical component 358 may be greater than 80% of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. The vertical component 358 may be greater than 90% of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. In an example, the horizontal component is at least 10% of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. The horizontal component may be at least 20% of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. The horizontal component may be at least 30% of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. The horizontal component may be at least 30% of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. The horizontal component may be at least 50% of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346.

In general, the closer the upstream end 344 of the electrode arrangement 316 is to the inlet 310, the more biocide generating efficiency increases. However, the closer the upstream end 344 is to the inlet 310, the greater the amount of material accumulation and clogging that occurs within the water flow. A first choke point distance 362 is defined between the inlet edge 340 and the angled portion 354 at an angle orthogonal to the angled portion 354. The inlet 310 has a cross-sectional distance 364. In an example, the inlet 310 may be circular and the cross-sectional distance 364 is a diameter. In other examples, inlet 310 may not be circular and cross-sectional distance 364 is the largest dimension of the inlet shape. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the resistance-to-village point distance 362 is at least 0.5. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 362 may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 362 may be at least 0.7. In one aspect, the ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 362 is between about 0.5 and 0.8. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 362 may be between about 0.6 and 0.8. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 362 may be between about 0.7 and 0.8.

The filter inlet opening 318 (shown in fig. 25) with a curved bottom section opens the choke point distance 362 in order to reduce material accumulation at the electrode arrangement 316.

In other examples, a second choke point distance 366 is defined between the inlet edge 340 and the vertical portion 352. The choke point distance 366 is parallel to the axis of the inlet 310. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 366 is at least 0.5. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 366 may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 366 may be at least 0.7. In one aspect, the ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 366 is between about 0.5 and 0.8. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 366 may be between about 0.6 and 0.8. The ratio of the cross-sectional distance 364 to the choke point distance 362 may be between about 0.7 and 0.8.

While the choke point distances 362, 366 are described as being between the housing 306 and the electrode arrangement 316, the choke point distances 362, 366 are essentially the distances between two blocking parts defining a flow channel for water. In an example, this is the electrode arrangement 316 as described above. In other examples, the electrode arrangement 316 may be disposed within the protective sheath 302 (shown in fig. 24). As such, the choke point distances 362, 366 may alternatively be defined between the housing 306 and an upstream side of the protective sheath 302 facing the inlet 310. In still other aspects, when the filter 304 (shown in fig. 25) has an inlet opening that is closer to the inlet 310, the choke point distances 362, 366 may alternatively be defined between the edge/surface of the filter 304 and the electrode arrangement 316 or the protective sheath 302.

The electrode arrangement 316 also includes one or more flow diverters 368 disposed within the interstitial space between the two plates 342. The flow diverter 368 is vertically elongated with a height 370. In examples, the height 370 is greater than one-fourth, one-third, one-half, or more of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. The height 370 may be greater than 2/3 of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. The height 370 may be greater than 3/4 of the height of the plate 342 between the top end 348 and the bottom end 350. In another example, flow diverter 368 is disposed in a middle half of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. Flow diverter 368 may be disposed within a middle third of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. Flow diverter 368 may be disposed within a middle quarter of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346.

Each end of the flow diverter 368 is directed toward the upstream end 344 and toward the inlet 310. In an example, each end of the flow redirector 368 is curved. In one aspect, one end of the flow diverter 368 is different from the other end. For example, as illustrated in fig. 26, the bottom end has a larger radius of curvature and extends farther toward the upstream end 344 of the plate 342 than the top end.

In an example, the flow diverter 368 may be diametrically opposed to the cross-sectional distance 364 of the inlet 310. In other examples, the flow diverter 368 may be only 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% or less opposite the cross-sectional distance 364 of the inlet 310. In one aspect, flow diverter 368 has a width 372 that is less than 50% of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346. In other aspects, width 372 may be less than 40%, 30%, 20% or less of the depth of plate 342 between upstream end 344 and downstream end 346.

Examples:

illustrative examples of the systems and methods described herein are provided below. Embodiments of the systems or methods described herein may include any one or more of the aspects described below, as well as any combination.

Aspect 1. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; a parallel electrode plate positioned within an interior of the filter basket; and a dielectric protective sleeve in which the electrode plate is received, the dielectric protective sleeve positioned between the electrode plate and the filter basket, the protective sleeve defining a hole larger than a filter hole defined by the filter basket.

Aspect 2 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the filter basket is removable from the housing through an upper end of the housing.

Aspect 3 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the filter basket has an open upper end and a closed lower end.

Aspect 4 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the filter basket has an inlet opening aligned with the inlet of the housing such that water enters the filter basket through the inlet opening and passes outwardly through a filter opening of the filter basket before exiting the housing through the outlet.

Aspect 5 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the opening in the protective sheath is smaller than a spacing between the electrode plates.

Aspect 6 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the protective sheath comprises an upstream side portion facing the inlet and a downstream side portion facing the outlet.

Aspect 7 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the upstream side portion has a concave outer shape and a convex inner shape, and the downstream side portion has a convex outer shape and a concave inner shape.

Aspect 8 the biocide generating apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the parallel electrode plates have: an upstream side portion that is concave and fits within the convex interior shape of the upstream side portion of the protective sheath; and a downstream side portion that is convex in shape and fits within the concave interior shape of the downstream side portion of the protective sleeve.

Aspect 9 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein openings in the protective sheath are provided only at the upstream and downstream sides of the protective sheath.

Aspect 10. The biocide generating apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the opening in the protective sheath has a larger average size in the vicinity of intermediate regions of the upstream side and the downstream side of the protective sheath, the intermediate region of each of the upstream side and the downstream side being positioned between corresponding ones of side regions of the upstream side/downstream side, the intermediate regions and the side regions having a length extending in an upward/downward direction, compared to side regions of the upstream side and the downstream side of the protective sheath.

Aspect 11 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the parallel electrode plates are inclined along a reference plane, the reference plane being inclined at an angle of inclination with respect to an axis extending from the inlet towards the outlet.

Aspect 12 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein there is a space below the reference plane where debris is collected as water flows from the inlet to the outlet.

Aspect 13 the biocide generating device of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the protective sheath is inclined along the reference plane.

Aspect 14 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the filter basket includes openings corresponding to the inlets for allowing water from the inlets to enter the filter basket before being filtered.

Aspect 15. The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the parallel electrode plates defines at least one cross-flow opening that forms a flow path for water through the respective parallel electrode plate.

Aspect 16 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 16, further comprising one or more diverters disposed between two of the parallel electrode plates, at least a portion of the one or more diverters being curved in an upstream direction.

Aspect 17. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket, at least one of the plurality of parallel electrode plates defining at least one transverse flow opening that allows water to pass through the respective parallel electrode plate; and a dielectric protective sleeve in which the plurality of parallel electrode plates are received, the dielectric protective sleeve positioned between the plurality of parallel electrode plates and the filter basket.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein each of the plurality of parallel electrode plates has an upper portion defined above a reference line, the at least one lateral flow opening being positioned within the upper portion.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein the inlet and the outlet are coaxial along an axis, the reference line is parallel to the axis, and the at least one lateral flow opening is elongated and oriented at an angle relative to the reference line.

Aspect 20 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein at least some of the internal electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates do not include the at least one lateral flow opening.

Aspect 21 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein the dielectric protective sheath has a pair of walls parallel to the plurality of parallel electrode plates, each of the pair of walls defining an open channel allowing water to pass through the wall.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein the open channel is substantially aligned with the at least one lateral flow opening.

Aspect 23 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein the dielectric protective sheath comprises a latch disposed adjacent the open channel and configured to releasably secure the plurality of parallel electrode plates within the dielectric protective sheath.

Aspect 24 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, further comprising one or more flow diverters disposed between two electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates, at least a portion of the one or more flow diverters being shaped to face in an upstream direction.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein the one or more diverters are located downstream of the at least one cross-flow opening.

Aspect 26. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within an interior of the filter basket; and one or more diverters disposed within the interstitial spaces defined between respective electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates, at least a portion of the one or more diverters being shaped to face in an upstream direction; a dielectric protective sleeve in which the plurality of parallel electrode plates are received, the dielectric protective sleeve positioned between the plurality of parallel electrode plates and the filter basket.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 26 to 31, wherein the one or more diverters span between an upper portion of the parallel electrode plates and a lower portion of the parallel electrode plates.

The biocide generating device of any one of aspects 26 to 31, wherein the shape of the one or more diverters includes a curved portion that occurs at the distal end.

The biocide generating device of any one of aspects 26 to 31, wherein the housing has a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis, the one or more diverters being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 26 to 31, wherein the one or more diverters are supported by one or more fasteners connecting the plurality of parallel electrode plates together, the diverters also providing a dielectric spacing or interval for the plurality of parallel electrode plates.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 26 to 31, wherein at least one of the plurality of parallel electrode plates defines at least one lateral flow opening defining a flow path for water through the respective parallel electrode plate, the at least one lateral flow opening being located upstream of the one or more diverters.

Aspect 32. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the housing, at least one of the plurality of parallel electrode plates defining at least one transverse flow opening that allows water to pass through the respective parallel electrode plate.

Aspect 33 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 32 to 38, wherein the plurality of parallel electrode plates comprises a first set of electrode plates connected to a first terminal block and a second set of electrode plates connected to a second terminal block, wherein outer side plates of both the first set of electrode plates and the second set of electrode plates comprise the at least one lateral flow opening.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 32 to 38, wherein the inner side plates of both the first set of electrode plates and the second set of electrode plates do not include the at least one lateral flow opening.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 32 to 38, wherein the first set of electrode plates alternates with the second set of electrode plates.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 32 to 38, wherein an outermost pair of the plurality of parallel electrode plates includes at least one lateral flow opening and a second pair of parallel electrode plates immediately inboard of the outermost pair of electrode plates includes the at least one lateral flow opening.

The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 32 to 38, wherein the at least one lateral flow opening of the outermost pair of the plurality of parallel electrode plates is greater than the at least one lateral flow opening of the second pair of parallel electrode plates.

Aspect 38 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 32 to 38, further comprising one or more diverters disposed between two electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates, at least a portion of the one or more diverters extending in an upstream direction.

Aspect 39. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within an interior of the housing; and one or more diverters disposed within the interstitial spaces defined between respective electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates, at least a portion of the one or more diverters being shaped to face in an upstream direction.

The biocide generating device of any one of aspects 39 to 45, wherein the one or more diverters are curved toward the upstream direction.

Aspect 41 the biocide generating device of any one of aspects 39 to 45, wherein each distal end of the one or more diverters is curved.

Aspect 42 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 39 to 45, wherein the one or more diverters are aligned laterally relative to the plurality of parallel electrode plates.

Aspect 43 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 39 to 45, wherein the one or more diverters define a thickness of the interstitial space.

Aspect 44. The biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 39 to 45, wherein at least one of the plurality of parallel electrode plates defines at least one lateral flow opening defining a flow path for water through the respective parallel electrode plate.

Aspect 45 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 39 to 45, wherein the one or more diverters are disposed between two electrode plates that do not have the at least one cross-flow opening.

Aspect 46. An on-board water system for a watercraft, the water system comprising: an inlet conduit configured to extract untreated water from a body of water; a biocide generating device in fluid communication with the inlet conduit, the biocide generating device comprising: a housing; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket, wherein at least a portion of the untreated water from the inlet conduit is configured to pass through the plurality of parallel electrode plates so as to produce a biocide; a pump downstream of the biocide generating apparatus; and a recirculation line having an inlet positioned downstream of the pump and an outlet at or upstream of the biocide generating device, wherein a portion of the water with biocide is directed to a component at or upstream of the biocide generating device, and wherein a flow rate through the recirculation line is between 5% and 50% of a flow rate through the inlet conduit.

Aspect 47 the on-board water system of any one of aspects 46-50, wherein the flow through the recirculation line is between 10% and 25% of the flow through the inlet conduit.

Aspect 48 the on-board water system of any one of aspects 46 to 50, wherein the outlet of the recirculation line is provided at the housing of the biocide generating device.

Aspect 49 the on-board water system according to any one of aspects 46 to 50, wherein the outlet of the recirculation line is provided at the inlet duct.

Aspect 50 the on-board water system of any one of aspects 46 to 50, wherein the outlet is spaced from the biocide generating device upstream of the biocide generating device so as to promote mixing of water with biocide with the untreated water within the inlet conduit.

Aspect 51. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket defining an opening; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket; and wherein the opening of the filter basket is aligned with the inlet of the housing, the opening of the filter basket having an area greater than the inlet of the housing.

The biocide generating device of any one of aspects 51 to 54, wherein the opening of the filter basket has an area that is 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% greater than the inlet of the housing.

Aspect 53 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 51 to 54, wherein a centerline axis of the opening of the filter basket is offset from a centerline axis of the inlet of the housing.

Aspect 54 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 51 to 54, wherein the opening of the filter basket has a different shape than the inlet of the housing.

Aspect 55. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; wherein the filter basket is mounted within the interior of the housing in only one rotational orientation; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket.

Aspect 56 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 55 to 61, wherein the plurality of parallel electrode plates are mounted within the interior of the filter basket in only one rotational orientation.

Aspect 57 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 55 to 61, further comprising a protective sheath for the plurality of parallel electrode plates, the protective sheath configured to be mounted within the interior of the filter basket in only one rotational orientation.

Aspect 58 the biocide generating device of any one of aspects 55 to 61, wherein the housing comprises a protrusion and the filter basket comprises a corresponding recess, the protrusion and recess at least partially defining the one rotational orientation.

Aspect 59 the biocide generating device of any one of aspects 55 to 61, wherein the protective sheath comprises a bracket and the basket comprises one or more internal struts at least partially defining the one rotational orientation.

Aspect 60 the biocide generating device of any one of aspects 55 to 61, wherein a top outer perimeter of the plurality of parallel electrode plates corresponds to a top outer perimeter of the protective sheath.

Aspect 61 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 55 to 61, wherein a top outer perimeter of the protective sheath corresponds to a top outer perimeter of the filter basket.

Aspect 62. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket, each electrode plate of the plurality of parallel electrode plates including an upstream edge and a downstream edge, the upstream edge having a beveled angled portion at least partially facing the inlet of the housing.

Aspect 63 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 62 to 66, wherein only the bevel portion is located downstream of the inlet of the housing.

Aspect 64 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 62 to 66, wherein the bevel inclined portion has an angle of at least 45 ° relative to a horizontal plane.

Aspect 65 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 62 to 66, wherein the bevel inclined portion has a vertical component and a horizontal component, the vertical component being greater than 50% of a height of the electrode plate, and the horizontal component being at least 10% of a depth of the electrode plate between the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion.

Aspect 66 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 62 to 66, further comprising a protective sleeve at least partially housing the plurality of parallel electrode plates, the protective sleeve having an upstream side portion having an inclined portion corresponding to the beveled inclined portion of the electrode plates.

Aspect 67. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within the interior of the housing and having a bottom wall; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the interior of the filter basket, each electrode plate of the plurality of parallel electrode plates including a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge being spaced from the bottom wall by at least one quarter of a height of the filter basket.

Aspect 68 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 67 to 69, wherein a height of the electrode plate between the top edge and the bottom edge is no greater than two-thirds of the height of the filter basket.

Aspect 69 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 67 to 69, wherein the plurality of parallel electrode plates are disposed in an upper half of the filter basket.

Aspect 70. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter basket mounted within an interior of the housing; a protective sleeve; and a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned within the protective sleeve and disposed within the interior of the housing, wherein the protective sleeve includes an upstream side facing the inlet and a downstream side facing the outlet, the downstream side having at least one opening that is larger in size than the opening defined in the upstream side.

Aspect 71 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 70 to 75, wherein at least one opening in the downstream side portion is formed by a top cross member and a bottom cross member, the top cross member and bottom cross member having openings.

The biocide generating device of any one of aspects 70 to 75, wherein the at least one opening of the downstream side portion is at least 10%, 20% or 30% larger than the size of the opening of the upstream side portion.

Aspect 73 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 70 to 75, wherein the at least one opening of the downstream side portion has a vertical height greater than the heights of the top and bottom cross members.

Aspect 74 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 70 to 75, wherein the at least one opening of the downstream side portion has a vertical height greater than half of a height of the protective sheath.

Aspect 75 the biocide generating apparatus of any one of aspects 70 to 75, wherein the at least one opening of the downstream side portion is a majority of the downstream side portion of the protective sheath.

Aspect 76. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior; a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket defining an inlet opening configured to align with the inlet of the housing; a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned at least partially within the filter basket, each electrode plate of the plurality of parallel electrode plates separated from each other by a gap space; and one or more flow diverters disposed within the interstitial space between two electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates.

Aspect 77. A biocide generating apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior; a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket defining an inlet opening configured to align with the inlet of the housing; a plurality of parallel electrode plates positioned at least partially within the filter basket, individual electrode plates of the plurality of parallel electrode plates separated from each other by a gap space, each of the plurality of parallel electrodes having an upstream region facing the inlet, a downstream region facing the outlet, a first region, and a second region; and one or more flow diverters disposed within the interstitial space between two of the plurality of parallel electrode plates, the one or more flow diverters positioned between the upstream region and the downstream region and being substantially elongated in a direction between the first region and the second region, wherein the one or more flow diverters have a length that is greater than one-fourth of a length of the plurality of parallel electrode plates between the first region and the second region.

The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made with respect to the examples illustrated and described herein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A biocide generating apparatus comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior;

a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the basket defining an inlet opening;

a plurality of electrodes positioned at least partially within the filter basket, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes separated from each other by a gap space, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes having an upstream portion facing the inlet, a downstream portion facing the outlet, a first end, and a second end; and

one or more flow diverters disposed within the interstitial space between two of the plurality of electrodes, the one or more flow diverters positioned between the upstream portion and the downstream portion and being substantially elongated in a direction between the first end and the second end, wherein the one or more flow diverters have a length that is greater than one-fourth of a length of the plurality of electrodes between the first end and the second end.

2. The biocide generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more flow diverters are shaped to face the upstream portion.

3. The biocide generating device of claim 1, wherein the shape of the one or more flow diverters comprises a curved portion at an end of the one or more flow diverters.

4. The biocide generating apparatus of claim 3, wherein each end of the one or more flow diverters has a different curved portion.

5. The biocide generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the housing and the filter basket comprises a key feature for defining an orientation of the filter basket within the interior of the housing.

6. The biocide generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes defines at least one lateral flow opening defining a flow path through the respective electrode, or wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional distance of the inlet relative to a choke point distance defined between the inlet and the upstream portion is at least 0.5.

7. The biocide generating device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protective sheath in which the plurality of electrodes are received, the protective sheath being positioned between the plurality of electrodes and the filter basket.

8. A biocide generating apparatus comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior;

a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the filter basket defining an inlet opening configured to align with the inlet of the housing; and

a plurality of electrode plates positioned at least partially within the filter basket, at least one electrode of the plurality of electrode plates defining at least one lateral flow opening that allows water flow through the respective electrode plate.

9. The biocide generating device of claim 8, wherein each electrode of the plurality of electrode plates has an upper portion defined above a reference line, the at least one lateral flow opening being positioned within the upper portion.

10. The biocide generating device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of electrode plates comprises a first set of electrode plates connected to a first terminal block and a second set of electrode plates connected to a second terminal block, wherein outer side plates of both the first set of electrode plates and the second set of electrode plates comprise the at least one lateral flow opening.

11. The biocide generating device of claim 10, wherein inner side plates of both the first set of electrode plates and the second set of electrode plates do not include the at least one cross-flow opening.

12. The biocide generating device of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein one or both of the housing and the filter basket comprises a keyed feature for defining a rotational orientation of the filter basket within an interior of the housing.

13. The biocide generating apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising one or more flow diverters disposed within interstitial spaces defined between individual ones of the plurality of electrode plates, or wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional distance of the inlet to a choke point distance defined between the inlet and upstream end is at least 0.5.

14. The biocide generating device of any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising a protective sleeve in which the plurality of electrode plates are received, the protective sleeve being positioned between the plurality of electrode plates and the filter basket.

15. A biocide generating apparatus comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an interior, the inlet having a cross-sectional distance and an inlet edge, the inlet edge at least partially defining a boundary between the inlet and the interior of the housing;

a filter basket removably mounted within the interior of the housing, the basket defining an inlet opening; and

a plurality of electrodes positioned at least partially within the filter basket, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes having an upstream end facing the inlet, at least a portion of the upstream end being inclined along a reference plane, the reference plane being inclined at an angle relative to an axis defined by the inlet, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional distance of the inlet relative to a choke point distance defined between the inlet edge and the upstream end is at least 0.5.

16. The biocide generating device of claim 15, wherein the choke-off point distance is defined between the inlet edge and the inclined portion of the upstream end portion such that the choke-off point distance is orthogonal relative to the upstream end portion.

17. The biocide generating device of any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the ratio is between 0.7 and 0.8.

18. The biocide generating device of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the cross-sectional distance is a diameter of the inlet.

19. The biocide generating device of any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising one or more flow diverters disposed within interstitial spaces defined between respective ones of the plurality of electrodes, or wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes defines at least one lateral flow opening defining a flow path through the respective electrode.

20. The biocide generating device of any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising a protective sheath in which the plurality of electrodes are received, the protective sheath being positioned at least partially between the upstream ends of the plurality of electrodes and the inlet edge such that the choke point distance is defined between the inlet edge and a surface of the protective sheath.