ElectroSea’s ClearLine technology safely keeps your Riviera’s seawater lines clean and clear
Necessity is the mother of invention is the proverb that came to mind when Experience magazine discovered the benefits of the ElectroSea’s ClearLine® System. This innovative solution protects a motor yacht’s seawater lines from marine growth without the need for descaling.
The technology was devised by Dr. Louis C. Cosentino, Ph.D., an inventor who spent his career working in the medical device and sterilization field and who holds more than 100 US and 350+ foreign patents. Frustrated by short-term fixes for marine growth in his own boat’s seawater lines, he used his expertise to come up with an ingenious idea.
ClearLine prevents biofouling and barnacles from clogging a motor yacht’s seawater pipes through electro-chlorination. It requires no harsh chemicals and no scheduled maintenance.
The Riviera engineering team was introduced to ElectroSea in October 2019 and the ClearLine System was debuted as an optional inclusion on a Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht and a 64 Sports Motor Yacht at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Fast-forward to today, and the ClearLine System is available as a selectable owner option for each model within the expansive range of Riviera luxury motor yachts. For existing motor yachts, Riviera Spare Parts or Aftermarket can assist with supply or installation.
Inspired, Experience magazine caught up with ElectroSea’s President and CEO Daniel Cosentino to find out how the technology works and how it came about.
We’re excited about the partnership and to be working with Riviera – they’re innovative and technically advanced and we believe ClearLine is a great addition for Riviera owners.
Daniel Cosentino
Experience Magazine: Let’s begin at the start: what is electrochlorination?
Daniel Cosentino: Electrochlorination is an electrochemical process of producing chlorine by passing an electric current through salt water. The ClearLine System is a patented vessel technology that creates a safe and effective level of chlorine to protect raw water conduits, including sea-strainers.
EM: How does the system work?
DC: The ClearLine System is positioned after the seawater pump and is part of the principal cooling line providing chlorinated seawater to the air-conditioner, chiller and refrigeration system. It has two parts to it: the ClearCell®, which is the heart of the system, and the Control Unit, which is the brains. The ClearCell is an electrode that has a proprietary mixed-metal oxide coating of rare-earth metals; when electrified it generates a chemical reaction that makes chlorine naturally from the seawater passing through. The Control Unit monitors the flow rate through the ClearCell and determines the level of chlorine to generate – it’s a precise and controlled process. A secondary line leaves the ClearCell returning back to the sea-strainer to prevent barnacles and biofouling from accumulating there as well. There are no additives, no additional chemicals, nothing the boat owner has to add, so it’s really easy to use.
The ClearLine System is positioned after the seawater pump and is part of the principal cooling line providing chlorinated seawater to the air-conditioner, chiller and refrigeration system.
EM: Is chlorine safe to use and how much chlorine are we talking?
DC: Chlorine has been used as a safe and effective disinfectant for more than 100 years. For example, tap drinking water contains between 0.5ppm and 5ppm chlorine, and a swimming pool contains between 1ppm and 3ppm chlorine. We generate a very low level that is environmentally sound and non-corrosive, but enough to keep barnacles at bay. Further, two-thirds of the chlorine naturally decays in seawater within a minute. It’s a far safer and less corrosive solution than phosphoric acid or other harsh chemical acids used to dissolve hard and soft marine growth, which also negatively impact a vessel’s pipes and the environment.
EM: What geographic areas or water conditions are more susceptible to biofouling?
DC: Biofouling is commonplace throughout all types of seawater around the world and is accelerated in warmer water and water that has more organic materials. Whether it’s your local marina or the open ocean, biofouling is a real problem for yacht owners. ClearLine is ideal for any environment as it prevents growth in the sea strainer as well as throughout the lines.
ElectroSea’s President and CEO Daniel Cosentino (pictured far left) with members of his team.
EM: What appliances impacted by biofouling on a Riviera motor yacht might benefit from having a ClearLine System installed?
DC: ClearLine focuses on cooling systems; so, air-conditioners, refrigeration systems, chillers and hydraulics. This is where biofouling is typically an issue. We don’t focus on engine lines because of the high heat there that naturally prevents biofouling. But in the other appliances’ raw water lines where there is a continuous seawater flow, ClearLine prevents biofouling from forming.
EM: What inspired this invention?
DC: We’re a combination of individuals who have spent most of our lives in the medical-device field making products that disinfect and chemically sterilize. We had problems with biofouling on our own yachts and realized that we could come up with a better way to stop this by using our background in electrochemistry. We brought on board a number of people who have spent a lifetime in the marine industry to help develop the technology.
EM: What specific considerations did a marine environment require?
DC: Key considerations were ensuring that the system did not require chemical additives and was low maintenance. Further, it needed to be electrically isolated; that’s very important in the marine environment. The ClearLine System is powered by the vessel’s 12VDC or 24VDC supply and uses less than 100 watts depending on the model. There are five different models based on a vessel’s seawater flow requirements which range from 284 liters per minute (75 gallons per minute) to 27lpm (7gpm). The system requires no scheduled maintenance and the real-time flow meter lets you know your raw water system is functioning at its optimal level.
The ElectroSea ClearLine difference is evident here in the comparison of sealines with and without the innovative system.
EM: How do your regard Riviera’s quick adoption of ElectroSea’s technology?
DC: I think it really demonstrates Riviera’s commitment to the most innovative solutions for their customers, so we’re excited about the partnership and to be working with Riviera – they’re innovative and technically advanced and we believe ClearLine is a great addition for Riviera owners. We met the team at an early stage and they identified the ClearLine System as a technology that could enhance their customer experience. We’ve worked collaboratively since then, to put together an itemized list of offerings – there’s an optional ClearLine model for every Riviera available. This month Riviera ordered a ClearLine 2000, our largest model, for the new 78MY, so we’re excited to take things to the next level!