Scribd
Upload
20 views4 pages

Ultrasonic Antifouling - Cathwell

Uploaded by

coldzaquil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
20 views4 pages

Ultrasonic Antifouling - Cathwell

Uploaded by

coldzaquil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Home / Ultrasonic antifouling

Ultrasonic antifouling
Ultrasonic antifouling is meant to reduce fouling on underwater
structures, by using small-scale acoustic cavitation to destroy and
discourage attachment of algae and other single-celled organisms.

Principle
Ultrasonic antifouling is based on destroying the micro fouling at the cellular level. By
rupturing the cell walls of the organisms the system is supposed to prevent the basic
elements of fouling from attaching to the hull.

Basically, the system generates gas bubbles in water.


When the bubbles collapse, the local pressure
prevents marine growth.

Main components
POWER CONTROL: Provides specific low powered ultrasonic frequencies.
TRANSDUCERS: Emitting the ultrasonic waves.

Methods
HARD CAVITATION: High intensity (>50 W). High and local pressure.
SOFT CAVITATION: Lower intensity. Generates conditions which prevent marine growth.

Does it work?
You may have seen adds where the ultrasonic maker claims this scientifically named
system contains a breakthrough combination of ultrasonic waves and multiple
frequencies. Some also argue that the waves result in a micro jet action creating a cleaning
effect on the hulls surface below the waterline.

The challenge of avoiding marine fouling is complex. Ultrasonic treatment is a well proven
technique for antifouling and cleaning, for certain industrial applications. However, in our
experience with box coolers and sea chests, ultrasonic systems have not been sufficiently
efficient, at least when installed singularly with no support from other active systems. In
other words, conventional MGPS/ICAF is our recommended system for marine growth
prevention. At least until further testing has taken place. MGPS/ICAF also contributes
significantly to corrosion protection.

LEARN MORE
How to avoid corrosion in box cooler sea chests.

How can we assist you?


We encourage ship owners to take part in testing projects in a quest to optimising
ultrasonic systems for future application. Let us know if you would like us to provide
ultrasonic systems with the intention of testing, tuning and achieving the desired
antifouling effect on one of your vessels.

CONTACT
Erik Gabrielsen
[email protected]
+47 901 44 664

Go to webshop

SYSTEMS
Learn more about technologies for ships.
Sacrificial anodes Shaft grounding CathFlow® antifouling
system (MGPS/ICAF)
Sacrificial anodes in zinc or Earthing the propeller shaft
aluminium designed for to the ship's hull prevents CathFlow® anti-fouling
preventing corrosion on corrosion and spark erosion supresses corrosion and
underwater hull and in prevents marine fouling in
tanks. seawater systems

Learn more Learn more Learn more

CathSense® ICCP for


underwater hull protection
CathSense® ICCP
automatically protects the
underwater hull against
corrosion

Learn more

Related content

Marine fouling in seawater inlets Electrolytic antifouling explained


Marine fouling is an unwanted development of Low concentration of copper ions prevent
biological organisms. marine growth.

Learn more Learn more


Reliable system follow-up
Well-structured system follow-up ensures
effective maintenance of ICCP and MGPS/ICAF
systems.

Learn more
See more articles

Certifications

You might also like