The UK Ministry of Defence recently announced that they are going to use ultrasonic anti fouling technology to help maintain the performance of three of its LCVP landing craft, the Australian Customs & Border Protection Service also installed ultrasonic anti fouling equipment on one of its patrol vessels. Several companies producing equipment using the same basic system of transducers attached inside the hull. These vibrations create a strong surface cleaning effect. Algae and slime is broken down and it is the absence of this preliminary surface that prevents marine growth of barnacles, weed etc: all hull materials except wood are suitable for this system. Hull openings such as water jets and tunnel thrusters and appendages e.g. pods and stern drives are also protected. Examples of vessel types for which this system is advertised are trawlers, ferries, tugs, barges and recreational power and sail.
The UK Ministry of Defence recently announced that they are going to use ultrasonic anti fouling technology to help maintain the performance of three of its LCVP landing craft. Each craft is to be fitted with three transducers, protecting not just their hulls but also the stern gear. Earlier this year, the Australian Customs & Border Protection Service also installed ultrasonic anti fouling equipment on one of its vessels tasked to patrol the coast off the country's Northern Territory.
There are several companies producing equipment using the same basic system of transducers attached inside the hull. These vibrations create very small bubbles that adhere to the solid surfaces, the bubbles then implode (cavitation) creating a strong surface cleaning effect. Algae and slime is broken down and it is the absence of this preliminary surface that prevents marine growth of barnacles, weed etc. The manufacturers claim the system is harmless to marine life, and all hull materials except wood are suitable for this system.
The transducers transmit ultrasonic vibrations not only to the hull but also through the water in a 180 degree arc around the transducer. Openings in the hull (water jets, tunnel thrusters) and appendages (pods, stern drives,) are thereby protected even though they are isolated from the hull (though mounts and seals). The number, size and location of the transducers required depends on the vessel configuration and in particular the propulsion gear, location of tunnel thrusters etc.
The transducers are not running all the time but produce the ultrasonic vibrations in pulses of a few seconds at intervals of several minutes. Electricity consumption is low and in small installations can even be run off solar panels. When alongside it is customary to plug into a shore supply to save battery power in the absence of a generator.
Examples of vessel types for which this system is advertised are trawlers, ferries, tugs, barges and recreational power and sail. Protection of the hull alone can be achieved with conventional anti fouling paint but appendages, drives etc are often a major problem, for which ultrasonic anti fouling may offer a solution.