System for Preventing Biofouling of Surfaces Exposed to Water

摘要

The present invention relates in general to an electrical method and apparatusfor preventing biofouling buildup on surfaces exposed to fresh water or saltwater. The growth%Th and accumulation of biological organisms and the by-products resulting therefrom on surfaces of structures and machinery in contact with either fresh water or salt water, represents a constant maintenance problem for such structures and machinery. For example, the hull of ships and associated seawater exposed systems become coated with both microfouling and macrofouling material such as water-borne algae, bacterial-induced biofilm, barnacles, mussels, etc., which may additionally enhance or induce corrosion. In order to deal with the foregoing problem, a considerable amount of research activity has been undertaken in an effort to find solutions that are both economical and environmentally compatible, involving various non-chemical treatment technologies including sonics. Biofouling control by use of sonics understudy for some time, is now well known and includes the use of conventional ultrasonic sources found to have mixed results for a variety of reasons, including for example a low cavitation threshold at ultrasonic frequencies associated with the use of prior biofouling treating techniques. The use of electric fields and currents in biofouling control applications are also known, but has met with varied results which are furthermore difficult to duplicate. In connection with the foregoing referred to technologies, JJ.S. Patent Nos. 3.486.062.