Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling System

Fouling / Biological Growth

In the maritime sector, the occurrence of biological pollution causes serious disruptions, extensive maintenance and ultimately enormous costs.
Costs are related to damage, increased fuel consumption (up to 30%!) and risks of overheated engines and generators. Moreover, this can result in dangerous situations when used in harsh conditions.

Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling Systems have been in the market for several years now. There is a clear relationship between Ultrasound and the killing of one-cellulair organisms. This has now been scientifically proven. Research has also shown that the frequencies of the Ultrasonic signal between 20 and 60 kHz have the most effect, clearly the 23 kHz being the most important. Obviously, this is highly dependent on what type of bacteria we are dealing with and that is also strongly varying per region and water temperature.

Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling with Sonihull

The principle of the ultrasonic system is decades old and finds its application in, for example, the medical world to kill certain cells (micro-organisms).
In addition, the American navy discovered that their submarines had biological fouling on the ship’s hulls, but not in the area close to the sonar installation.
This phenomenon was thoroughly investigated and it became clear that there is an interesting relationship between ultrasonic sound waves and unicellular bacteria.

Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling systems already installed by Sonihull

More than 30.000 installations worldwide

Sonihull

Sonihull, the world's leading anti-fouling specialist

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Questions? Mail to info@LSCare.nl or call +31 (0) 413 275 647

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Is Ultrasonic applicable to combat marine fouling?

The answer is YES! There are already an incredible number of demonstrable projects and situations in which the installation of the Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling has resulted in a significant reduction of fouling to complete prevention of fouling. A handful of examples are listed on our website (www.LSCare.nl), under the ‘References’ section. But there are many more success stories that strongly confirm that Ultrasonic is indeed a serious solution to this major problem in the maritime sector, among others.

What are the problems/issues/shortcomings?
Unfortunately, there has been a lot of experiments in the market with Ultrasound which has resulted in skepticism and some form of negativity about Ultrasound. Some common situations that contributed to this tenor:

Wrong systems: Unfortunately, there are a large number of systems in the market that don't do what they have promised. The technology is not fully developed and the fundamental approach to using Ultrasound is wrong or too careless. Do not be tempted by stories about guarantees and (in) certainties but focus on demonstrable (years of) experience and real results. It is not black magic but just science and technology. Systems that are offered as the ultimate solution whereby no further growth can occur, sound too good to be true. Unfortunately it is that too. Rely on experience and result;
Wrong technique: Ultrasound is also used for cleaning surfaces or constructions. Often this is high power Ultrasound. There are also systems with transducers hanging in the water or radiating. The proven technique is based on the principle that the construction (hull, seachest, box cooler, pipes, etc.) is also used as a sound box to strengthen the Ultrasonic signal (it is, after all, sound). The transducer must have the ability and freedom to apply the Ultrasonic signal forcefully to the structure;

Incorrectly installed systems: Most systems are composed of a control box and separate transducers. The transducers are usually glued against the construction. This seems like a simple job and that is the fact. However, if the (2-component) adhesive bond is not properly applied, or surfaces are not degreased, or if there are irregularities, corrosion, etc., then the transducer can not transmit the (light and sensitive) Ultrasonic signal properly, from which it is wrongly concluded that Ultrasonic does not work.
Continuous use: An important condition is of course that the system must always remain on power 24/7. It is a preventive system which means that the construction must be completely clean (cleaned or new) before using Ultrasonic technology. As soon as fouling has started (because the system has lasted for more than 3 days without power, for example) it is unfortunately no longer possible to stop or remove it with Ultrasound. At best, it slows down the growth somewhat, but not more than that. Also understandable because it is sound, low power, Ultrasound. As soon as growth has arisen, the sound signal is also attenuated, which has a very negative effect on the effect;

Less maintenance because of our unique system