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Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling systems from Sonihull
Sonihull, the market leader in Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling
Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling systems from Sonihull
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 are not new in the market. The principle of the Ultrasonic system is decennia old and finds it applications, in for example the medical world to kill certain one cellular organism (bacteria). Next to that the US Navy discovered that their submarines had bio growth on the hulls but not on the area close to the sonar installation. This phenomenon was closely investigated and it came clear that there was an interesting relation between Ultrasonic sound waves and marine growth in general.
Unfortunately, several dissatisfied experimental initiatives with the phenomenon Ultrasonic Anti-fouling have been executed ever since, which caused significant negative rumours in the market.
Our approach however, is based on a system with the unique recipe of a combination between the “low power” consuming transducers and the intelligent software. Our other valuable principle is fact that we make use of the resonance of the rigid structure in order to transport the Ultrasonic signal. No transducers will be placed in the liquid itselve, but only installed in the ‘dry zone’ of the rigid structure. (steel plate, box cooler cover, filer housing, bearing structure of propeller axle) This results in the fact that our transducers become highly focussed and controlled. Furthermore, the system enables 8 transducers to emit Ultrasound simultaneously which increases the effect and the covered areas significantly.
Very precisely tuned to the different kind of micro-organisms, the Ultrasonic system prevents the organisms to grow from the very first moment and, in early stages it will even be removed. The system is completely maintenance free. The number of installations is growing rapidly as our list with references shows significant number of users with variable applications. Next to all the applications we can see a fast growth in numbers of Box coolers with serious positive results.
The installation of an Ultrasonic system is easy. There is no need for the vessel to go to dry dock. The installation can be done at any given time. The system needs a constant 220 VAC which needs to be on 24/7. It consumes 3,6 Watt per transducer.
The system has an internal registration that will log the hours in operation. In case of a power failure the system will automatically start up after the power has been recovered and will use the default value registered.
The only really important property is that this system is a preventive system. This means that is is absolutely necessary to start with a clean surface, wether it concerns a box cooler, seachest, filter, thruster or hull. So if a vessel is clean, the system needs to be installed at latest within a week from the vessel coming in contact with water again. This is an important precondition.
Highly effective and efficient
Highly effective and efficient against biofilm, fouling, marine growth on: hulls, box coolers (LT/HT), plate coolers, strainers, fresh water generators, propellers, bowthrusters
Highly effective and efficient against biofilm and clogging on liquid carrying surfaces like: pipes, plate heat exchangers, tanks, process water lines
Technical Highlights
- 8 independent ultrasonic transducer outputs
- Industrial grade LCD full colour screen
- Full critical path fault monitoring
- Runtime hour timer
- Event history
- Fully programmable transducer control
- RS422 port for repeater panel and future upgrades
- Status remote output for integration with management systems
Many advantages
- Reduces the costs of fouling and bacteria prevention
- Reduces operational costs
- Reduces the Total Cost Of Ownership
- Environmental friendly and sustainable
- Maintenance free
- 2 years warranty
Less maintenance
Working Principle of Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling
The uniqueness of Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling is the combination between the “low power” consuming transducers and the intelligent software, which results in the transducers to be directed highly focussed and controlled. The system runs a very precisely tuned program of several frequencies and power consumptions.
The transducers need to be glued with special industrial glue onto the requested applications. The metal transports the ultrasonic signals into the liquid (mostly water) and as a consequence it will diffuse completely through the medium (see pictures).
These diffused ultrasonic waves will prevent the biofilm and will even remove it in early stages. Consequently the Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling system prevents fouling, marine growth, bacteria, clogging and blockage.
Due to the fact that the emitted ultrasound is running on several different frequencies which only avoid biofilm and destroy unicellular organisms, it doesn’t harm the environment as fishes, dolphins, whales or human beings.
The system needs a constant power supply which has to be provided 24/7. It consumes max 3.6 Watt per transducer.
The system doesn’t require any maintenance.
Due to the fact that Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling is a preventive system it’s necessary to start with a clean surface.
Installation of the Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling System is very easy. There is no need for the vessel to go to dry dock. The installation can be realised at any given time. Only hull protection installations require dry dock conditions to reach the ballast water tanks, if applicable.
