Marine bio-fouling is a natural phenomenon, which occurs when an undesirable amount of oceanic organisms such as algae and plants grows on the parts of a ship that stays submerged. This when builds up, especially in the hull of the ship causes corrosion and eventually reduces the efficiency of the ship. Furthermore, this can harm the environment, and damage ecological balance. Although mechanical tools can be used to remove these marine growths, such ways are not always effective and useful. Hence, other measures are employed on the best ferries for sale to avoid bio-fouling in them. Take a look here at the steps taken to avoid bio-fouling.
Applying anti-fouling paints
Marine fouling due to the growth of aquatic organisms such as mussels and barnacles can reduce the efficiency of the ship and even expose it to corrosion. The process also impacts the environment adversely. Therefore, to prevent ship fouling, anti-fouling coatings are applied. These are specialized paints that are applied on the ship’s hull to decrease and slow down such aquatic growths on the ship. Furthermore, it also protects the ship from degradation and losing structural integrity due to corrosion.
This anti-fouling paint is self-polishing and known to continuously release biocide throughout its life, which helps to discourage any growth on the hull of the ship. Anti-fouling paint is one of the most popular bio-fouling preventive measures followed in the shipping industry. Should you be someone looking for ferries for sale, you must invest in an anti-fouling system equipped ship.
Chemical dosing
Chemical dosing is another method that is adopted by the shipping industry to prevent bio-fouling in the piping network. Bio-fouling is discouraged as chemicals like ferrous chloride are used to dose the water boxes. The corrosion is prevented as the pipework stays protected with the coats of the ferrous layer.
Electrolytic system
An electrolytic system is a system that is used to combat marine bio-fouling. This system uses a pair of anodes, which are mostly made up of aluminum, copper or iron, that are attached to the strainer. As DC current is passed through the anode made of copper, ions are produced. These ions pass through the piping network with the seawater and prevent aquatic organisms to grow on the pipes.
On the other hand, the second anode helps to protect the metal surfaces from corrosion. Further, the iron anodes help to prevent metal oxide film layers from breaking down as they are exposed to sulphur present in the seawater, which acts as a corrosive agent. The electrolytic system also helps to protect the condensers, valves and ancillary equipment and engine cooling systems.
Ultrasonic system
Another method that helps to prevent marine bio-fouling is the ultrasonic system. Here, a wave generator sends electrical impulses at an extremely high frequency, which is used to curb the growth of aquatic organisms in the piping system. This system has shown effective results and is claimed that marine bio-fouling can be reduced considerably with it. According to studies, it has been seen that ultrasonic curbs the growth in multiple ways such as by creating a disturbance in the process when micro-organism tries settling on the ship. Secondly, with the help of mechanical action on marine organisms that deposit adhesives in the piping system. The mechanical action discourages these adhesive deposits from solidifying and also, removes organisms that attach to the ship.
So, if you are planning to buy ships or ferries, then make sure they are equipped with a good anti-fouling system and look for the best ferries for sale.
Conclusion
As technologies are advancing, the marine industries are using many anti-fouling systems. Here, are some of the best preventive measures that are popular because of their effective results. So, if you are considering investing in ferries for sale, gaining such information will help you.
