BIOFOULCONTROL

Development of innovative and sustainable technology for control of marine biofouling on heat exchangers of vessels with ozone technology

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objective of the proposed project is development of a cost effective and sustainable seawater treatment system to control accumulation of marine organisms on heat exchangers of vessels by applying ozone technology. To maximize the dispersion in the seawater and achieve effective contact between water and ozone, there is a need to develop a novel ozone injection and dispersion unit. In addition, an intelligent process control unit will be developed in order to control the ozone dose and make the treatment system cost effective. To create this technological capability, new scientific knowledge will be acquired and applied to specific development routes. Marine bio-fouling is a major problem for materials in constant contact with seawater. For vessels, the need for sustainable and cost effective biofouling control technology is growing as existing methods are either inefficient or under environmental scrutiny. The demand for a cost effective and environmentally friendly technology for mitigation of biofoulig on heat exchangers of vessels is particularly gaining ground as accumulation of marine organisms has impact on the proper functioning of engines and other appliances on board that need constant and proper cooling, and on the safety of the vessel. However, the European and global equipment market for equipment needed for mitigation of marine biofouling is dominated by products from Europe’s major global economic partners due to their superior R&D. To respond to this challenge and enhance our competitive position in the home market and globally, the SME partners of the proposed project from four European countries have therefore agreed to develop an innovative and cost effective method for control of biofouling on heat exchangers with the support of scientific knowledge through Research for the Benefit of SMEs.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Cleaning up the effects of biofouling represents a major expense for the shipping industry, costing tens of billions of euros each year worldwide. Until now, no effective technology existed to control the growth and settlement of marine organisms on cooling systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Biofouling is caused by the larvae of marine organisms attaching themselves to surfaces in contact with seawater and rapidly growing to adult size. Its removal involves the use of expensive techniques such as high-pressure hoses. Biofouling preventive methods such as chlorination of pipe work or anti-fouling coatings are unfortunately accompanied by significant environmental impact.

Efficient operation of a vessel's seawater-based cooling system is compromised when they are obstructed by colonising marine invertebrates and seaweed. The blockage of inlet pipes for cooling water and/or a drop in heat exchange efficiency can cause an increase in the working temperature of engines and other appliances. The result is a possible shorter working life and risk to the vessel's safety.

The EU-funded http://www.biofoulcontrol.com/ (BIOFOULCONTROL) project addressed the problem of biofouling by developing innovative technology that disperses ozone into the cooling water. This has the effect of deactivating the marine organisms that may settle in the cooling system. The ozonation system also minimises the generation of products that are toxic to the marine environment.

An intelligent control unit was built to monitor the process and manage ozone dosage to ensure the system's optimum operation. The integrated BIOFOULSYSTEM was then installed and tested onboard an offshore supply vessel. The technology can also be applied to other sectors working in the marine environment, such as aquaculture, ocean thermal power generators, offshore platforms and water supply systems.

The BIOFOULCONTROL project successfully developed a cost-effective, eco-friendly, user-friendly and reliable ozone feeding and dispersion unit to control marine biofouling on heat exchangers of vessels.