The fouling problem arises when barnacles, mussels and other lower forms of marine life such as larvae enter pipework systems and settle on the internal surfaces of pipes where they rapidly grow and multiply.
In the most extreme cases, complete seawater lines can become blocked, affecting the safety and operational capability of the ship. In other instances, the gradual restriction in the flow of seawater through cooling systems can impair engine efficiency, leading to increased fuel usage. K.C.’s anti-fouling system is based on the electrolytic principle and consists of copper, aluminum and ferrous anodes which are fed with an impressed electrical current from a control panel.
The anode is usually mounted in pairs in the ship’s sea chest or strainer where they are in direct contact with the flow of water entering the seawater lines. Also the anodes can be mounted on independent treatment tanks for other convenience. In operation, the copper anode produces ions which are transported by the seawater and carried into the pipework system and equipment beyond.
At the same time, the slow dissolution of the aluminum / ferrous anode produces ions which spread throughout the system and produce an anti-corrosive layer on the internal surface of pipes. In this way, the anti-fouling system gives complete and continuous protection to pipework, valves and condensers as well as vital firefighting equipment, refrigeration and air conditioning unit.
korean-electronics.com | Blog Magazine of korean electronics, brands and Goods
