Observations on Microfouling Applicable to OTEC Systems.
Abstract
Solid surfaces exposed to seawater become populated with bacteria in as little as four hours. Subsequent colonization by a variety of microorganisms produces a complex microfouling layer including their extracellular metabolities and cellular breakdown products, water-borne detrital material, and metal corrosion products (on metal surfaces). The presence of such a primary film on a heat exchange surface may well hinder heat transfer and may be critical to an OTEC system already operating at a low theoretical Carnot efficiency. Furthermore, the metabolic activity within this microcosm may enhance corrosion processes. The succession of periphytic microorganisms was observed for a variety of surfaces, including glass, stainless steel, brass and copper-nickel alloys, submerged in natural seawater. The nature of the periphytic community was influenced more by the composition of the substratum than by the nature of the background planktonic microbiota. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA047302
Entities
People
- Bennett Sallman
- Donald S. Marszalek
- Frank J. Roth
- Lanny R. Udey
- Sol M. Gerchakov
Organizations
- University of Miami