Using Ultraviolet Light for Improved Antifouling Performance on Ship Hulls & Niche Areas
Abstract
Recently there has been a growing interest to incorporate UVC as biofouling prevention methodon ships. Before UVC can be successfully utilized, there are several unknowns which must beaddressed. We are proposing to determine the efficacy of implementing UVC, by dividing thework into three main thrust areas: the dosage requirements for implementation on a ship hull orniche areas, physio-chemical changes to surfaces treated with UVC, and the impacts on biofouling ecology. The thrusts will consider biofouling prevention on ship hulls, niche areas (e.g. sea chests, bow thrusters, gratings, propeller shafts), and other high fouling areas on a ship (e.g. seawater intakes). Each thrust will have experiments that are geared towards investigating specific items with regards to UVC implementation, such as: the effects of turbidity on UVC transmission, the UVC exposure and frequency needed to prevent fouling, how UVC exposure impacts the chemical properties of marine coatings, if UVC can be used to remove existing fouling, and if a UVC lamp can be utilized as part of a grooming regime. The technical driver behind this proposal is to identify if UVC could be a viable option for management and a non-coatings approach for biofouling mitigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012214
Entities
People
- Kelli Z Hunsucker
Organizations
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy