Consulting Services for the Evaluation of Biofouling Technologies and the Development of Best Practices for the Biofouling Protection of Oceanographic Senors and Related Platforms
Abstract
The US Navy requires long-term immersion optically clear biofouling control solutions for oceanographic instrumentation. The US Navy can also utilize translucent coatings for applications requiring some light transmission but without the need for true optical clarity. The term optically clear is defined as high levels of light transmission with minimal distortion. Translucent is the transmission of light with some scattering and is suitable to photovoltaic cells and other specific sensor applications. These requirements necessitate the rigorous evaluation of existing and near-term technologies capable of meeting this Navy need. The integration of present and near-term technologies as well as the development of best practices for biofouling control are critical components of Navy objectives. Translucent coatings are commercially available while optically clear coatings should be considered a near-term technology.The proposed work is intended to review, enhance and clarify the testing protocols and results proscribed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Severn Marine Technologies (SMT) and any other Navy commands. These results will be used to enhance Navy programs and practices. An important component of the proposed work will be comparing SMT testing assays and protocols with NRL testing protocols to ensure continuity of previous Navy testing and to ensure the best protocols are identified. Any tests performed by SMT will be carried out with ONR, NRL and FIT consultation to ensure that this work complements all the Navy efforts conducted by these groups.APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112518
Entities
People
- Henry Lobe
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy