Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling

I see where it COULD work. After all, if you put enough vibration energy of the right frequency into the system and you WILL break open cell walls.

The real world might or might not agree...

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by nmit5903

Sub's cant use ultraosund - it can be detected - so thats why they have probably stuck with the "medieval" TBT solution.

Okay, once again, submarines are not using TBT.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Steve Pope

Sorry Gord I don't know the mechanics of how they work except that they do. My guess is it is through a very high frequency sonic vibration. Any enlightenment appreciated.

They cause the cleaning fluid (often strong solvents and/or surfactants) which the parts are immersed, to cavitate (explosive bubbles), which physically knock the contaminant off the part.
I'm not certain I'd want to be aboard a boat, that set up a high enough energy ultrasound, to vibrate the fluid in which it floats (ocean or lake).

[sluissa]

Re: the sub

For one thing, plant growth pretty much can't happen below about 100 meters. not enough light. so no real algae growth down where subs usually stay. for that matter, most other critters we deal with don't like it down there either.

[Alan Wheeler]

I spent ages last night typing out info on this and then the forum said I no longer had permission to post. So either there was a glitch, or someone in the background is trying to clip my wings even further. So now I will just reply with a much shortened version.
The makers of this system allude to the system "vibrating" the marine growth in such away as it will stop them wanting to adhere to the hull. This is possible if you have a big enough system and the power required to do it. In reality that is simply not possible. My post that didn't post went into the details, seeing as sound is my big area of knowledge. But I don't feel like typing it all again.
Right, pushing post and we will see if it does indeed do so.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

I spent ages last night typing out info on this and then the forum said I no longer had permission to post. So either there was a glitch, or someone in the background is trying to clip my wings even further...

There's a maximum limit, applied to ALL of us, as to the maximum number of characters a single post can contain. I've run into this problem.
I'd enjoy hearing as much of the detail that you might have the energy to repost.
A very long contribution might have to be posted in 2 parts.

[Patrick_DeepPlaya]

From their website: Boatsonic: Algae control for boats!

How the Boatsonic Works

It is a fact that algae and other biofouling organisms stick to the bottom of boats. Boatsonic cleanses boat hulls of all biofouling organisms and keeps them clean. It acts directly on algal cells to kill them, creates conditions which inhibit attachment to the hull and improves the performance of conventional antifouling treatments.
Advantages

• Environmentally-friendly and harmless for humans and animals
• Antifouling coatings are not necessary
• Improves fuel economy
• Keeps log, echo sounder and other equipment clean
• Maximises speed through the water
• Suitable for marine and freshwater
• Very simple to install

Functioning of the Boatsonic

• The transducer is fixed to the inside of the hull of the boat below the water line
• The transducer emits ultrasonic pulses directly onto the hull
• The ultrasound detaches algae, mussels, limpets and barnacles and prevents attachment of new organisms
• The organisms die and automatically detach when the boat moves through the water. Even stubborn biofilm is removed

Technical data of the Boatsonic

Range: up to 12 meters
Voltage: 220V 50Hz or 110V-130V 50/60Hz , or optional 12V converter
Cable length to transducer: 3 meters (extension lead is available as an option)
Power Consumption: 20 W
Weight of the transducer: 0.95 Kg
Weight of the electronics: 1.25 Kg

The apparatus is CE-compliant
2 year guarantee on equipment

[GordMay]

According to the BoatSonic manufacturer, the device “acts” directly on the algal cells, "creates conditions", killing them. It does this with ultrasonic pulses.

Well, that certainly sounds like a scientifically sound explanation.

“... It acts directly on algal cells to kill them, creates conditions which inhibit attachment to the hull ...
... The transducer emits ultrasonic pulses directly onto the hull
The ultrasound detaches algae, mussels, limpets and barnacles and prevents attachment of new organisms
The organisms die and automatically detach when the boat moves through the water...”

The Ultrasonic Cleaning Process - How Ultrasonics Clean
Ultrasonic Cleaning Process

[Steve Pope]

So is the same technology as in the boatsonic??

[Steve Pope]

Also looking for info on "inversalu" apparently a zinc rich coating for Aluminium boats that turns the hull into a large annode, marketed by Meta Chantiers the french builders of a large range of alloy yachts, (they also built Moitessiers steel Joshua before switching to alloy so have been around a long time). This is a slight hijacking of the thread but it is probably as esoteric as the Boatsonic, I would like to hear from anyone who has come across this stuff. If the Meta site is to be believed it is long lasting and very tough and abrasion resistant. No one in New Zealand seems to have heard of it.

[nmit5903]

I opened Pandoras box on this one (who-ever Pandora is?) anyway -- yes Steve the system is broadly the same.

The website is Sure Systems - Home.

Havnt heard of the other system that turns the boat into a floating cathode.

Cheers
Neil

[Chief Engineer]

It was probably invented by Nikola Tesla....

[neelie]

And what effect will all these ultra sonic transmissions have on the communication and navigation abilities of dolphins, whales et al?

[sailorboy1]

This has been tried is water/waster treatment for some time (been 6 years since I was in that field so maybe it has changed). Never became an acceptable method to kill organizms so I would think this tells the story. Am sure it would work with some type of hand held system from the outside to clean the boat.

[Aquah0lic]

neelie beat me to it. That was the first thing I thought of. In a few years some scientist is gonna realize its messing up their compass or breeding moods and they will be banned. Or maybe even sooner, if whales start slamming into boats so equipped, to get rid of that horrible buzzing sound!