In this Phase II contract, Interphase Materials will further validate the efficacy of its antibiofouling surface treatment (AST) in preventing biofouling on OHIO-class submarine seawater cooled heat exchangers (HX). The AST is a molecularly thin surface treatment that binds to the substrate, protecting the surface from organism attachment. An intensive field study will be conducted, incorporating AST application on both pristine and previously fouled HXs. Heat transfer properties and biofouling accumulation on these HXs will be monitored carefully over the course of several years in water conditions relevant to the NAVY. This will allow Interphase to provide the NAVY with an accurate model of fouling reduction and thus savings granted through AST application in a warm seawater environment, as well as an estimated timeline for AST reapplication. Concurrently with these field studies, a lab scale test will evaluate the ASTs longevity when exposed to abrasive fluid flow. The team, including Hepburn and Sons LLC, will also begin discussions with technical warrant holders and preparation of the documentation necessary for NAVY implementation on an in-service vessel, so that the transition from Phase II to Phase III may occur seamlessly.
Benefit: The AST is an excellent replacement for electrocatalytic chlorine generator (ECG) systems, currently used on other vessels to prevent biofouling accumulation, because it is a surface treatment, not a water treatment. The AST simply requires application during a vessel docking to prevent organism fouling. This is a key benefit over ECG systems that have high upfront costs, require frequent maintenance, take up valuable vessel space, and result in environmental concerns. The AST has the potential to provide biofouling protection for the duration of several deployment cycles dramatically decreasing the hydrolancing cleaning required by systems not protected by an ECG. Additionally, the AST may improve heat transfer and decrease corrosion of the HX through its unique surface chemistry. If the antibiofouling properties are confirmed, the AST technology will be useful to all NAVY vessels utilizing seawater cooling systems. AST implementation on NAVY vessels could result decreased maintenance costs, improved vessel performance, and decreased environmental emissions. This technology also has potential applications in the power generation and HVAC industries similarly improving the efficiency of HX systems. Biofouling in these industries, like vessel seawater cooling systems, is an unresolved issue that if solved could result in dramatic efficiency improvements and cost savings.
Keywords: antibiofouling, Molecularly thin layer, Water-based surface treatment, Field study, Improved efficiency, heat exchanger, OHIO-class submarine, Substrate protection