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A device and method for measuring contaminants likely to be released during in-water hull cleanings
The U.S. Navy seeks to commercialize U.S. Patents 7,437,959 (In-water hull cleaning sampling device), and 7,444,891 (In-water hull cleaning sampling method).
Background
Watercraft hulls are covered with chemical anti-fouling coatings to reduce biological growth on their surfaces, which increase drag and raise fuel consumption. Typical cleaning methods use abrasive materials to rub against toxic hull coatings, releasing copper, zinc, and other toxins into coastal waterways. Some environmental regulations do not allow in-water cleanings and others restrict cleanings based on types and levels of materials released during the cleaning operation. If in-water cleanings are prohibited, cleanings must be conducted in dry docks, which are expensive and not widely available. Measuring potential contamination prior to conducting in-water cleanings is necessary to determine whether the procedure meets environmental guidelines. Sampling the types and levels of contaminants prior to cleaning can reduce costs by determining if the use of expensive dry dock cleaning procedures are unnecessary.
The Technology
SSC Pacific has developed a sampling method and device that attaches to a watercraft’s hull and creates a watertight seal. It then simulates in-water hull cleaning with variable pressure, rotation, and cleaning pad material to accurately simulate different cleaning procedures. Contaminants that are removed from the hull during simulated cleaning are contained in the device’s sample chamber for measurement and testing. This provides valuable information about amount and types of materials that would be released into waterways to determine whether the procedure meets environmental regulations.
Key Benefits
Development Status
- For more information on technology transfer, please contact us at (619) 553–5118 or email ssc_pac_t2@navy.mil
- SD 825, March 2009. SSC Pacific, San Diego, CA 92152–5001. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.