Turkish engineers unveil a groundbreaking method using sound waves to combat biofouling, cutting costs and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Biological pollution (biofouling), which occurs due to the accumulation of microorganisms, algae, and shellfish on the surfaces of marine vessels that come into contact with water, is a type of pollution that requires physical strength to clean using traditional methods and can also harm the environment, particularly increasing fuel consumption by up to 40% in large ships.
Although there are some ways to address this issue, which can become a serious problem in the piping systems and equipment of ships, all of them require manual labor and close contact with pollution.
Turkish engineers have developed a new method for cleaning processes, which are considered the 'golden rule' in maritime practices. This discovery aims to prevent biological pollution before it occurs, eliminating the environmental damage caused by toxic paints and minimizing the need for labor-intensive cleaning. The harmless method developed is expected to reduce operational costs in the industry while also protecting the marine ecosystem.
The 'KeepClean' initiative from engineers is being carried out by INFINIA Advanced Electronics, which operates within Ankara Bilkent Cyberpark, bringing high-tech solutions developed for the defense industry to the civilian maritime sector. According to a report by Milliyet, the team has adapted its expertise in unmanned marine vehicles and drone technologies to civilian life, developing an ultrasonic system called 'KeepClean' that extends the lifespan of ships, provides fuel savings, and protects the ecosystem.
Traditional toxic paints used to prevent biological pollution on the submerged parts of ship hulls are being replaced by environmentally friendly sound wave technology.
The new system developed by engineers offers a sustainable alternative to chemical methods that harm the marine ecosystem. The 'KeepClean' ultrasonic sensors operate as an integrated system that combines artificial intelligence platforms and robotic technology.
A small device mounted on the ship's hull or industrial pipe emits sound waves at frequencies inaudible to the human ear, successfully preventing organisms from adhering to the surface. The 'KeepClean' system aims to protect the marine ecosystem from chemical waste while reducing operational costs through fuel savings.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
