Biofouling Control
A biofouling solution unlike any other method currently on the market, UV•Xchange and Cabled UV prevent biofouling during long-term, in-situ deployments. The LED modules bathe critical surfaces in ultraviolet (UV) light, killing early growth to prevent biofouling, and thus eliminating environmental drift in CTDs and multi-parameter instruments, and keeping critical surfaces of subsea devices clean.
(Above) AML's UV•Xchange preventing fouling on sensors during a technology demonstration at Ocean Network Canada's Folger Pinnacle Observatory. UV•Xchange modules are installed on the left and middle instruments to protect the sensors. The sensors on the instrument on the right are unprotected, and are heavily fouled as a result.
UV•Xchange and Cabled UV offer significant advantages over existing biofouling control technologies. They do not use toxic chemicals, simplifying deployment and maintenance while at the same time eliminating environmental damage. Comparative studies show UV•Xchange to be as effective as chemical protection methodologies like TBT at eliminating drift due to biofouling. There are no moving parts, resulting in greater reliability compared to wipers and plungers. Finally, Each UV-emitting LED can be adjusted independently and positioned as desired, ensuring effective coverage of all critical surfaces, regardless of geometry. Cabled UV features increased flexibility to accommodate the individual requirements of each application and deployment. It is ideal for protecting a broad spectrum of surfaces and devices, such as:
• third party sensors
• ADCPs
• camera lenses
• lights
• hydrophones
• sonar heads
Resources:
Sep 2014 Marine Technology Reporter Article
USGS Field Testing - OCEANS '17 Proceedings (external site)
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