Biofouling case study
Unwanted biological growth is most
frequently associated with the biofouling of ships’ hulls. However,
many other industries experience similar challenges on equipment
deployed in the marine environment. Work is underway to provide
technology screening for seeking antifouling technology for
conventional and niche applications, in addition to bespoke
research programmes aimed at understanding and preventing the
fundamental mechanisms behind the biofouling process.
PML Applications is currently working with the
Norwegian company, Schlumberger, addressing the problems on
hydrophones used during oil and gas exploration. Pedunculate and
goose barnacles are strikingly beautiful organisms that have
evolved to settle on almost any surface. These organisms cause
millions of dollars of additional cost to the company, through the
equipment being unavailable during down time for cleaning. PML
Applications is drawing on in-house expertise from PML to provide
solutions to this niche biofouling issue.
An ambitious campaign of laboratory and field
based experiment is planned to better understand microbial
adhesion, larval recruitment hierarchies and larva/surface
interactions. Novel cleaning practices coupled with non-toxic
anti-fouling technologies, to increase efficiency and reduce
maintenance, are being developed. The relationship with
Schlumberger represents an exciting direction for PML Applications
where PML group expertise and knowledge is being applied to address
real time pressing concerns across marine sectors.
