Advances in biofouling control technologies; U. S. and Japanese perspectives

Abstract

Proposed environmental restrictions in the United States on the use of biocides and tributyltin compounds led to the development and testing of nontoxic technologies, including coatings and targeted chemical treatment, to control biofouling in condensers and raw-water systems. Similar restrictions in Japan led to the development of robotics for online cleaning, micro-mesh filters, bacteriophages, and nontoxic coatings and chemicals. Other nontoxic methods to control macro- and microfouling in condenser systems are being evaluated, including acoustic, velocity, and synergistic chemicals technologies. Several of the mechanical, nontoxic coatings, and less toxic synergistic technologies have applications to control microbiologically induced corrosion.