Method for removing marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for removing marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship using temperature control technology. This method achieves the objective of preventing and removing fouling organisms by precisely controlling the temperature of the bottom of the hull to maintain a range unfavorable to the survival and attachment of fouling organisms such as barnacles. This invention includes the steps of installing a temperature control device, setting and maintaining a temperature range, continuously monitoring and adjusting the temperature, and removing organisms that have attached at high temperatures. The advantages of this invention compared to prior art include highly efficient pollution prevention, economic and energy-saving, extended service life of the ship, improved navigation efficiency, and superior environmental protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ship pollution prevention, and specifically to a method for removing marine fouling organisms on the ship bottom.

Background Art

[0002] For a long time, fouling organisms such as barnacles in the ocean have had a profound impact on the navigation of ships. After these organisms adhere to the bottom of the hull, they not only increase the navigation resistance of the ship, reduce the navigation speed, but also deteriorate the corrosion and wear of the hull, shortening the service life of the ship. Conventional anti-pollution methods, such as the use of anti-fouling paints and manual removal, can alleviate problems to a certain extent, but have drawbacks such as high cost and short-lasting effects. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore more efficient and economical anti-pollution methods.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems existing in the above background art, the present invention proposes a method for removing marine fouling organisms on the ship bottom by using temperature adjustment technology. The method achieves the purpose of preventing and removing fouling organisms by precisely controlling the temperature at the bottom of the hull to maintain it in a range unfavorable for the survival and adhesion of fouling organisms such as barnacles.

[0004] The present invention provides the following technical means.

[0005] Step of installing a temperature adjustment device, which is to install a temperature adjustment device at an appropriate position at the bottom of the hull. The device includes a system that performs heat exchange using waste heat generated from the power in the ship, a conductive paint coating, a graphene electrothermal film or other high-efficiency heating elements, but is not limited thereto. The selection of these devices needs to optimize the configuration according to the specific situation and requirements of the ship. Step 1 Step 2 involves setting and maintaining a temperature range, wherein a temperature control device adjusts the temperature of the hull bottom to a predetermined range, and this temperature range should be higher than the temperature threshold required for the normal attachment of barnacles and other fouling organisms, thereby preventing their attachment and survival, while simultaneously ensuring that this temperature range does not damage the hull material or affect the normal operation of the vessel. Step 3 involves a step of continuous monitoring and adjustment, which includes installing temperature sensors and a monitoring system, continuously monitoring the temperature of the hull bottom, adjusting the operating status of the temperature control device in a timely manner according to the monitoring results, ensuring that the temperature of the hull bottom is always maintained within a predetermined range, and in addition, regularly inspecting the performance and condition of the temperature control device to ensure its stable and reliable operation. A method for removing marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship, comprising the steps of: removing organisms attached at high temperatures; increasing the output of a temperature control device for organisms such as barnacles attached to the bottom of the ship's hull, thereby raising the temperature of the bottom of the ship's hull to a higher level; the effect of the high temperature causes the attached organisms to lose their ability to attach and their physiological activity, and further to detach or be removed naturally; and after removal, the temperature needs to be readjusted to a preset range in order to sustainably maintain the pollution prevention effect.

[0006] The present invention has the following advantages compared to the prior art. 1) Highly efficient pollution prevention: By precisely controlling the temperature at the bottom of the hull, this invention effectively prevents the attachment and survival of barnacles and other fouling organisms, significantly improving the pollution prevention capabilities of the vessel. 2) Economical and energy-saving: By using waste heat generated from the ship's propulsion or high-efficiency heating elements to regulate temperature, energy consumption and operating costs are reduced. At the same time, problems such as increased fuel consumption due to fouling organisms and rising hull maintenance costs are reduced. 3) Extending the service life of ships: By reducing corrosion and wear of the hull caused by attached organisms such as barnacles, the application of the present invention can significantly extend the service life of ships and reduce costs associated with frequent maintenance and parts replacement. 4) Improved navigation efficiency: After removing fouling organisms from the bottom of the hull, the ship's navigation resistance decreases, fuel consumption drops, and cruising speed increases. This means higher transport efficiency and lower operating costs for the shipping industry. 5) Environmental advantages: Compared to conventional antifouling paints and manual removal methods, the temperature control technology used in this invention is more environmentally friendly. It avoids the use and emission of harmful chemicals and reduces pollution and destruction of marine ecosystems. At the same time, it contributes to addressing global climate change by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions during ship operations.

[0007] Furthermore, the temperature control device includes a graphene electric heating film that is laid on the bottom of the hull, generates heat when energized, improves the temperature of the bottom of the hull, has excellent conductivity and heating efficiency, responds quickly to temperature changes, and enables precise temperature control.

[0008] Furthermore, the graphene electric heating film further comprises a coated surface, a reinforcing layer, and another coated layer, the reinforcing layer located between the coated surface and the coated layer and used to enhance the mechanical strength and durability of the electric heating film, graphene nanoparticles uniformly distributed in the coated layer, these particles connected to each other via a conductive network, forming an efficient heating layer, and when energized, the graphene nanoparticles rapidly generate heat, transferring heat to the bottom of the hull and achieving a rapid temperature rise.

[0009] Furthermore, the method further includes additional measures to enhance the anti-pollution effect, which involve applying a layer of antifouling paint to the bottom of the hull that has excellent anti-fouling properties and can further enhance the anti-pollution effect of the bottom of the hull. By using the antifouling paint in combination with a temperature control device, a double protection mechanism is formed, which can effectively prevent the attachment and survival of fouling organisms such as barnacles.

[0010] Furthermore, Step 3 further includes regularly monitoring the temperature and the status of fouling organisms at the bottom of the hull. Regular inspections and recording of related data allow for a timely assessment of the operating status of the temperature control system and its anti-fouling effectiveness. Based on the monitoring results, the operating parameters of the temperature control system and the maintenance plan for the anti-fouling paint can be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the bottom of the hull is always maintained in an optimal anti-fouling state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Example 1 When the present invention is specifically implemented, it includes the following operational steps.

[0012] 1) Installation of temperature control device First, for cargo ships, graphene electric heating films were selected as the main temperature control device, depending on the specific conditions and needs of the vessels. These electric heating films have excellent conductivity and heating efficiency, making them suitable for temperature control at the bottom of the ship's hull. 1.1) Preparation work: The mounting location was selected on the bottom of the hull to ensure that this location uniformly covers the entire bottom area and can be heated effectively. At the same time, the graphene electric heating film, mounting fixtures, insulating materials, and necessary electrical connection equipment were prepared. 1.2) Installation of the electric heating film: The graphene electric heating film was sheared to the specified dimensions and laid at the selected location on the bottom of the hull. The electric heating film must be laid flat and wrinkle-free, and ensure close contact with the hull surface. A layer of insulating material was laid between the electric heating film and the hull to prevent direct heat conduction to the hull structure, which would cause unnecessary heat loss and damage. 1.3) Electrical Connection: The power lines for the heating element were connected to the ship's power system, ensuring a secure and reliable electrical connection. At the same time, corresponding electrical protection devices, such as overload protection devices and earth leakage circuit breakers, were installed to improve the safety and stability of the system.

[0013] 2) Setting and maintaining the temperature range 2.1) Temperature setting: In accordance with the normal attachment temperature threshold for barnacles and other fouling organisms (e.g., below 15 degrees Celsius), the pre-set temperature range for the bottom of the hull was set to between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. This temperature range effectively prevents the attachment and survival of barnacles and other organisms without damaging the hull material or affecting the normal operation of the vessel. 2.2) Temperature Control: The temperature control system adjusted the temperature of the hull bottom to a preset range. The control system automatically adjusted the heating power of the electric heating element according to the data fed back from the temperature sensor, ensuring that the temperature was always maintained within the preset range.

[0014] 3) Continuous monitoring and coordination 3.1) Installation of monitoring equipment: Temperature sensors and a monitoring system were installed on the bottom of the hull to continuously monitor the temperature. At the same time, an alarm device was installed to issue an alarm in a timely manner if the temperature exceeded a predetermined range. 3.2) Periodic Inspections and Maintenance: The temperature control device was regularly inspected and maintained, including checks of the operating status of the heating element, the reliability of electrical connections, and the integrity of insulating materials. At the same time, the operating parameters of the temperature control device were adjusted in a timely manner according to the monitoring results and actual conditions to ensure stable and reliable operation.

[0015] 4) Removal of attached organisms by high temperature 4.1) Temperature Increase: To control organisms such as barnacles attached to the bottom of the hull, the output power of the temperature control device was increased, raising the temperature of the hull bottom to a higher level (for example, between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius). Due to the effect of the high temperature, the attached organisms lost their ability to attach and their physiological activity, and further detached or were removed naturally. 4.2) Removal and Restoration: After the attached organisms were removed, the temperature was readjusted to a predetermined range to maintain the anti-pollution effect. At the same time, any residue on the bottom of the hull was cleaned to ensure that the hull surface was clean and flat.

[0016] 5) Additional measures To further enhance the pollution prevention effect, an antifouling paint with excellent anti-adhesion performance on the bottom of the hull and capable of effectively preventing the adhesion and survival of fouling organisms such as barnacles was applied in one layer. By combining the use of the antifouling paint with a temperature adjustment device, a double protection mechanism was formed, effectively improving the pollution prevention ability of the bottom of the hull.

[0017] Example 2 Based on Example 1, this example showed an actual application example.

[0018] During the process of a large cargo ship sailing at sea, it had been troubled by fouling organisms such as barnacles for a long time. To solve this problem, the cargo ship installed a graphene electrothermal film as a temperature adjustment device on the bottom of the hull. The electrothermal film was laid in an important area of the bottom of the hull and was auxiliary heated by the waste heat of the power system on the ship. During the sailing process, the electrothermal film automatically adjusted the temperature according to a pre-set program, maintaining the bottom of the hull at a high temperature state of 20 degrees Celsius or more.

[0019] After operating for a while, the fouling organisms such as barnacles on the bottom of the hull of the cargo ship明显减少. According to the regular monitoring results, the temperature of the bottom of the hull was always maintained within the pre-set range, and the electrothermal film was operating stably and reliably. At the same time, the fuel consumption and sailing resistance of the cargo ship also decreased, improving the sailing efficiency and economic effect.

[0020] In addition, to further enhance the pollution prevention effect, the cargo ship applied an environmentally friendly antifouling paint in one layer on the bottom of the hull. The paint and the electrothermal film cooperated with each other to form a double protection mechanism, effectively preventing the adhesion and survival of fouling organisms such as barnacles.

[0021] It should be noted that the Chinese phrase "明显减少" in the English translation should be replaced with the appropriate English expression according to the actual situation, such as "significantly reduced".The basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. The above embodiments and specification merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and improvements are possible within the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention for which protection is required. The scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for removing marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship, Step 1 involves installing a temperature control device, wherein the device is installed at an appropriate location on the bottom of the hull, and the device includes, but is not limited to, a system that uses waste heat generated from the ship's power for heat exchange, a conductive paint coating, a graphene electric heating film, or other high-efficiency heating elements, and the selection of such devices needs to be optimized according to the specific circumstances and needs of the ship. Step 2 is a step of setting and maintaining a temperature range, wherein the temperature control device adjusts the temperature of the bottom of the hull to a predetermined range, and this temperature range should be higher than the temperature threshold required for the normal attachment of barnacles and other fouling organisms, thereby preventing their attachment and survival, and at the same time, it is necessary to ensure that this temperature range does not damage the hull material or affect the normal operation of the vessel. Step 3 involves a step of continuous monitoring and adjustment, which includes installing temperature sensors and a monitoring system, continuously monitoring the temperature of the hull bottom, adjusting the operating state of the temperature control device in a timely manner according to the monitoring results to ensure that the temperature of the hull bottom is always maintained within a predetermined range, and in addition, periodically inspecting the performance and condition of the temperature control device to ensure its stable and reliable operation. A method for removing marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship, comprising the step of removing organisms attached at high temperatures, wherein the output of the temperature control device can be increased to raise the temperature of the bottom of the ship to a higher level for organisms such as barnacles attached to the bottom of the ship, and as a result of the effect of the high temperature, the attached organisms lose their ability to attach and their physiological activity, and further detach or are removed naturally, and after removal, it is necessary to adjust the temperature again to a preset range in order to continuously maintain the pollution prevention effect.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device is laid on the bottom of the hull, generates heat by energizing, improves the temperature of the bottom of the hull, has excellent conductivity and heating efficiency, responds quickly to the demand for temperature changes, and enables accurate temperature control, and includes a graphene electric heating film.

3. The graphene electric heating film further comprises a coated surface, a reinforcing layer, and a coated layer, wherein the reinforcing layer is located between the coated surface and the coated layer and is used to enhance the mechanical strength and durability of the electric heating film, and graphene nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the coated layer, these particles are connected to each other via a conductive network to form an efficient heating layer, and when energized, the graphene nanoparticles rapidly generate heat, transferring the heat to the bottom of the hull and achieving a rapid temperature rise, as described in claim 1, for the removal of marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship.

4. The method for removing marine fouling organisms from the bottom of a ship according to claim 1, further comprising an additional measure that enhances the anti-pollution effect, the additional measure being the application of one layer of antifouling paint to the bottom of the ship having excellent anti-fouling performance and further enhancing the anti-pollution effect of the bottom of the ship, and characterized in that by using the antifouling paint and the temperature control device in combination, a double protection mechanism is formed, which can effectively prevent the attachment and survival of fouling organisms such as barnacles.

5. Step 3 further includes periodically monitoring the temperature of the hull bottom and the condition of the attached organisms, and by periodic inspections and recording of related data, the operating status of the temperature control device and the pollution prevention effect can be grasped in a timely manner, and in accordance with the monitoring results, the operating parameters of the temperature control device and the maintenance plan for the antifouling paint can be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure that the hull bottom is always maintained in an optimal antifouling state, as described in claim 1.

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