Marine Cable UV Anti-fouling Optical Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-fouling systems for marine cable devices are inefficient, require regular maintenance, and are costly, as biofouling on the exterior surfaces of these devices affects their mass, noise levels, and functionality, leading to operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A marine cable device utilizing optical methods, specifically ultra-violet (UV) light, with an optical medium to receive and emit anti-fouling light on the exterior surface, effectively preventing or reducing biofouling by using UV or blue light in the range of 220nm to 420nm, particularly UV-C, with intensity ranging from 5-10 mW/m2, and incorporating light sources like lasers or LEDs, and optical mediums such as quartz, glass, or silicone to ensure uniform coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical antifouling systems are used on marine cable devices, then fouling removal capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical antifouling systems with a photonic field-based solution. Light sources emitting UV or blue light (wavelengths 220-420nm) are integrated into the cable device, creating an optical field that kills or repels fouling organisms without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces maintenance needs, and decreases system complexity while maintaining effective fouling prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of antifouling from mechanical force to electromagnetic radiation. By utilizing light sources with specific wavelength ranges (UV 220-280nm or blue 400-420nm), the system creates a photonic field that alters the biological state of fouling organisms, killing them or preventing attachment without physical intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biocide coatings are applied to prevent biofouling, then fouling prevention is improved, but environmental harm and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical biocide coatings with a physical photonic field approach. Light sources emitting UV or blue light create an optical environment that is inherently hostile to fouling organisms without introducing chemical substances into the marine environment. This eliminates biocide contamination while maintaining effective fouling prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of UV light (which can damage biological materials) into a beneficial antifouling mechanism. By utilizing the naturally harmful properties of UV radiation to kill or repel fouling organisms, the system turns a potentially damaging force into a protective function without chemical pollutants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal treatments are used to control biofouling, then fouling removal is improved, but energy consumption and risk to surrounding organisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter from thermal (heat) to photonic (light). Instead of using high-temperature thermal fields that consume significant energy and risk damaging surrounding marine life, the system employs UV or blue light sources that operate at much lower energy levels while achieving the same antifouling effect through photonic interaction with biological tissues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The UV-based anti-fouling system effectively kills or inhibits microorganisms, reducing fouling and maintaining the cable's functionality with reduced maintenance and operational costs, ensuring efficient signal transfer and reduced drag in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical medium configured to receive at least part of an anti-fouling light generated by at least one light source, the optical medium comprising at least one emission surface configured to provide at least part of said anti-fouling light on at least part of said exterior surface
Implementation Method 2
UV-light source inside a streamer cleaning device in order to prevent biofouling inside the cleaning device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a marine cable device configured for preventing or reducing biofouling along its exterior surface, which during use is at least temporarily exposed to water. The marine cable device according to the present invention comprises at least one light source configured to generate an anti-fouling light and at least one optical medium configured to receive at least part of the anti-fouling light. The optical medium comprises at least one emission surface configured to provide at least part of said anti-fouling light on at least part of said exterior surface.