Submerged Ultrasonic Transducer Algae Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively prevent algae and biogrowth on submerged equipment in water bodies, leading to equipment degradation and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
An underwater ultrasonic transducer or sensor assembly with a protection device that uses either a passive isolation chamber filled with algae-inhibiting liquid or an active light array projecting electromagnetic radiation to create an inhospitable zone around submerged equipment, preventing algae and organism growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If submerged equipment is placed directly in water bodies, then equipment functionality is maintained, but algae and biogrowth occur on the equipment surface leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device segments the equipment into protected and non-protected zones by creating an exclusion zone around the equipment surface. The isolation chamber or light array forms a boundary that separates the equipment from the surrounding water, preventing algae and organisms from contacting the equipment surface while allowing the equipment to remain submerged and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device acts as an intermediary between the equipment and the water body. The isolation chamber filled with treated water or the light array projects electromagnetic radiation into the surrounding water, creating a protective barrier that mediates the interaction between algae/organisms and the equipment surface, preventing biofilm formation without removing the equipment from its operational environment.
2Reliability
If isolation chamber is used to protect equipment, then biogrowth is prevented on equipment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation chamber is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled enclosure that can be wrapped around or attached to the equipment. This flexible shell design provides effective isolation from biogrowth while minimizing structural complexity and material usage compared to rigid enclosure designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation chamber uses parameter changes in the water it contains (chemical treatment to inhibit algae growth) rather than complex mechanical structures. By treating the water inside the chamber with algae-inhibiting substances, the system achieves protection with a simple enclosure design.
3Reliability
If light array is used to project electromagnetic radiation, then algae growth is inhibited, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light array operates periodically rather than continuously, projecting electromagnetic radiation in cycles to inhibit algae growth. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous illumination while maintaining effective algae inhibition through repeated exposure cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The light array uses parameter changes in electromagnetic radiation (specific wavelengths or frequencies that are inhospitable to algae) to achieve algae inhibition. By targeting specific spectral parameters rather than using full-spectrum continuous light, the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
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 solution effectively inhibits algae and biogrowth within a defined range, protecting submerged equipment from biofilm, algae, and other organisms, ensuring the equipment's longevity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The equipment includes one or more ultrasonic elements that emit ultrasonic waves to control algae growth in a body of water
Implementation Method 2
The projected light is radiation having a frequency or wavelength or color temperature that is inhospitable to the algae or other organism being targeted
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for protecting submerged equipment from biogrowth. In one embodiment, a submerged, underwater ultrasonic transducer assembly is enclosed in an isolation chamber that contains a zone that is free of bio organisms. The isolating chamber encloses the transducer assembly to provide an outer surface exposed to the body of water where that outer surface is distanced sufficiently from the transducer assembly to ensure algae is inhibited from growing on the outer surface. The isolating chamber is a water-tight enclosure filled with a liquid. In another embodiment, the transducer assembly is surrounded by a light array that directs illumination toward the assembly. The illumination is at a wavelength that inhibits biogrowth. The light array includes a plurality of light strips with spaced apart lights. The light strips are supported by a bracket such that the transducer assembly is fully exposed to the illumination from the light strips.