Mitigation of biofouling using coatings. Year 1 annual report

Technical Report · Mon Aug 31 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5344940

Meyer, A E; Baier, R E; King, R W

This project is directed toward the evaluation of benefits associated with toxicant-free control of the surface energetic properties of materials used in heat exchangers; and to identify preferred ranges of the surface conditions that minimize deposits of biological fouling known to deteriorate heat exchange efficiencies in seawater, brackish water, and freshwater systems. The technical approach employs special diagnostic plates in novel flow cells where fluid flow conditions can be well-controlled, modifying the surface chemistry and surface energy of the plates with very thin coatings and examining the earliest events of biofouling caused by macromolecules and microbial organisms. All of the evidence gathered in Year 1 of the project pointed to the universal acquisition of adsorbed natural organic films, attached bacteria, and adherent bacterial exudates by a broad range of material types. However, primary films of adsorbed material on controlled intermediate-energy surfaces tended to slough off more readily than from other surface types. Heat transfer deterioration was not observed during fouling periods up to 12 days of exposure, since the acquired fouling film thicknesses averaged only 500 angstroms - well within the laminar boundary layer - between 6 and 12 days of exposure under the experimental conditions. Year 2 of the project includes plans for confirming field studies at a power plant that uses river water as its cooling water source.

• Research Organization: Calspan Advanced Technology Center, Buffalo, NY (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-80ER10766
• OSTI ID: 5344940
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/10766-4; ON: DE82007510
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
200101* -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Cooling & Heat Transfer Equipment & Systems
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
COATINGS
COOLING SYSTEMS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FOULING
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWER PLANTS
SEAWATER
SURFACE TREATMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WATER