Mitigation of biofouling using coatings. Quarterly progress report No. 3

Authors:
  • AMA. E. Meyer
    A. E. Meyer
  • RKR. W. King
    R. W. King
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Abstract
Progress is reported in a project in which the objectives are to evaluate benefits associated with control of the surface energetic properties of materials used in heat exchangers, and to identify preferred ranges of these surface conditions that minimize deposits of biological fouling known to deteriorate heat exchange efficiencies in seawater, brackish water and freshwater systems. The technical approach employed uses 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. Information is included on exposure experiments and results and heat exchange experiments.