Autonomous Device with Biofouling Control and Method for Monitoring Aquatic Environment

A method for bio-fouling control of an autonomous device for monitoring a fluid environment, comprising the steps of:

• forming a sensor envelope for at least one sensor unit,
• positioning the at least one sensor unit into a chamber defined within the sensor envelope,
• programming a control unit prior to deployment of the autonomous device in the fluid environment,
• deploying the autonomous device having the preprogrammed controller unit embedded therein in the fluid environment,
• opening the chamber to the fluid environment under control of the preprogrammed control unit to establish fluid communication between a fluid and the at least one sensor unit,
• sampling the fluid,
• upon completion of the sampling during at least one sampling time period, closing the chamber, and
• releasing, under the control of the preprogrammed control unit, at least one biocide matter from a biocide reservoir system comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve arranged substantially concentric with respect to the outer sleeve and having a closable upper end and a closed lower end which establish an annular reservoir space filled with biocide matter, the reservoir system further comprising a biocide outlet means and vent in fluid communication with the chamber to create an anti-fouling environment therein, thereby exposing the at least one sensor unit to the anti-fouling environment during an anti-fouling treatment time period.

A device with a bio-fouling control for monitoring a fluid environment, comprising:

• at least one sensor unit operating in accordance with a predetermined sampling cycle including at least one sampling time period followed by an anti-fouling treatment time period,
• a sensor envelope for the at least one sensor unit, the at least one sensor unit being disposed in a chamber defined by the sensor envelope,
• at least one biocide reservoir comprising an outer sleeve and inner sleeves arranged substantially multiconcentric with respect to the outer sleeve and having a closable upper end and a closed lower end which establish an annular reservoir space filled with biocide matter, the reservoir further comprising biocide outlet means and vents in controlled fluid communication with the chamber,
• an actuating unit operatively coupled to the at least one biocide reservoir, and
• a controller unit controlling the actuating unit in a programmable manner,
• wherein, during the anti-fouling treatment time period, upon completion of the at least one sampling time period, the actuating unit, under the control of the control unit, activates release of the biocide matter from the at least one biocide reservoir in a controlled fashion through a valve mechanism to create an anti-fouling environment in the chamber, thereby exposing the at least one sensor unit to the anti-fouling environment upon completion of the at least one sampling time period to substantially prevent and eliminate bio-fouling in immediate surrounding of the at least one sensor unit and wherein the controller further activates the rotation of a magnetic stirrer to evenly dispersed the biocide in the chamber to immediately surround the surface of the sensors.