US 6,547,952 B1 · System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface

Abstract

An electrically conductive surface is combined with a protective surface of glass in order to provide an anode from which electrons can be transferred to seawater for the purpose of generating gaseous chlorine on the surface to be protected. Ambient temperature cure glass (ATC glass) provides a covalent bond on an electrically conductive surface, such as nickel-bearing paint. In this way, boat hulls, submerged portions of outboard motors, and submerged portions of stern drive systems can be protected effectively from the growth of marine organism, such as barnacles. The electrically conductive surface generates electrons into the seawater in order to create chlorine gas at the surface which inhibits and discourages marine growth. The protective coating of glass inhibits the migration of metal ions from the electrically conductive surface into the seawater and therefore inhibits corrosive degradation as a result of galvanic action.

Claims30

Dependent claims

Apparatus for inhibiting the fouling of an underwater object, comprising:

an electrically conductive surface of said underwater object;
an electric current source, which is connectable in electrical communication with said electrically conductive surface;
a protective coating disposed on said electrically conductive surface;
and
an electrode which is connectable in electrical communication with said electric current source to form an electrical circuit comprising said electrically conductive surface, said electric current source, said electrode, and water in which both said electrode and said electrically conductive surface are disposed.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface

Life of this patent

System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30