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The submerged areas of boats are a breeding ground for many microorganisms. Both freshwater and saltwater can cause this to happen, and it can be devastating for the boat’s components. They can cause serious problems, including clogging of pipes, and even worse, reducing boat speed and fuel consumption. Antifouling Paints (also known as Patents) are one way to stop fouling from occurring on the boat’s hull. However, there are other solutions, as this article explains.
What is Antifouling Paint?
The term antifouling comes from English. The word ‘foul,’ in this language, is dirt. This gives us an idea of what these paints are. These paints are also known as antifouling or anti-algae and are used on all types of vessels.
Antifouling Marine Paint are unique in that they contain a number of biocidal chemicals, which kill microorganisms and release them gradually. These compounds, which are typically derived from the metal copper, form a protective shield that surrounds the vessel.
Types of Antifouling Paints
There are different antifouling paints and patents, depending on their intended use. These are the following:
Hard Matrix Antifouling Paint.
The mixture is composed of both soluble and non-soluble resins. It releases the biocidal substances through a porous matrix, and the surface film on the patent.
This patent type is most effective at preventing fouling, but not as effective if fouling has already taken place. The paint is absorbed by water, allowing the biocide to gradually dissolve.
It is tough and durable, which is one of the biggest advantages. The paint can be applied to the boat and left outside of water for up to three months. It will not lose its effectiveness. It is not necessary to remove the previous layer before applying a new one. However, if they accumulate too much, you will need to remove all of them and start over.
Self-polishing Antifouling Paint
The best patent in the world at the moment, considering its efficiency and durability. It is the most expensive, but it’s also the best. The matrix is not a rigid one, but rather a soluble matrix. The biocide is released continuously as the matrix dissolves. This product also has very interesting hydrodynamic characteristics.
The thickness of the self polishing paint layer also decreases over time. It is therefore not necessary to remove the self-polishing paint completely. When the old one starts to deteriorate, simply apply a fresh one and your boat will be ready to sail.
This type of license is recommended for all-year-round sailing boats and small motorboats. It should not be exposed to the air, as it will quickly deteriorate. It is also important to be careful when sailing fast.
Epoxy Resin Antifouling Paint
It is one of the newest innovations available on the market. This is a patent type made of epoxy resin. It is then mixed with a large amount of nickel and copper powder, which works as a biocide. The copper powder is released in the correct quantities and continuously as soon as you introduce the boat into the water. Its biggest advantage is its ability to provide up to 10 year antifouling protection.
This type of patent is also suitable for outdoor use. When we go out on the boat, it is only necessary to clean the surface so that the new layer can be seen. It will still work as well as the old one.
Freshwater Antifouling Paint
Why is it not always necessary to use it? In fresh water, microorganisms which thrive in seawater die very quickly. It is the same vice versa. It takes several weeks to embed the microorganisms of the new medium in the boat, if the microorganisms were present on the previous medium.
Freshwater antifoulings are available in two types: hard matrix and self-polishing. Saltwater antifoulings are different because they contain biocides, and other elements that prevent corrosion. If you want to choose one, consider whether your boat spends more time in saltwater or freshwater throughout the year.
How Frequently Should Antifouling Paints be Replaced?
It depends. We said earlier that copper and nickel antifouling epoxy resin paint can last for up to ten years. This is not the norm. It is generally recommended that a boat’s patent coat be applied before the sailing season begins or, if not, after the sailing season depending on how the boat is kept.
This figure can be higher or less depending on how often the boat will be used and what type of water it will be sailing on. The higher the temperature of the water, the greater the chance that microorganisms adhere to the hull and the more damage the paint will sustain.
The right antifouling paint is the key to the best performance of your boat, whether you are sailing in fresh or saltwater, and to reduce fuel consumption. It will also help to prevent serious breakdowns. You will find it easier to select the right patent for your boat if you are aware of the various types currently available.
Cost-Effective Alternatives to Pipelines and Sea Intakes
Electrolytic systems that prevent marine biofouling in seawater pipes provide reliable and continuous protection without using chemicals.
The copper anodes are designed and manufactured to comply with EU Biocides Regulation 528/2012. Antifouling Systems, the number one in the world, have been installed on over 35,000 vessels worldwide and are the most widely used antifouling systems for sea intakes, cooling pipes and offshore platforms. The system is based upon the electrolytic principles and is very reliable.
The pipes can become blocked with organisms, which will reduce the efficiency of seawater cooling systems and cause damage to ship mechanics.