SERVICE EXPERIENCE WITH SELF POLISHING COPOLYMER ANTIFOULING

SPC is a recent development claiming to make substantial savings possible on both fuel and drydockings by reducing skin friction. Under conditions of flow the rate of polishing is directly proportional to the localized turbulence. Furthermore, the polishing takes place more rapidly in the areas of roughness which induce turbulence. A progressive smoothing of the paint film results. The film continues to polish away at a controlled rate releasing the correct amount of biocide to combat marine organisms and it does so as long as any of the SPC film remains. Added to the antifouling performance, therefore, is the additional benefit of a surface which is progressively becoming smoother. Frictional resistance is reduced and speed loss from surface roughness minimized. Initially SPC and a conventional anti-fouling present the same profile, but in six months the SPC profile is beginning to erode, whereas the profile of the conventional coating remains unchanged with all the associated turbulence. Estimates of fuel savings are provided based on the Norwegian Ship Research Institute which indicate savings may be as high as 27 percent.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This article is also available from the British Ship Research Association, No. 47,204.
• Corporate Authors:

  Intec Press Limited

  3 Station Parade
  Whyteleafe, Surrey,   England 
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 11-13
• Serial:
  • Tanker and Bulker International
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: Intec Press Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antifouling coatings; Coatings; Energy conservation; Fuel conservation; Hulls; Paint; Roughness
• Old TRIS Terms: Antifouling systems; Coating performance; Hull roughness; Paint technology
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131210
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Intec Press Limited
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1976 12:00AM