ICAF Antifouling system

Marine fouling and biofouling commonly occur in seawater circulation systems. This involves the establishment of marine organisms and bacterial growths. The fouling organisms enter the system in microscopic and macroscopic form (eg. larvae) and spats settle and develop into adult forms wherever environmental conditions exist.

Hard fouling by mussels, barnacles etc, most commonly occurs in seawater circuits and can result in interference in flow conditions, blockage and increased corrosion. Traditional chemical methods of water treatment to prevent fouling are now less favoured, particularly chlorination. Chlorine accelerates corrosion rates, usually by causing pitting attack on steel, is environmentally unacceptable and treatment requires continuous monitoring and control.

Each microscopic controlled module supplies two anodes. The current flowing to each anode is indicated by digital display. This allows visual monitoring of all the separate anode currents. The unit also incorporates the following features as standard:

The antifouling anode is a rod of our Cuproline alloy used in conjunction with an anti-corrosion anode.

Depending on the location of the anti-corrosion anode in seawater circulation system and the metal it is protecting, the material will be one of two alloys: Aluminium or Iron.

The worldwide nature of Corrosion Group operation means that antifouling systems can be designed and fitted to vessels wherever in the world dry docking is available. Whilst installation is a straight forward procedure, Corrosion Group staff are always on hand to provide specialized advice and to assist with commissioning. In addition Corrosion Group can supply replacement anodes and spares for most types of antifouling systems and box coolers.

Sacrificial anodes are crucial in cathodic protection systems, as they actively corrode in place of the structure being protected. Made from metals like zinc, aluminum, or magnesium, these anodes provide protection and effectively halting the corrosion process.

Cathodic protection combats galvanic corrosion by neutralizing the potential difference between dissimilar metals. By using sacrificial anodes or impressed currents, the system prevents the less noble metal from corroding in environments where galvanic coupling occurs.

ICCP systems use an external power source to supply a continuous protective current to the structure. Unlike sacrificial anodes, ICCP systems offer precise control over the protection levels, making them ideal for larger or more complex structures like pipelines and marine vessels.

We are one of Scandinavia's leading suppliers of cathodic protection since 1989. Our headquarters are located in Ramlösa, Helsingborg, in southern Sweden.