Sonihull Ultrasonic
Antifouling system

The market leader in Ultrasonic Antifouling

A solution to a structural problem

In the maritime sector, the occurrence of biological pollution causes serious disruptions, extensive maintenance and ultimately enormous costs. These are related to damage, increased fuel consumption (up to 30%!) and risks of overheated engines and generators.
Moreover, this can result in dangerous situations when used in harsh conditions.

The approach is based on a system with the unique recipe of a combination between the “low power” consuming transducers and the intelligent software. This is the result of 15+ years of R&D. Our other valuable principle is fact that we make use of the resonance of the rigid structure in order to transport the Ultrasonic signal. No transducers will be placed in the liquid itself, but only installed in the ‘dry zone’ of the rigid structure. (steel plate, box cooler cover, strainer, bearing structure of propeller axle). This results in the fact that our transducers become highly focussed and controlled. Furthermore, the system enables 8 transducers to emit Ultrasound simultaneously which increases the effect and the covered areas significantly.

Very precisely tuned to the different kind of micro-organisms, the Ultrasonic system prevents the organisms to grow from the very first moment and, in early stages it will even be removed. The system is completely maintenance free. The number of installations is growing rapidly as our list with references shows significant number of users with variable applications. Next to all the applications we can see a fast growth in numbers of Box coolers with serious positive results.
The installation of an Ultrasonic system is easy. There is no need for the vessel to go to dry dock. The installation can be done at any given time. The system needs a constant 220 VAC which needs to be on 24/7. It consumes 3,6 Watt per transducer.

The system has an internal registration that will log the hours in operation. In case of a power failure the system will automatically start up after the power has been recovered and will use the default value registered.
The only really important property is that this system is a preventive system. This means that is is absolutely necessary to start with a clean surface, wether it concerns a box cooler, seachest, filter, thruster or hull. So if a vessel is clean, the system needs to be installed at latest within a week from the vessel coming in contact with water again. This is an important precondition.

Highly effective and efficient

Highly effective and efficient against biofilm, fouling, marine growth on: 
hulls, box coolers (LT/HT), plate coolers, strainers, fresh water generators, propellers, bowthrusters

Highly effective and efficient against biofilm and clogging on:
liquid carrying surfaces like pipes, plate heat exchangers, tanks, process water lines

Technical Highlights

Many advantages

Less maintenance

Working Principle of Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling

The uniqueness of Ultrasonic Antifouling is the combination between the “low power” consuming transducers and the intelligent software, which results in the transducers to be directed highly focussed and controlled. The system runs a very precisely tuned program of several frequencies and power consumptions.

The transducers need to be glued with special industrial glue onto the requested applications. The metal transports the ultrasonic signals into the liquid (mostly water) and as a consequence it will diffuse completely through the medium (see pictures).

These diffused ultrasonic waves will prevent the biofilm and will even remove it in early stages. Consequently the Ultrasonic Antifouling system prevents fouling, marine growth, bacteria, clogging and blockage.

Due to the fact that the emitted ultrasound is running on several different frequencies which only avoid biofilm and destroy unicellular organisms, it doesn’t harm the environment as fishes, dolphins, whales or human beings.

The system needs a constant power supply which has to be provided 24/7. It consumes max 3.6 Watt per transducer.

The system doesn’t require any maintenance.

Due to the fact that Ultrasonic Antifouling is a preventive system it’s necessary to start with a clean surface.
Installation of the Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling System is very easy. There is no need for the vessel to go to dry dock. The installation can be realised at any given time. Only hull protection installations require dry dock conditions to reach the ballast water tanks, if applicable.