Pulsed electric field method and apparatus for preventing biofouling on aquatic surfaces

Abstract

An electrode system for preventing biofouling of a surface either is applied directly onto the surface of an aquatic vehicle or structure, if the surface is non-conducting; or is applied onto an insulating paint layer on the surface, if the surface is conducting; or is embedded in a layer of electrically non-conducting material. The electrode system includes two alternating sets of electrodes in the form of spaced, parallel strips made from any conductive material, preferably a conductive coating, the first set being provided with a number n of parallel electrodes, and the second set being provided with a number n−1 of parallel electrodes, with the positions of the electrodes of the first set alternating with the positions of the electrodes of the second set. The geometry of the electrodes is such that when the voltage is applied, the electric field radiates outwardly parallel to the surface of the structure. All of the electrodes of both sets preferably are of substantially equal length, and the electrodes of each set preferably are of substantially equal width. The electrodes of the first set can be the same width as the electrodes of the second set, or a different width. In a method for preventing biofouling, the electrode system is used to apply a pulsed voltage to a surface.