Evaluation of Brushes for Removal of Fouling from Fouling-release Surfaces, Using a Hydraulic Cleaning Device

Abstract

A portable hydraulic device has been developed for use in optimizing the design of brushes and cleaning units that may be employed to maintain fouling-release coatings. Laboratory tests showed that characteristics of experimental cleaning brushes, including bristle stiffness, density, and angle, significantly affected the shear and normal forces imparted to the surface and thus, to any encrusting organisms. The standoff distance between the cleaning unit and the surface also influenced the forces generated. The rate of rotation of the brush, however, had little effect on force. The hydraulic device, with its experimental brushes, can also be used to evaluate the cleanability of fouling-release surfaces in situ, or to assess wear of the coating system due to cleaning.