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The Future of Antifouling, Now !

The eco-friendly antifouling solution the marine industry has been waiting for

SMART SYSTEM ANTIFOULING

Logo Smart System

SMART SYSTEM · Ultrasonic Antifouling

Explore our Smart Antifouling System, the ultimate solution for boat maintenance. Offering eco-friendly, easy-to-install hull protection, it's the perfect blend of technology and sustainability. Protect your vessel with our advanced, non-toxic system and enjoy smoother sailing with reduced maintenance costs.

Zero poisonous environmental legacy

Unlike biocidal coatings and impressed-current systems, Smart System is low cost, low maintenance with zero poisonous environmental legacy.

Ultrasonic antifouling presents a groundbreaking approach to a longstanding challenge in boat maintenance. Watercraft are naturally prone to the accumulation of organisms like algae and barnacles beneath the waterline, leading to unsightly and damaging buildup. This traditional problem, if left unattended, can significantly impair a boat's performance and efficiency. Ultrasonic antifouling systems offer a proactive, low-effort solution. These systems utilize ultrasonic waves to prevent the accumulation of marine growth, ensuring the hull remains clean and efficient. By preventing significant buildup, these systems not only maintain the boat's aesthetic appeal but also enhance its speed and fuel efficiency. The technology effectively eliminates the labor-intensive process of regular fouling removal, allowing for effortless and continuous maintenance.

Protects inside-and-outside

From hulls, shafts, propellers and waterjets, to sea-chests, tanks, keel-coolers, box-coolers, pipework, intakes and valves.

SMART SYSTEM MODELS

There are two Smart Systems, the Smart 2 Lite and Smart 6 PRO
Not sure which Smart System is right for you ?
Contact us and one of our friendly experts will help you.

Smart 2 Lite Smart 6 PRO
Number of transducers 2 6
DC supply 12/24V 12/24V
AC supply 110/240V external 110/240V external
Board cooling ✓ ✓
LCD display x On board
Transducer power 60W 60W
Transducer band 2 resonate bands 25/45kHz 2 resonate bands 25/45kHz
Frequency range 20-55kHz 20-55kHz
Transducer mode operation one by one or both All at once - max efficiency over hull, sequential, random
Transducer power adjust 4 steps DIP switch 10 steps on LCD
Transducer burst time 2 steps DIP switch Adjustable 200ms - 900ms
Transducer pause time between burst 2 steps DIP switch Adjustable 200ms - 400ms
Average consumption per transducer x On board
Average consumption per transducer 250mA - 1,3A 350mA - 1,5A
Output transducer voltage 300V (1000Vpp) 300V (1200Vpp)
Programable Timer mode x ✓
Programable night mode min power x ✓
Low voltage protection ✓ ✓
Smart LITE2 Dual Band- up to 30ft/unit

Smart LITE 2 - For yachts up to 30 feet

Smart PRO6 Dual Band – up to 60ft/unit

Smart PRO 6 - For yachts up to 60 feet

Biocides are not a long term solution

Ultrasound has already proven its antifouling credentials in the food, brewing and aquaculture industries. By 2026, any marine antifouling system that uses a biocide will have to be resubmitted for lengthy and expensive approvals.

Coating industry insiders expect that many of the current biocide systems will be discontinued before 2026, as demand grows for future-proof biocide-free solutions.

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Key Features of Smart System Antifouling

Environmentally Friendly

Effective bio-fouling without the poisonous environmental legacy of biocides or microplastics.

Easy Installation

No drydocking, no through-hull fittings, no expensive Impressed Current Antifouling copper anodes to replace.

No Disturbance

Inaudible to humans and marine life with no interference to sonar and electronic equipment.

Lower Power Consumption

At only 250mA - 1,3A per transducer, Smart System Antifouling is ideal for onboard, standby or remote power.

Lower Fuel Consumption

Clean hull, propellers and rudders can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%.

Lower Operating Costs

Can save up to 95% of capital and MRO costs when compared to impressed-current antifouling systems.

HOW DOES IT WORK ?

This innovative antifouling technology is ideal for yachts, boats, and sailboats. The system, which includes a transducer and generator, is mounted on the inside of the hull, allowing the vessel to remain in the water during installation. It's particularly suitable for hulls made of materials such as aluminum, carbon, steel, and GRP.

The effectiveness of this ultrasonic antifouling system is noteworthy. It operates by emitting multiple frequencies of ultrasonic sound waves in rapid bursts. These sound waves create a dynamic environment of alternating high and low pressure. The low pressure generates microscopic bubbles, while the high pressure causes these bubbles to collapse, a phenomenon known as cavitation. This process not only prevents micro fouling but also inhibits the growth of larger organisms like barnacles.

This new antifouling approach leverages the cavitation effect to disrupt the cells of microorganisms, thereby preventing them from attaching to the boat's underwater parts like the hull, rudder, and propeller. By doing so, it also curtails the growth of algae and seashells, which are often attracted to these areas. An added benefit of this technology is its environmental friendliness.

Ultrasonic technology, commonly used in industries and medicine for cleaning, is the foundation of this device. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy via a transducer. This transducer emits ultrasonic vibrations that resonate through the boat's hull, effectively preventing biofilm formation. Moreover, this electronic barnacle protection system is safe for dogs, making it an excellent choice for pet-friendly boating.

Where To Position The Transducers?

Ideal for Yachts, Boats, and Sailboats, this ultrasonic antifouling system is designed for easy installation on various hull types including Aluminum, Carbon, Steel, and GRP. The transducer and generator are installed inside the hull, allowing the vessel to remain in water during installation. The system's processor in the Main Box offers individual control over each transducer, optimizing power, frequency, and operating time based on the area of most significant fouling, such as propellers and rudders.

For effective distribution:

  • Install one transducer per 10m² at the bow.
  • Install one transducer per 5m² at the stern, focusing on areas near rudders, propellers, and flaps.

Example configurations:

  1. For a 36Ft motor yacht with 1 or 2 engines, use 2 LITE2 sets with 4 transducers.
  2. For a 50Ft motor yacht with 1 or 2 engines, use a PRO6 set with 6 transducers.
  3. For a 45Ft sailboat, use 2 LITE2 sets with 4 transducers.
  4. For a 28Ft motor boat with an outboard engine, use a LITE2 set with 2 transducers, placing one at the bow and one at the stern.
Smart System Antifouling Mounting locations on the yacht

Motor Yacht Position up to 30ft

Mounting locations on the sailboat

Sailing Boat Position up to 30ft

Motor Yach

Motor Yacht up to 60 feet

ECO-FRIENDLY

Reduce your carbon footprint!

With new environmental regulations set to substantially reduce the effectiveness of traditional antifouling paints, Smart System offers Ultrasonic Antifouling as a pro-active addition to traditional antifouling methods.

Tests have demonstrated that electronic antifouling products have no adverse effect to fish and marine mammals. The ultrasonic frequencies stay very close to the hull structure and it is demonstrable that the signal does not stray into open water.

 

FAQ'S

Here are common questions we receive about Smart System Antifouling.
If you can't find an answer to your question here please feel free to contact us.

Smart antifouling refers to the use of advanced technologies and materials to prevent the accumulation of marine organisms like algae, barnacles, and mussels on submerged surfaces of ships, boats, and maritime structures.
These systems are designed to be more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective compared to traditional antifouling methods.

Traditional antifouling methods often involve the use of harmful chemicals that can leach into the ocean, causing damage to marine life.
Smart antifouling systems, on the other hand, use less toxic or non-toxic materials, and some even employ physical methods or natural compounds to deter organisms. This reduces the ecological footprint of maritime operations and contributes to preserving marine ecosystems.

"Cavitation" is the rapid formation and collapse of millions of tiny bubbles (or cavities) in a liquid. Cavitation is produced by the alternating high and low pressure waves generated by high frequency (ultrasonic) sound. During the low pressure phase, these bubbles grow from a microscopic size until, during the high pressure phase, they are compressed and implode.

Tests show that there is no danger to fish or marine mammals, (but if they can hear the ultra high frequencies and don't like it, they only have to swim a few more inches away from the hull to avoid the problem!)

Painting the hull is not only for purpose of antifouling, it is also an important waterproofing barrier, protecting the gel coat from the effects (and immense cost) of osmosis. Therefore we would still recommend that the boat is protected under the water line. In some cases to maximize performance some yacht owners who have installed the Smart System have opted to use a harder grade of antifouling paint, as apposed to the soft self polishing versions which have a higher drag factor through the water. So although there is still a need for painting below the water line, when using the Smart System the need to do so will be greatly reduced.

Smart antifouling is used in various sectors of the maritime industry. Its primary applications include commercial shipping, where it helps maintain ship hulls for efficient fuel usage; leisure boating, to keep boats' performance and appearance; and on offshore structures like oil rigs and wind farms, to prevent biofouling that can lead to corrosion and operational inefficiencies.

The main challenges include the development of materials and systems that are both effective and environmentally friendly. There's also a need for solutions that are cost-effective and easy to apply or maintain. Technological barriers, such as creating systems that can withstand various marine conditions and ensuring long-term durability, are also significant challenges.

The future of smart antifouling technology looks promising, with ongoing research focusing on innovative materials and methods. These include nanotechnology-based coatings, biologically inspired solutions, and environmentally friendly chemical compounds. The goal is to develop systems that are not only more effective but also more sustainable, potentially transforming the way we maintain and operate maritime vessels and structures.

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