Background – Marine Growth Issue
1.1 How Marine Growth Occurs
Marine growth (barnacles) may cause premature coating failures, increase wave loading and weaken structures.
How Barnacles attaches its self to a structure:
- A single adult barnacle may release over 10,000 larvae. The numerous Nauplius
are then released into the water as plankton. - As it grows and develops, it reaches the cyprid larvae stage.
- When everything is right, the cyprid larvae uses special cement glands in its antennae
to attach itself to the rig/pile structure. - Now the barnacle will live out its life living inside its “house” firmly attached to one
spot on the structure. It cannot move about and is dependent upon the high tides to
bring all the things that it needs to survive.
1.2 Problem with Marine Growth
Marine growth also has become a serious problem for offshore and jetty operators today.
Marine growth causes premature damage to coatings. It obscures the substratum and has to be remove before inspection any NDT can be carried out.
It is vitally important to prevent biofouling on the structure.
- Product Information
2.1 What is a Marine – Pile Guard
Marine-Pile Guard is a cost effective, field proven and environmentally friendly
solution to prevent and protect structures from marine growth.
Marine-Pile Guard is powered by natural ocean forces. The continuous sweeping motion contact by the rubber rollers against the substrate, breaks down the marine colonization process of micro-fouling thus permanently preventing the marine growth on piles or structures.
- Benefits
- Fast and easy installation
- Reduces maintenance cost
- Prevents coating breakdown
- Visual inspection of splash zone
- Extends useful life of structures
- Environmentally friendly
