Seawater Electrochlorination to Prevent Marine Biofouling-
Adapting to Rising Ocean Temperatures

As ocean temperatures rise to record levels, coastal and offshore industries are grappling with increasingly complex challenges. One of the most significant among them is marine biofouling—the accumulation of aquatic organisms like algae, barnacles, and mollusks on underwater surfaces. This growth is more than a mere inconvenience; it can clog seawater intake systems, corrode pipelines, and drastically reduce the efficiency of essential equipment.

Marine heatwaves, which have surged by 34% in frequency and 17% in duration since the mid-20th century, amplify the problem. A study published in Nature highlights how these heatwaves are reshaping industries dependent on clean seawater, from power plants to offshore oil rigs. With 2022 marking the warmest ocean temperatures ever recorded, the urgency for effective biofouling control solutions has never been greater.

The Escalating Challenge of Biofouling

Warmer waters are a breeding ground for biofouling. For instance, an offshore facility in northern Mexico recorded a 4°C rise in average summer water temperatures, triggering rapid organism growth that clogged cooling circuits, increased maintenance costs, and caused frequent operational disruptions.

This isn’t an isolated issue. Globally, rising marine temperatures are fueling faster growth and greater attachment rates of biofouling organisms. The repercussions? Blockages, elevated energy consumption, and accelerated wear on critical infrastructure. The cost of ignoring this growing threat is operational inefficiency and higher environmental impact.

Seawater Electrochlorination: A Solution to the Biofouling Problem

With marine biofouling on the rise, industries are exploring various strategies to manage the issue. One common method is the use of sodium hypochlorite, which acts as a disinfectant to control biofouling in seawater systems. However, traditional bulk sodium hypochlorite comes with its own set of challenges—logistics, storage degradation, and cost being the most significant. Moreover, with warming waters, the demands placed on biofouling control systems are only intensifying, pushing current solutions to their limits.

This is where Pristine Water’s Seawater Electrochlorination System emerges as a compelling solution. By using seawater to generate sodium hypochlorite on-site, coastal and offshore operations can effectively combat the increasing threat of marine biofouling without relying on the complexities of bulk chemical logistics.

On-site seawater electrochlorination offers a range of benefits:

• Precise Control: Operators can adjust sodium hypochlorite production to meet the changing levels of biofouling in real time.
• Reduced Costs: Generating sodium hypochlorite on-site can be more cost-effective than purchasing and storing bulk chemicals, especially in remote offshore environments.
• Safety and Sustainability: On-site systems minimize the need for hazardous chemical storage and transportation, enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact.

Maintaining a Seawater Electrochlorination System

To ensure reliability, proper maintenance of seawater electrochlorination systems is essential. Regular monitoring and cleaning of electrolytic cells, especially in areas with varying water quality, can extend the lifespan of the equipment. Advanced systems with self-cleaning mechanisms can further reduce maintenance demands, offering long-term, cost-effective protection against biofouling.

As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the choice of biofouling control will become even more critical. On-site seawater electrochlorination systems represent a forward-looking solution, capable of adapting to the increasing challenges brought on by a warming world. Industries that rely on seawater need solutions that are not only effective today but can keep pace with tomorrow’s demands.

Ready to Learn More? Contact us today to explore how our advanced seawater electrochlorination systems can meet your specific needs and help you stay ahead of the challenges posed by a warming ocean.

Get in Touch or Request a Free Consultation to discuss how we can tailor a solution for your unique operational requirements. Email us at sales@pristinewater.in for more information.