Sonar Dome
Application
US Patent 7,390,560 & Patents Pending
The technology comprises a system for removing fouling from
the surface of sonar domes on command. PEL’s patented Smart
Coating Systems US 7,390,560, teaches the technology. Array
layers are readily attached to the selected sonar dome
surface. On activation the top layer is released with the
fouling. Target sonar domes for underwater and surface ships
are candidate applications.
The mechanism involves energetic input across the array
which releases the fouled layer. A number of prototypes have
been prepared, in the laboratory, and in the marine
environment. Activation was readily achieved by energy
input. Figure 1 shows removal of fouled layer from smart
array patch. Figure 2 shows the cleaned surface after
fouling removal applicable to sonar domes.
With this method the dome surface will no longer need to be
cleaned every few months, and the dome life will be
extended. It will no longer require expensive and
environmentally undesirable paint materials to prevent
fouling. Fouled layers can readily be collected on shedding
keeping the environment cleaner. Installation of arrays
should be much less labor intensive than current
scrape/sand/and paint methods. Dome communications will
function without the serious fouling interference. Also
there should be less drag effects in the enclosed
environment. We estimate about 10-20% longer dome life and labor
savings translating into millions of dollars annually saved
by this method.
The method should eliminate many problems due to marine
growth such as localized corrosion, coating damage,
decreased speed, increased fuel consumption, reduced
buoyancy, increased vessel displacement, and decreased
effectiveness of acoustic sensors. As show in figure 3 a ship sonar dome with smart coating/fouling release system
consists of three layers: the inner sonar dome layer, a
release layer, and the outer coating layer. In the marine
environment the outer layer will be fouled over time. By
releasing the outer layer with energy input such as
microwave, the fouled layer of sonar dome will be released.
Patent US 7,390,560
Figure 1
Technology Demonstration in Marine
Environment
Fouled top layer is removed leaving clean layer
exposed. Energy input facilitates removal. Fouled
layer is readily collected and disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner. |
Patent US 7,390,560
Figure 2
Technology Demonstration in Marine
Environment
On removal of the top fouled layer shown above a
clean layer is exposed as depicted here.
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During
Coating Removal
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After Top
Coat Removal
 |
Figure 3
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