Marine macrofouling: a review of control technology in the context of an on-line experiment in the turbine condenser water box of Al-Jubail Phase-1 power/MSF plants

Abstract

The problem of macrofouling has serious implications in the performance of desalination and power plants. Intake structures, screens, seawater piping systems and heat-exchanger tubes are the sites worst affected in the plants, causing an overall decline in plant efficiency at great economic cost. The last half century has witnessed significant advancements in the development ofmacrofouling control technologies. Materials of inherent antifouling properties are widely used in the construction sector. Control technologies available include antifouling paints and coatings, injection of biocides, marine bio-active compounds, materials of inherent antifouling properties, heat treatment, pulse-power devices, UV and nuclear radiation, scrubbing devices, biological control, etc. A literature search carried out during the last few years has yielded about 450 references. This paper presents, in a very concise manner, state-of-the- art macrofouling control technologies pertinent to desalination and power plants in the Kingdom. The paper also discusses the issues of biofouling control in the Al-Jubail plants based on the results of an on-line macrofouling experiment conducted in one of the turbine condensers of Al-Jubail phase-I MSF/power plants.