Cathodic Protection Co Ltd - Marine Growth Anti-Fouling Systems

Cathodic Protection Co Ltd has been designing and manufacturing Cuprion™ marine growth anti-fouling systems for more than 35 years with systems installed in six oceans around the globe. Cuprion can be applied to pumps, water intakes, cooling systems, banding screens, ships and marine vessels to prevent hard marine bio-fouling. Examples include barnacles, limpets, mussels and tubeworms. 

A typical example can be seen in image one, which shows mussel colonisation of a marine pump. Prevention of this marine growth ensures safety, asset integrity, extended asset lifetime, reduced maintenance shutdowns and increased operational efficiency.

Marine growth anti-fouling systems for offshore equipment

The Cuprion marine growth anti-fouling system releases copper ions into seawater utilising a small electrical DC current. Delivery of this anti-foulant solution is achieved using a purpose-made electrode unit powered by a fully automatic control panel. The copper / aluminium elements provided in the electrode unit are positively charged while the steel electrode frame is used for the negative return path to complete the DC circuit.

The required dosage of copper ions is extremely small and measured in micrograms per litre of seawater, leading to relatively small quantities of copper to stop marine growth.

Automatic regulation of the Cuprion system is achieved utilising a signal from the pump controller to the Cuprion control panel, ensuring correct dosing levels during 'flow' and 'standby' conditions. This automatic feature also offers extended electrode life for a given weight of copper.

Aluminium electrodes produce aluminium hydroxide, which combines with the copper ions keeping them in suspension, thus preventing fouling at intake source and on downstream piping. In addition the aluminium ions modify the formation of cathodic chalks and ion oxide products, thus reducing the effects of internal corrosion.

Marine anti-fouling specialists

Some of CPCL’s recent Cuprion clients include ADMA-OPCO, BP, BHP Billiton, Centrica, EXXON Mobil, GUPCO, Saipem, Talisman Energy, Total and Zadco to name a few. Our speciality is working hand in hand with our clients to achieve optimised solutions whilst remaining in accordance with in-house specifications.

Where clients are unsure as to the selection of performance parameters and operational requirements, we are happy to utilise our in-depth knowledge to produce project-specific documents for electrolytic anti-fouling systems. Whilst we have a range of standard products, we can and do adapt to suit project and geographical needs.

Marine growth anti-fouling system applications

With over 35 years' design experience, Cathodic Protection Co Ltd has provided Cuprion systems in all regions of the world. Typical applications include:

• Offshore sea / fire water lift pumps
• FPSO / FSO seawater intakes
• Jetty / dockside fire pumps
• Industrial seawater cooling systems
• Ships and marine vessels
• Desalination plants