SSI Researcher Advances Biofouling Technology

The Technology Gap Fund is designed to support University of Houston (UH) inventors in moving their early stage technologies closer to commercial readiness. Subsea Systems Institute (SSI) collaborating UH researcher Gangbing Song, was awarded $50,000 to support his activities to advance his biofouling technology. This funding is providing the avenue to initiate experiments to demonstrate the viability of the product in subsea conditions. A demonstration unit was constructed and on display at the Offshore Technology Conference 2018 at the UH Energy and SSI booths. Customer interviews have been conducted, showing an interest in licensing the product upon positive results obtained from the experiment. The product is designed as an antifouling unit specific for the subsea oil and gas industry. The technology in the product uses ultrasonic cleaning mechanisms to prevent the growth of biofilms and algae. The high strength vibrations shake off microbes from the surface of the subsea control panel and thus help avoid problems associated with biofouling. Potential industry partners are encouraged to contact the team for more information.

Diagram of general experimental setup. Prototype constantly driven by the amplifier.

Prototype antifouling and fouling timeline. Top and bottom surfaces are shown.