Introducing FUJIFILM Hunt Smart Surfaces' Duplex Fouling Realease System

04 October 2007 11:30

Fouling of marine surfaces by barnacles and other organisms that attach to ship's surfaces is an expensive and challenging problem for all seafaring vessels. Whether pleasure boats or commercial shipping, the added weight and increased drag caused by these biofoulant organisms reduces speed, increases fuel consumption and necessitates significant downtime and increased maintenance expense.

Equally challenging is developing a coating that resists fouling, but does not pose a risk to the environment or to human health. Until recently, the universal approach to this problem relied on anti-fouling coatings applied to surfaces that contain biocides (poisons) in order to kill the marine growth. Unfortunately, all such coatings are toxic and recent international legislation has established that use of such coatings containing Tributyltin will be prohibited by the year 2008. In addition, other coatings containing Copper are under increased regulatory scrutiny.

FUJIFILM Hunt Smart Surfaces, LLC is now proud to introduce its Duplex fouling release system technology. Our non-toxic solution is a patented, thicker, stronger, more effective silicone-based coating that causes marine organisms to release from surfaces. A solution that will not only save the sea, but also save your budget.

NOT ALL FOULING RELEASE TECHNOLOGIES ARE CREATED EQUAL!

Conventional systems can be vulnerable to wear and tear from debris in water or from contact with other structures. Our Duplex fouling release system is proven to be 20 to 50 times more durable than other fouling release coatings, providing steady long-term performance. In addition, our Duplex tie coat formula incorporates nanotechnology for unique synergy of four layers - two epoxy anti-corrosion layers and a tough protective silicone topcoat, which are effectively interlocked by a unique thermoplastic elastomeric tie formula that forms a molecular bond. The synergy among the four creates superior adhesion, which is far greater than anything currently in use. This patented solution unites durability, longevity, clean-ability, reparability and cost-effectiveness in a single product.

With the phasing our of toxic antifouling coatings, our non-toxic Duplex System offers increased fuel efficiency, decreased maintenance costs, decreased downtime and total compliance with environmental regulations - all at the lowest release speed in the industry.

Smart reasons to choose Smart Surfaces:

• Non-toxic, environmentally friendly - no heavy metals or biocides. VOC Compliant. No EPA reporting under FIFRA
• Maintenance savings - labor intensive scraping is eliminated, and cleaning processes are streamlined
• Superior release - removal by water jet with normal pressure or by self-cleaning with constant water flow
• Efficient release range - 12 knots – 43 knots
• Fuel savings - 6 to 10% reduction in fuel consumption
• Easy to apply – applied with conventional airless spray equipment
• Strength – unique technology that enables use on high speed vessels

Superior bio-fouling protection is also compatible with superior environmental and cost protection.