Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
The final mechanical cleaning device uses linear motion, a spinning roller brush, and fresh water jets to clean biofouling. Features:
Height Adjustment
Water Jets w/ four degrees of freedom (Adjustable Water Pressure)
Controls (Adjustable RPM & Linear Motion speeds)
Power supply
Summary of Performance
Summary of Performance
Cleaning Success
Cleaning Success
Ultimately, our device cleaned 100% of real biofouling off of a nylon mesh that is representative of OceanWell's intake filter.
Performance Results
Isolated Brush Cleaning on mock biofouling (crayon): 97%
Isolated Jet Cleaning on mock biofouling: 7%
Combined Cleaning on real biofouling: 100%
Before: Note the slight diamond pattern from the support mesh coverage
After: Holes are cut in mesh to secure in place while running test
Mechanics
Mechanics
IMG_3008.movLinear Motion
Linear Motion
Drives brush and nozzles across test plate, as directed by controller. Features:
Belt drive means only one motor is used
Corrosion resistant frame and bearings
Temporarily submersible stepper motor (30 min at 1 m depth)
Adjustable motion speed: 0-100 mm/s
Range of travel: 300 mm
Pump
Pump
The pump provides fresh water to the water jet system. Features:
Self-Priming
Adjustable Pressure: 310-550 kPa (45-80 psi)
IMG_1048_Nozzle.MOVWater Jets
Water Jets
Directs up to 5 nozzles onto test plate. Features:
Four degrees of freedom:
Adjustable angle of attack (0-180 degrees)
Adjustable height (0-120 mm)
Adjustable side-to-side angle (360 degrees)
Standardized, interchangeable nozzles, with multiple spray shapes
Plastic, flexible, push-to-connect tubing
Rotational Element
Rotational Element
Applies brush engagement force onto test plate. Features:
One-Size-Fits-All
Max brush size 241 mm (9.5 in)
Removeable Brushes
Gear Reduction (5:1)
Speed Range: 32 - 768 RPM
IMG_1047.MOVElectronics
Electronics
Power Supply
Power Supply
Linear motion and rotating brush are powered by one 24V, 20A power source, and can be easily plugged into a wall outlet.
Controller
Controller
Displays brush speed, cycle settings, linear motion speed and position.
Allows user to set testing parameters
Logs data on computer when connected to computer GUI
Controller_Video.MOVBiofouling Collection
Biofouling Collection
Deployment
Deployment
Biofouling was collected under the guidance of Dr. Dimitri Deheyn at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) Experimental Aquarium.
Nylon meshes were supported by large plastic meshes and placed in tanks of constantly flowing seawater for 6 weeks.
Before
After
Data Analysis
Data Analysis
Images were taken before and after cleaning. Using ImageJ the images were then processed using:
8-bit grayscale filter
Constant pixel value threshold
Constant region of interest
Results
Results
Imaging was conducted before and after biofouling collection (Week 0 and Week 5).
Ultimately our device cleaned 63% of crayon fouling
A note about Error...
A note about Error...
The image analysis only considered macroscopic biofouling and only considered 4 significant figures. So, traces of biofouling or biofilm may still exist after cleaning, but it was light enough that it could not be picked up from ImageJ and therefore would not impede the flow through OceanWell's LifeSafe Intake.
Additonal Components
Additonal Components
Water Bath
Water Bath
50 Gal Clear Stacker Box
House electronic box and filled with water
1 m x 0.55 m x 0.45 m (39-3/4 in. x 21-1/2 in. x 17-7/8 in)
Clips for wiring and tubing
Test Plate
Test Plate
Two types of test plates:
Nylon mesh on honeycomb backing
200 x 200 mm (8 x 8 in)
Similar to actual LifeSafe Intake
Flat acrylic plate
254 x 203 mm (10 x 8 in)
Simple
Clamping mechanism:
Adjustable to fit different size plates
Quick release
Glued to the tub
Video Demonstrations
Video Demonstrations
IMG_3008.movTesting on Dirt
Testing on Dirt
IMG_1034.MOVTesting on Crayon
Testing on Crayon
IMG_1044_Neutop.MOVFinal Testing on Crayon
Final Testing on Crayon
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