An overview of the antifouling technologies in power plant cooling water systems

This paper reviews biofouling control procedures in Japanese power station cooling water systems. Antifouling paints and chlorination are widely used to prevent biofouling. Silicone-based coatings and self-polishing paints containing Cu2O are used commonly as antifouling coatings. Silicone-based paints are very effective under high water velocity. There are several kinds of cleaning and inspection robots to remove fouling organisms in intake culverts. Antifouling methods for condensers comprise online sponge ball cleaning, back wash, and self-cleaning debris filters. Electro-conductive paint and electrochemical methods are used in limited areas in cooling water systems. A robot has been developed for cleaning and inspection of condenser tubes.