Chlorination, electrochlorination, copper-nickel alloys, UV and pulse dosing to stop mussels, barnacles and biofilm crippling seawater intake capacity.
Engineering Excellence for Marine Environments
Submerged intake surfaces are colonised within weeks by mussels, barnacles, hydroids and biofilm that restrict flow, raise head loss and accelerate corrosion — unchecked biofouling can cut intake capacity by half. Effective control combines oxidant dosing, antifouling materials and, where needed, UV or thermal treatment, balanced against disinfection-by-product and discharge limits.
Layered antifouling strategy
Low sodium-hypochlorite residual maintained through the intake to suppress settlement and biofilm.
Intermittent high-dose or short pulses exploit mussel valve behaviour at a fraction of the total chlorine.
Hypochlorite generated from seawater on site — no bulk chemical storage or delivery.
90/10 and 70/30 Cu-Ni screens and pipework are inherently antifouling and corrosion resistant.
Chemical-free control for environmentally sensitive sites and polishing duty.
Periodic heat treatment, pigging and mechanical cleaning of pipelines and screens.
Matched to organism and discharge limits
| Regime | Target | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous low-dose | 0.5 – 2.0 mg/L free Cl₂ residual | Heavy fouling pressure, warm waters |
| Intermittent | 2 – 5 mg/L, a few hours/day | Moderate fouling; chemical saving |
| Shock | 5 – 10 mg/L, short duration | Periodic knock-down of established growth |
| Pulse-chlorination | <0.5 mg/L in short pulses | Mussel control at minimum dose & DBP |
Dosing must be balanced against trihalomethane / disinfection-by-product limits and the need to protect downstream membranes — see RO membrane protection and our chemical treatment services.
Continue across the seawater intake engineering series
Offshore submerged intakes and velocity-cap headworks for the largest duties.
Read MoreBeach wells and infiltration galleries for naturally filtered, low-SDI feed.
Read MoreSuper duplex, Cu-Ni, titanium and cathodic protection for marine service.
Read MoreMulti-stage screening for debris, seaweed and jellyfish.
Read More316(b) fish protection, velocity caps and low-entrainment design.
Read MoreThe full seawater intake hub — challenges, configurations and specifications.
Read MoreChlorination and dosing systems for biofouling control.
Read MoreProtecting downstream RO membranes from fouling and oxidants.
Read MoreSuper duplex, Cu-Ni, titanium and cathodic protection for marine service.
Read MoreBar, band and drum screens for intake debris removal.
Read MoreTalk to our marine engineering team about biofouling control and a complete, compliant intake package — survivable, low-fouling and built for decades of service.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.
Send your influent analysis and our engineers assess your process and recommend a tailored treatment solution — free, confidential and no obligation.
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