Method for protecting underwater surfaces against pollution due to fouling, and brush and coating agent used therewith

• US 20020182980A1
• Filed: 06/21/2002
• Published: 12/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boudewijn Gabriel Van Rompay
• Original Assignee: Boudewijn Gabriel Van Rompay
• Inventors: Van Rompay, Boudewijn Gabriel
• Granted Patent: US 6,692,336 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 451/28
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 2200/3093 Brush with abrasive properties, e.g. wire bristles
• CPC Class Codes: A46D 1/00 Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles making artificial bristles D01D, D01F
• CPC Class Codes: B24B 1/00 Processes of grinding or polishing; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such processes
• CPC Class Codes: B24D 13/10 comprising assemblies of brushes
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 59/04 Preventing hull fouling anti-fouling paints C09D5/16
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 59/06 Cleaning devices for hulls
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 5/1618 inorganic
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 5/1687 Use of special additives

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for protecting an underwater surface (3) against pollution due to fouling, in particular a metal surface, upon which a coating (4) is applied, whereby the coating (4), in the presence of water, is brushed or polished smooth with at least one brush (8) having brushes (9) made of synthetic material in which a grinding agent (10) is embedded. In the coating (4), glass flakes (5) are embedded to which silver is bonded.

Claims

1. Method for protecting an underwater surface (3) against pollution due to fouling, in particular a metal surface, upon which a coating (4) has been applied, wherein glass flakes are provided characterized in that the coating (4) is brushed or polished smooth before or after fouling, in the presence of water, with at least one brush (8) having bristles (9) of synthetic material in which a grinding agent (10) is embedded.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a coating (4) based on synthetic material is applied.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brushing or polishing is performed under water.

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brushing or polishing is performed aground, but that during brushing or polishing water is applied on the brushed or polished surface.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brushing or polishing is performed with a brush (8) with bristles (9) in which aluminium oxide or silicium carbide particles are embedded.

6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the brushing or polishing is performed with a brush (8), the bristles of which are manufactured of supple synthetic material, such as, amongst others, nylon, polyethylene, polyester and similar.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, charcterized in that a coating (4) is brushed or polished, in which glass flakes (5) are provided to which a non-toxic agent against micro-organisms is bonded.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the coating (4) is applied in at least two layers, whereby at least in the outermost layer, glass flakes (5) are present, with a non-toxic agent against micro-organisms bonded thereto.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, as a non-toxic agent against micro-organisms, a metal is used which decelerates the growth of micro-organisms and/or kills these latter.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that silver is bonded to the glass flakes (5) as an agent against micro-organisms.