Antifouling Systems (ICAF)

Tecnoseal antifouling systems protect seawater circuits from the build-up of marine fouling, thanks to an innovative low-voltage technology that ensures effective and long-lasting performance.

What they are

ICAF antifouling systems are essentially low-voltage generators that supply small currents (in the order of milliamperes) to copper electrodes, typically fitted to the filter plugs in a vessel’s seawater circuit.

They are typically used on pleasure yachts, but also on commercial vessels.

The copper electrodes are sized according to the characteristics and materials of the seawater circuit.

An important factor in sizing an anti-fouling electrode and determining the supply current is the filter’s working flow rate.

This and other data are requested from customers in order to size an ICAF antifouling system.

Antifouling electrodes can be installed on seawater circuit filters, sea inlets or water treatment systems.

The typical installation depends on the design of the seawater circuit; the types of electrodes, installation methods and supply currents will be determined accordingly.

The power supply module, with its two basic configurations, can power between one and four electrodes in the MOD4 version, or between five and eight electrodes in the MOD8 version.

Both versions of the power supply module include a system for monitoring the electrochemical potentials of the hull and appendages, which can be activated at the customer’s request.

More detailed information is available in the dedicated brochure.

What they protect against

The use of ICAF antifouling systems is particularly important when seeking to prevent the build-up of marine fouling in seawater circuits.

An ICAF antifouling system utilises the biocidal properties of copper; the ions of which, dissolved in water by the effect of an electric current, create a biocidal film that deposits on the filter baskets and on parts of the pipework making up the seawater circuit.

ICAF antifouling systems should not be regarded as active cathodic protection systems, but rather as systems (powered by direct current) whose sole purpose is to prevent the formation of marine fouling.

The way we manufacture them

An ICAF antifouling system or installation essentially consists of two parts:

• The power module
• The copper electrodes

Various types of electrodes are manufactured at the Tecnoseal production site. Furthermore, the power modules are assembled within the Tecnoseal production departments.

The electronic circuit board was designed in-house by Tecnoseal’s R&D department, covering both the block diagram of the operating principle and the human-machine interfaces for its operation.

Production of the circuit board has been entrusted to one of the company’s long-standing partners.

At Tecnoseal, we design complete ICAF systems for both new builds and boats undergoing refit, whilst also offering a wide range of replacement electrodes for any existing system.

The meticulous work carried out by the production team ensures the high quality standards required by the marine market and certification bodies.

Why you should choose Tecnoseal

Choosing Tecnoseal is essential because of the high reliability of our product.

Continuous improvements to components, software and manufacturing techniques ensure that Tecnoseal’s ICAF antifouling systems are recognised in the market for their high quality.

Meticulously updated manuals and product certifications make the antifouling system an extremely reliable and competitive product.

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ANTIFOULING SYSTEM (ICAF/MGPS)

Fundamental parts of an ANTIFOULING SYSTEM

• Power supply equipped with a TOUCH-SCREEN monitor control panel
• One or more electrodes of various types
• Filter / sea chest / piping

Tecnoseal Antifouling System Product Features

The system dissolves the copper electrode; its ions, carried by the water flow, form a protective film on the metal surfaces of the seawater circuit (pipes, filters, baskets, sea chests). Tecnoseal offers a wide range of electrodes and mounting devices designed and manufactured specifically for all types of installation.

Many filters can be fitted with a polycarbonate inspection cover, and for this type of cover, Tecnoseal manufactures special brackets for installing the electrode.

Most of the filters can be equipped with an inspectable cover in polycarbonate and for this type of cover Tecnoseal manufactures special supports for installing the electrode.

System Functioning Scheme

ICAF Technical Features

• 24VDC power supply.
• Power supply cabinet dimensions: 300x300x200 / 300x400x200.
• 7-inch touchscreen display for setting all parameters and controlling the system.
  
• The power supply unit can power between 1 and 8 electrodes in the standard configuration, up to 32 electrodes in a custom configuration.
• Each ICAF electrode can be enabled or disabled individually.
• The system provides comprehensive information on the current supplied to each electrode, the circuit voltage and the electrical resistance.
• All information displayed on the control panel can be transmitted to the main monitoring system via the Modbus RTU communication protocol.
• The ICAF system’s power supply unit can be integrated with an electrochemical potential monitoring system to verify the vessel’s cathodic protection status.