How Ultrasonic Works to Prevent Growth

Water borne micro-organisms and bacteria attach and multiply to the submerged hull area creating bio-film layer ‘slime’. Algae cells also attach in the same way and develop into complex marine structures known as seaweeds. This eco-system provides an ideal food source and environment for growth including colonisation of barnacles formed from juvenile cyprid larvae assessing suitable surfaces to attach on.

The Ultra system works by emitting a specific and scientifically researched low powered pulsed ultrasonic frequencies from a digital control unit, via transducers that are in direct contact with the inside of the hull. The hull acts as a sound board, carrying the sound waves, creating a microscopic environment of moving water molecules over the entire underwater profile of the hull. As a result growth is prevented as the cell structures of the algae and micro-organisms are targeted and cannot survive.

While sound waves are resonating throughout the hull form because the transducers are directly fixed to the hull inside, the stern gear (propellers, shafts and drives) are acoustically isolated from the sound within the hull, due to the seals used in their attachment. However, in the proximity of the transducer, the ultrasound signal also dissipates out into the water in an 180o arc below the hull surface. With correct positioning of transducers, the system can also help to some degree in keeping the stern gear clear, although not quite so effectively as the hull.