Non-Abrasive Propeller Cleaning System (NAPCS)

The propeller cleaning system developed in this project uses DYNAFLOW"s advanced cavitating and resonating waterjet technology. This non-abrasive technology uses the growth and collapse of cavitating microstructures in the submerged jet over the fouling to remove it. In Phase I, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility of such a DYNAJETS diver tool with self-rotating multi-nozzle heads and developed the concept design through experiments on surrogate fouled NAB plates. The design allows self-induced rotation to increase coverage, simplify diver efforts, and clean the propeller surface efficiently and safely. In the proposed Phase II development work, we will conduct more systematic tests to improve the efficiency and ergonomic of this tool concept further and develop a prototype system, which will be built and tested in field during Phase II Option. Our fundamental and long term involvement with cavitation, erosion, and cavitating jet studies will enable us to develop an adaptable DYNAJETS diver tool which allows tuning of the tool and the operation conditions depending on the types of fouling to optimize cleaning effectiveness while protecting the underlying NAB surface.