US Navy reveals barnacle beating device
Aug 27th, 2009
Scientists working for the US navy have come up with a solution to one of its most financially crushing enemies - barnacles.Yachters will know the problems caused by barnacles and slimy residue that gathers on hulls, a problem that costs the US navy an estimated $500 million annually, according to the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
Hull Bio-inspired Underwater Grooming or Hull BUG is a tool that, once attached to the hull, moves to areas of residue and uses a range of technologies to scrub them off.
Steve McElvany of the ONR said: "It will be not one approach or one solution that solves the marine biofouling issue…It is going to be a combination of things," as reported by the Register.
Fuel efficiency can be greatly reduced by a dirty, barnacle-encrusted hull.
The machine is expected to be developed to a stage of full demonstrative purpose by 2015.
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Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
