Shipsonic Ultrasonic Antifouling

High performance ultrasonic antifouling#

Shipsonic, part of Delta-Sistems B.V., delivers high performance ultrasonic antifouling solutions for marine and industrial applications. Systems are designed and manufactured in the Netherlands with strong focus on innovation, durability, and customer feedback. The technology prevents marine fouling by disrupting biofilm formation, reducing organism settlement and keeping surfaces cleaner.

How It Works

Ultrasonic antifouling operates by vibrating submerged structures at ultrasonic frequencies (18–45 kHz). This inhibits biofilm development and prevents larger fouling organisms from attaching. Shipsonic transducers are spring-mass systems (like a loud-speaker) with installation dependent resonance frequencies. Because resonance levels depend on torque and temperature, Shipsonic drives each transducer through a wide frequency sweep to ensure continuous operation at its actual resonance. This maximizes sound pressure level (SPL), the key determinant of antifouling performance.

To further increase SPL, Shipsonic installs multiple transducer types on the same structure, allowing multiple resonance peaks and stronger combined output. Despite peak powers of 80–120W, actual energy consumption is around 8 W because a transducer only draws full power at its resonance frequency.

Key Features

Industrial, robust design with high reliability in harsh engine-room environments
High-power transducers (80W / 100W / 120W) for stronger sound pressure, with lower resonance frequency output
Smart resonance tracking software ensures optimal performance
Failsafe electronics engineered to run below maximum temperature thresholds
Modular, plug-and-play system: each transducer channel is independent
Easy at-sea maintenance with simple board replacements

Control Units (MDP Series) #

The Shipsonic MDP series supports up to 20 transducers per cabinet in a modular configuration. Each channel provides up to 125 W peak power. System monitoring is available through cabinet LEDs, a TFT screen, RSn485/USB connection, and PLC-compatible.

Alarm outputs. Units include redundant power supplies, forced cooling, and configurable frequency ranges to avoid interference with other systems.

Transducers #

Shipsonic’s patented welded-ring mounting system ensures strong mechanical coupling and prevents detachment under high SPL conditions. Three models (80W/100W/120W) are designed for confined spaces such as box coolers, where lower ultrasonic resonance frequency, high-power performance is essential. Transducers can be mounted on flat or curved surfaces and carry IP67/IP68 ratings.

Transducer Positioning #

Shipsonic provides detailed installation proposals including exact transducer locations per cooler, and control-unit configuration based on vessel layout. Using mixed transducer types improves resonance distribution and ensures optimal antifouling coverage across each structure.