Channel Master CM-6001 Specifications download pdf (Page 38)

Channel Master Operation Manual

page 32 RD Instruments

8.9 Prevention of Biofouling

This section explains how to prevent the buildup of organic sea life (bio-

fouling) on the transducer faces. Objects deployed within about 100 meters

(≈328 feet) of the surface are subject to biofouling, especially in warm,

shallow water. Soft-bodied organisms usually cause no problems, but bar-

nacles can cut through the urethane transducer face causing failure to the

transducer and leakage into the Channel Master (see Figure 22).

In shallow-water applications, the use of antifouling grease may be appro-

priate if you cannot clean the transducer faces often (weekly), and if the an-

tifouling grease meets all of your local safety and environmental laws.

8.9.1 Controlling Biofouling

The best-known way to control biofouling is cleaning the Channel Master

transducer faces often. However, in many cases this is not possible. The

following options can help reduce biofouling.

• Coat the entire Channel Master with the recommended anti-

fouling paint. Make sure that the paint is applied in an even

coat over the transducer faces.

• Apply a thin coat (≈4 mm; ≈0.16 in.) of either a 50:50 mix of

chili powder and petroleum jelly or chili powder and silicone

grease to the transducer faces. The chili powder should be

the hottest that can be found. Water flowing across the

transducers will wash this mix away over time. The silicone

mixture tends to last longer.

Figure 22. Barnacle Damage

CAUTION. Barnacles can cut through the urethane transducer face

causing failure to the transducer and leakage into the Channel Master.

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Channel Master CM-6001 Specifications Page 38