Life cycle assessment of marine coatings applied to ship hulls

This paper presents the methodology developed for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of antifouling marine coatings with regards to fouling accumulation on hulls and maintenance of ships. The methodology is based on mathematical models vis-à-vis the environmental and monetary impacts involved in the production and application of hull coatings, added fuel consumption due to fouling accumulation on ship hulls, and hull maintenance. This subject was investigated in a recently completed EU-Funded FP7 Project entitled FOUL-X-SPEL. The LCA methodology was developed using the results of the studies conducted by FOUL-X-SPEL Consortium as well as additional data provided by coating manufacturers, shipyards and shipping companies. Following the introduction of the new LCA model, a case study was carried out to show how to utilize the model using a real tanker which is assumed to be coated with 2 different types of existing coatings, namely a silicone-based fouling release coating and a tin free self-polishing antifouling paint. The total costs and emissions due to the use of different coating types were calculated for the whole life-cycle of the ship. It has been found that CO2 emission reduction due to mitigation of fouling can be achieved using a silicone-based fouling release coating while reducing the cost by means of fuel cost reductions for the shipowners despite the additional capital expenses. The developed LCA model can help stake-holders determine the most feasible paint selection as well as the optimal hull-propeller maintenance schedules and make condition based maintenance decisions

An algorithm for the generation of biofouled surfaces for applications in marine hydrodynamics

The adverse effects of marine biofouling on marine renewable energy devices are well established. In recent fundamental investigations on fluid flow over this type of surface roughness, marine biofouling has mainly been realized as ordered arrangements of roughness elements. These surfaces cannot be compared to realistic biofouled surfaces which show an irregular distribution of roughness features. In this work, a geometric algorithm for generating realistic surface roughness due to barnacle settlement is presented. The algorithm mimics the settlement behaviour of barnacles and allows the generation of a range of fouling states from very sparse rough surfaces to surfaces that are fully covered by barnacle colonies. The generated surfaces can be used in various applications, e.g. in CFD simulations to establish the fluid dynamic roughness effect of different fouling states or as 3D printed surface tiles for use in wind-tunnel and towing tank experiments

Immobilization of tris(2 pyridyl) methylamine in a PVC-Membrane Sensor and Characterization of the Membrane Properties

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Due to the increasing industrial use of titanium compounds, its determination is the subject of considerable efforts. The ionophore or membrane active recognition is the most important component of any polymeric membrane sensor. The sensor’s response depends on the ionophore and bonding between the ionophore and the target ion. Ionophores with molecule-sized dimensions containing cavities or semi-cavities can surround the target ion. The bond between the ionophore and target ion gives different selectivity and sensitivity toward the other ions. Therefore, ionophores with different binding strengths can be used in the sensor.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the present work, poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) based membrane incorporating tris (2 pyridyl) methylamine (tpm) as an ionophore has been prepared and explored as a titanium(III) selective sensor.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The strengths of the ion–ionophore (Ti(OH)²⁺-tpm) interactions and the role of ionophore on membrane were tested by various techniques such as elemental analysis, UV–vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). All data approved the successful incorporation of organic group via covalent bond.</p

Exercise benefits in cardiovascular disease : beyond attenuation of traditional risk factors

Despite strong scientific evidence supporting the benefits of regular exercise for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD), physical inactivity is highly prevalent worldwide. In addition to merely changing well-known risk factors for systemic CVD, regular exercise can also improve cardiovascular health through non-traditional mechanisms. Understanding the pathways through which exercise influences different physiological systems is important and might yield new therapeutic strategies to target pathophysiological mechanisms in CVD. This Review includes a critical discussion of how regular exercise can have antiatherogenic effects in the vasculature, improve autonomic balance (thereby reducing the risk of malignant arrhythmias), and induce cardioprotection against ischaemia–reperfusion injury, independent of effects on traditional CVD risk factors. This Review also describes how exercise promotes a healthy anti-inflammatory milieu (largely through the release of muscle-derived myokines), stimulates myocardial regeneration, and ameliorates age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, a frequently overlooked non-traditional CVD risk factor. Finally, we discuss how the benefits of exercise might also occur via promotion of a healthy gut microbiota. We argue, therefore, that a holistic view of all body systems is necessary and useful when analysing the role of exercise in cardiovascular health