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Frequently asked questions

Ions against algae. Cleverer  than anything before.

 

Download operation manual

  

How can the Foulfree System be installed?
 

The Foulfree System consists of two copper electrodes which need to be hung fore and aft about 20 cm below the hull while moored. The electrodes are connected by a cable and operated by a control unit which is connected to the ship's supply or is energized independently by a solar cell. At the next departure, the electrodes are brought back into the boat and are stored away in the hatches.
Please note the operation manual containing detailed instructions for installation.


Do I need to use the Foulfree System every time the ship is moored?
 

To safely protect your boat against fouling we recommend the usage of the Foulfree System every time when moored.

Does the Foulfree System have an effect on the environment?
 

By activating the current copper ions are released all around the ship. The quantity of copper is negligibly small. The copper does not remain as dissolved copper but is immediately oxidized to copper oxides which are insoluble. Both cuprous and cupric oxides are insoluble so that the amount of copper ions in the water is untraceable and far below so called “natural levels”. The copper does not get bio-available for fish at any point of time.


Is the Foulfree System equally suitable for salt and fresh water?
 

The Foulfree System does work in salt and in fresh water. Only the conductivity of fresh water is much lower so that ships should not be longer than 10 m. The system has been developed for salt water as the problem of fouling is much more serious there as in clear lakes for example.


Does the Foulfree System effect other parts of the hull or any other electronic device on baord?
 

No. The electrodes of the Foulfree System work as poles and stand in direct contact to each other, they build a galvanic system. The very little current of 1 A between them will not go through any other metal part of the hull as the resistance would be much to high. It hasn't any impact on the Sacrificial Anode or any other part of the boat for the same reason. This is why you can use the system on any kind of boat hull: aluminium, steel, wood and polyester. There simply is no reaction and therefore it does not cause corrosion either.


How can I order the Foulfree System, how long is the delivery time?
 

Please get in contact with us by telephone or e-mail. After a written order, the Foulfree System can be delivered directly to you or your boat within two weeks.

Is there a service for the Foulfree System?
 

Usually the system does not need any service. However if there are any problems please call
+43 6472 70 200.

 

Is the Foulfree System suitable for catamarans?
 

For catamarans (with a maximum length of 40 ft) you would need a complete system and one set of exchange electrodes, which will be connected to the original system (with only one control unit) as well. All additional cables, plugs and sockets will be supplied.


Does the Foulfree System work under heavy tidal conditions?

 

Yes. The system has successfully been used in the North Sea and the strength of the electrodes is high enough to work under heavy tidal conditions, even if that means that there won't be water at all at times. The system will switch on again automatically when the water comes back without any damage to the system, boat nor the two electrodes.


Is there any maintenance work to do on the Foulfree System?
 

Your boat is safely protected for a period of approx. 2-3 years. During this time the copper electrodes become thinner. We recommend to exchange the electrodes after this period to guarantee the full effectiveness of the system.

What is included in delivery?
 

2 copper electrodes with 5 m of rope / cable
2 shock-absorbers as well as 2 clips for fixing on the railing

2 x 10 m UV-resistent cable to connect the  control unit to the electrodes

1 control unit plus adapter

2 padded protective sheathings for the electrodes

1 manual

Power consumption :
 

ships with a length of 45 ft

3 W / hour average

(depending on water quality)

max. 6 W with 90 ft ship or high resistance of fresh water

lifetime of electrodes:
 

ships up to a length of

30 ft
appr. 4,7
 years
45 ft
appr. 3,0
 years
60 ft - 75 ft
appr. 2,2
 years

(usage all year long)

The electrodes need to be replaced when their weight comes down to about 2-3 kg.

 


Details for power supply and consumption:
 

voltage control panel: 12 - 36 V DC or 220 V AC

operation with solar panel: size 40
x 40 cm, with a power output of 8 W. You should connect it to a battery as
well with an intermediate storage of 20 Ah. The wire between panel, battery, fuse and control unit of the Foulfree System can be a "normal" wire with a size of 2 x 1 mm², but it should be UV-light resistant


What is the price for the Foulfree System?
 

The Foulfree System is suitable for ships up to a length of 25 m and costs 2.394 € incl. 20% of VAT. When the electrodes are worn after about 3 years they need to be exchanged. The exchange electrodes cost 795,-- incl. 20% VAT.
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