Dealing with calcification

This affects all surfaces, not just metal ones, and of course this encrustation is the reason we apply anti-fouling paint to the underside of the hull. Unfortunately, the most effective biocides are no longer available to us because they were polluting our waterways while protecting our hulls. So, these days we are often playing catch-up, slowing rather than preventing the growth of biological material.

Calcification is slightly different – it’s actually the deposition of the mineral calcium carbonate onto surfaces. This happens particularly in areas where sea water is heated, which accelerates the deposition of this naturally-occurring mineral. Heat exchanger tubes are the worst location for this type of deposition, but it can occur where sea water remains in contact