Global Patent Index - EP 1084948 A1

EP 1084948 A1 20010321 - Method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface

Title (en)

Method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface

Title (de)

Verfahren zum Hemmen von Bewuchs auf einer Unterwasseroberfläche

Title (fr)

Méthode pour empêcher les salissures d'une surface immergée

Publication

EP 1084948 A1 20010321 (EN)

Application

EP 99440252 A 19990917

Priority

EP 99440252 A 19990917

Abstract (en)

A long-lasting, practical, effective and economic method of rendering a surface antifouling properties is achieved by attaching very thin copper-containing sheets directly to said surface. It was found, surprisingly and contrary to common belief, that such very thin sheets, because of their low weight, flexibility and feeble thickness, could be made to follow any shape so closely, that many commercially available water-resistant adhesives are sufficient to exclude water from penetrating in-between the surface and the copper containing sheet so that said sheets are basically held in place by the hydraulic pressure exerted on the sheet, once the structure is submerged. The new method avoids all the disadvantages of the more common use of toxic paints, as the surface will have a lower degree of roughness, be smear-free, offers long-term protection, much reduces the environmental hazards and further protects the surface from other effects of its contact with water.

IPC 1-7

B63B 59/04

IPC 8 full level

B63B 59/04 (2006.01); C23F 13/02 (2006.01); C23F 13/04 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP US)

B63B 59/04 (2013.01 - EP US); C23F 13/04 (2013.01 - EP); B63B 2221/10 (2013.01 - EP US); B63B 2231/12 (2013.01 - EP); C23F 2213/31 (2013.01 - EP)

Citation (applicant)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 1084948 A1 20010321

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 99440252 A 19990917