Marine growth prevention system (MGPS)

A marine growth prevention system (MGPS) stops biofouling inside seawater cooling and ballast piping by dosing copper ions, usually with aluminum or ferrous ions added for corrosion control. Anode pairs mounted at the sea chest pass a small impressed current that dissolves a copper anode, releasing copper at a few parts per billion, enough to stop mussel and barnacle larvae settling without dosing the whole circuit with biocide. The system keeps condensers, coolers, and valves clear and complements antifouling coatings. Anodes are consumables sized to a service life, typically one to several years, and need periodic renewal.