By: T. J. Kwee, G. X. Chen, N. R. Lei, K. P. Tan, Y. S. Choo, M. H. Hong
Centre of Innovation (Marine & Offshore Technology)
Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore
Marine and offshore industry often treats with complicated and huge underwater constructions, such as deepwater drilling facilities, undersea oil pipelines, and submersed towers of offshore platforms. These kind of underwater structures often need on-site building, maintenance and repair works. The quality of underwater work is affected by surface contaminants such as oil, rust, fouling material, biofilm and deteriorated paint. Most of the conventional cleaning techniques are limited by the critical conditions of the underwater environment. Especially, there is not an effective cleaning method for removing underwater oil contaminants. It is important to develop a promising cleaning method for underwater works.