New Generation
Wrapping Wiktoria in the new generation of the antifouling – Finsulate
Who will apply Finsulate Antifouling film?
We have a worldwide network of applicators. These applicators are trained people and used to apply foils on cars, trains, planes and boats. They are not employed by us, but will be hired for each application solely.
Yes we will in case that is requested by you. Obviously we will charge a little extra for applying Finsulate Antifouling film on thrusters, cooling tubes etc. Please have a look at following video will show details of application on grids, thrusters and cooling tubes.
We apply the film on cooling tubes as well. An independent study by the Dutch company Huxeflux has shown no negative effect on heat transfer after Finsulate has been applied. Also tests in practice have shown no negative effects.
Yes, we can. Please watch following movie.
The application of Finsulate Antifouling takes some more manpower compared to painting/spraying. This is compensated by no drying time and extra crew if necessary. Positive is that workers can continue doing their job on the vessel while the film is applied.
Yes, we can apply on all regular vessel construction materials like steel, aluminum and polyester.
Newbuilt vessels: Finsulate Antifouling is directly pplied on the anti-corrosive paint. In order to be sure that the film will adhere perfectly, we require to receive the specs of the paint before application.
Existing Vessels: the hull needs to be hydrowashed to remove all marine growth. To seal the old antifouling layer underneath, a tie coat needs to be applied by the shipyard. We have a recommended tie coat from every large paint supplier. We apply Finsulate directly on the tie coat. This surface is well prepared. As you can see, it is very rough, but that are no loose particles. Therefore the film can be applied! This surface is not well prepared. Although a tie coat has been applied, there are still barnacles underneath the tie coat. Therefore, Finsulate cannot be applied.
Yes. In case of mechanical damage, we advice to remove a straight piece around the damaged area and subsequently, a patch of Finsulate Antifouling repair kit can be applied on the damaged area (after cleaning the surface).
The technology we use to adhere the fibers on the foil is a technology which originates from the automotive industry and is called “ flocking”. The fibers are electrostatically charged are be sprayed on the film, which is pre-treated with a two-component water based adhesive. After spaying, the film and fibers pass through an oven of 160°C to cure the adhesive.
The film is developed together with Avery Dennison a 6 billion USD company which develops amongst others films for car and train wraps but for medical applications as well. Micanti film has been tested up to 30 knots without any problem. The film has been tested on abrasion as well. The structure of the film is as such that it will break instead of falling off once hit by an object. In other words: the film will not fall off but will only be damaged on the local spot. We have tested the adhesion on our vessel in Southern France. After 2 months in the water, we tried to get it off without any tools.
Before commercializing into the shipping industry, we realised that we needed to test the effect of the fibers on the drag. We have done numerous tests at for example MARIN, TNO, Delft University of Technology and in practice. No negative effect on the drag has been found.
On the left, a model-tanker with Finsulate. on the right hand side, the same model without Finsulate Antifouling. A change in flow pattern and lower ripple due to Finsualte is visible. For a more in depth technical review, please contact us info@nanoprofs.com
We have proven that Finsulate Antifouling will last at least 5 years. Since we are a young company, we have not proven yet that Fisulate Antifouling will last longer. However, we have no reason to doubt that it wouldn’t last longer. Finsulate Antifouling is a physical barrier and is not based on leaching ingredients. This is an important difference: ingredients in conventional antifouling will fade our during time.
Will Finsulate antifouling easily be damaged?
We have run a so called abrasion test. By running 1000 times a sharp knife with 500 grams of weight on top of the knife, abrasion is measured. After the test, no single damage occured. To put this is in the right perspective: if we would run the same test on a coating, the coating would have been gone.
Sailing mainly on the Wadden Sea – the UNESCO World Heritage, means we feel responsible for the nature. Thus we have been looking for environmental friendly antifouling. We came across a wrap – Finsulate, and we decided to try it. It took one day to cover the underwater hull with Finsulate. Wiktoria was in the water the next day. It will be interesting to see how Wiktoria sail with Finsulate.
100% ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY
Finsulate Antifouling is the only truly environmental friendly antifouling in the world! Micanti doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients. Finsulate is a nylon fiber, polyester film and a two-component water based adhesive.
Emission SavingsNo VOC exhaust during application which means a 100% reduction compared to conventional antifoulings.
ECO-notation
Finsulate has been approved by Lloyds to be used for the ECO-notation for ships and is on the Dutch environmental products list.
SUBSTANTIAL FUEL SAVINGS
Finsulate has proven to prevent fouling and to keep the same speed of the vessel on many occasions. Therefore, fuel savings will automatically be achieved. The percentage of fuel savings is determined by the voyage factor.
Conventional antifoulings degrade in time and fuel consumption increases in time. The physical barrier of Finsulate antifouling guarantees long lasting protection.
Shorter docking periods
If removal after 5 years is required, the film can be removed without damaging the underlaying anticorrosive paint. Scraping and blasting is not needed. A new Finsulate Antifouling film can be applied right after the removal of the previous film.
CONTINUOUS PROTECTION AGAINST MARINE GROWTH
Finsulate has been tested and compared to the most commonly used self polishing antifoulings (SPC). Whereas SPC’s have shown a decrease in performance in time, Finsulate performs continuously and provides constant protection.
Proven Performance
Finsulate Antifouling film is a physical barrier against fouling and therefore movement of the vessel is not needed. The idea behind Finsulate Antifouling is simple as well as effective: micro fibers create a surface which prevents settlement of organism. Finsulate has been tested worldwide for more than 10 years in cooperation with institutions like MARIN, TNO and Delft University of Technology as well as in practice on tugs, offshore vessels and ocean going vessels. General results are great, some cleaning may be necessary depending on region and sailing behaviour
Guaranteed Performance
Finsulate Antifouling has a performance of at least 5 years, most regions without any macrofouling. In case fouling pressure is too high to handle, easy cleaning can be done with brushes or high pressure washing.
