Air-blast anti-fouling cleaning for aquatic optical sensors

Authors

  • Zhang Yali 1. College of Engineering, Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • Naiqian Zhang 2. Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25165/ijabe.v8i6.1853

Keywords:

optical sensor, aquatic sensor, anti-fouling, bio-fouling, air-blast cleaning, sediment

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of fouling of submerged optical instruments, an air-blast cleaning mechanism was integrated into an optical sensor used for measuring suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in natural waters. Laboratory experiments in a manually created fouling environment were conducted to observe the fouling process on sensor cases made of different materials, and to verify the effectiveness of air-blast cleaning in reducing fouling. Results indicated that sensors with an aluminum case experienced more serious bio-fouling than that with polyethylene case, and the air-blast cleaning mechanism was capable of reducing fouling effect on sensor signals. So the submerged optical instruments should avoid using metal materials. The duration and frequency of air-blast cleaning can be determined and adjusted depending on actual field conditions. Keywords: optical sensor, aquatic sensor, anti-fouling, bio-fouling, air-blast cleaning, sediment DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20150806.1853 Citation: Zhang Y L, Zhang N Q. Air-blast anti-fouling cleaning for aquatic optical sensors. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2015; 8(6): 128－135.

Author Biography

Zhang Yali, 1. College of Engineering, Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Ph.D

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Published

2015-12-31

How to Cite

Yali, Z., & Zhang, N. (2015). Air-blast anti-fouling cleaning for aquatic optical sensors. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 8(6), 128–135. https://doi.org/10.25165/ijabe.v8i6.1853

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 6 (2015): IJABE

Section

Structures and Bio-environmental Engineering

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