Systems and methods to reduce fouling of seawater systems

Abstract

Systems and methods are presented of operating a seawater system to reduce fouling. The seawater system may be installed in a waterborne vessel. A method comprises establishing suction in a first manifold, drawing seawater through a first manifold port, and discharging seawater through a second manifold simultaneous to drawing fluid through the first manifold port. The first manifold is in fluid communication with a first manifold port defined by a cover assembly. The second manifold is in fluid communication with a second manifold port defined by the cover assembly. The cover assembly is positioned in contact with a body of seawater.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of operating a seawater system of a waterborne vessel to reduce fouling comprising:
 establishing suction in a first manifold, the first manifold in fluid communication with a first manifold port defined by a cover assembly, the cover assembly positioned in contact with a body of seawater;   drawing seawater through the first manifold port;   discharging seawater through a second manifold port defined by the cover assembly and having a second manifold in fluid communication with the second manifold port, wherein the discharging of seawater through the second manifold port is simultaneous to drawing fluid through the first manifold port; and   monitoring at least one of the following operating parameters to evaluate the seawater system for fouling of one or more of the first manifold port and the second manifold port: lowering suction pressure, rising seawater temperature, lowering vacuum in a heat exchanger, and any indication of pump cavitation.