Keel coolers are systems of pipes or channels located on the hull surface. Engine cooling water is circulated and cooled by the water where the vessel is floating. Channel-type coolers are half pipes welded to the hull and are usually located on the sides or on the after rake of the stern. Recessed coolers are bundles of pipe, similar to a tube-type heat exchanger, located in recessed wells in the hull, usually in a protected area.
Keel coolers have a large surface area and are difficult to clean. Though no more susceptible than hulls (discussed below), the loss of efficiency of the coolers due to even "minimal" infestation could present a critical problem to the operation of a floating plant. Although no reports of major keel cooler infestation have been received, periodic inspection of these surfaces is recommended. Antifouling coating of the keel coolers and the adjacent surfaces is recommended in all cases.
Preventive Control Methods
Reactive Control Methods