Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-driven antifouling device for a seismic marine streamer cable. A cylindrical housing is circumferentially mounted to a submerged, circular cable. Fluid flow over the cable provides motive power to rotate the device around the outer surface of the cable, preventing barnacles, marine growth and other fouling accumulation. Interior wheels contact the cable outer surface to disrupt fouling growth and control the direction of travel along the length of the cable. Radially-protruding vanes utilize the local fluid flow over the cable to apply a rotation to the device, powering its movement. The orientation of the inner wheels determines corkscrew direction, allowing forward and aft travel along the cable. Continuous and uninterrupted motion prevents fouling development, which improves the fidelity of seismic sensors and decreases drag on the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-driven antifouling device for a seismic marine streamer cable. A cylindrical housing is circumferentially mounted to a submerged, circular cable. Fluid flow over the cable provides motive power to rotate the device around the outer surface of the cable, preventing barnacles, marine growth and other fouling accumulation. Interior wheels contact the cable outer surface to disrupt fouling growth and control the direction of travel along the length of the cable. Radially-protruding vanes utilize the local fluid flow over the cable to apply a rotation to the device, powering its movement. The orientation of the inner wheels determines corkscrew direction, allowing forward and aft travel along the cable. Continuous and uninterrupted motion prevents fouling development, which improves the fidelity of seismic sensors and decreases drag on the cable.