**1. Introduction**

A major problem in industries that use heat exchange equipment cooled with seawater in their industrial processes is biological fouling (biofouling) (**Figure 1**). Biofouling acquires greater relevance when it develops in the marine environment, due to the high biological activity of seawater [1]. In the design and operation of heat exchangers cooled with seawater, a biological fouling coefficient must be considered, which affects the efficiency of the equipment [2]. For this reason, it is necessary to apply appropriate antifouling treatments to the design of each heat exchanger [3].

In order to minimize the undesirable phenomenon of biofouling, various mitigation methods have been developed over the last 30 years, both online and offline, of a physical, chemical, or biological nature. Most of these methods are well contrasted and are applied in the regular operation of the facilities, although some methodology approaches are in the research and development phase. However, the application of most of these methods requires interrupting production, periodically, in order to proceed with biofouling cleaning, as this seriously impairs the performance and operation of the facility (**Figure 2**).

Oxidizing chemical methods are available [4] and non-oxidants [5], biological [6–8] for "on-line biofouling control. Nowadays, other methodologies of biofouling mitigation that do not affect the marine environment are being investigated [3],

#### **Figure 1.**

*Presence of mussels in the water box of a condenser (Source: By courtesy of Nuclenor).*
