3. Core Technologies
Maritech selects and combines physical treatment technologies based on the specific requirements of each application. The six primary technologies are described below. Each can be deployed independently or in combination for enhanced or synergistic effects.
3.1 Low-Power Ultrasonic Technology
How it works
Ultrasonic systems generate precisely targeted mechanical pressure waves that travel at high speed (1450 m/s) through water. Different frequency ranges produce different harmonics and effects — algae destruction, microbubble generation, and stress induced to mitigate the multiplication of microorganisms — all simultaneously and continuously.
History
The U.S. Navy first noticed in the 1950s that sonar transducers seemed to reduce fouling on nearby submarine surfaces, which later inspired ultrasonic antifouling. This was initially observed as a side effect of naval testing, and later research confirmed ultrasound can limit microbial growth and biofouling through cavitation and the use of different wave forms.
The use of low-power ultrasonic waves for water treatment was first patented in 1998 by Thomas Hilaire (Belgium). A second patent for the cleaning of beer tap lines followed in 2000.
Over the years, experience has been accumulated and the systems have been improved, made more efficient, and expanded to cover more applications.
Research and product development are still ongoing.
Key specifications
- Power consumption: 40 W per system, scalable
- Installation: inline in pipes, or submerged in tanks and basins
- Maintenance: minimal required
- Mode of action: acoustic (mechanical) energy only — no electrical or magnetic radiation
- Products in range: Aquasonic, Biosonic, Brewsonic, PestSonic, Trisonic and MATsonic
Pest control application
In air, the speed of ultrasound is only 343 m/s and behaves in such a way that the technology is effective at deterring unwanted animals — rats, mice, rabbits, bats and certain bird species.
Proven installations include airports, food storage warehouses, industrial kitchens and bakeries.
3.2 The use of Catalysts (MolAquaTech / NOA)
Solid-state, passive and heterogenous catalysts consists of Nanostructured Oxygen Alloys (NOA’s). These are thin metallic foils consisting of Ni-Cr-Fe with a very thin proprietary organicare layer on both sides. When water (or another polar fluid) passes over their surface, they modify the intermolecular bond structure of water without being consumed in the process. They improve gas solubility, reduce the size of microbubbles, prevent scale and biofilm formation, and enhance flocculation and coagulation.
Key specifications
- Power consumption: none (without the available photocatalytic option)
- Maintenance: none when combined with ultrasound
- Installation: inline or submerged in a pressure-less tank
- Modular and scalable
- Scientific basis: validated at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, and many industrial applications
3.3 Biosignal Technology
Al-Si crystalline rings emit subtle subatomic signals that influence the attraction and repulsion of ions at the water–surface interface. This disrupts the ion adsorption processes that initiate biofilm and scale formation, and increases the solvent capacity of the water.
- Power consumption: none
- Maintenance: none
- Installation: external mounting on existing pipes — no dismantling, no production stoppage
3.4 Ultra Fine Bubble (Nanobubble) Technology
Shear forces applied to a flowing gas-liquid mixture split the mixture into nanobubbles (< 200 nm diameter). These bubbles have a strongly negative surface charge, remain stable in solution for extended periods, and generate reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide (O₂·⁻).
- Significantly increases dissolved oxygen (DO) content
- Enhances Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
- Provides a physical cleaning effect on pipe walls and tank surfaces
- Reduces reliance on biocides in treated water
- Supports aquatic environments (combats aquatic hypoxia)
3.5 Ozonation
Ozone (O₃) is one of the most powerful oxidants available for water treatment. It disinfects broadly, eliminates organic compounds, and leaves no harmful residues — ozone decomposes to oxygen. We deploy ozonation as part of combined physical treatment strategies, particularly where rapid disinfection is required.
3.6 Copper Ionization
It is well known that Cu+Ag ions released into the water has a proven broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. They are particularly effective against Legionella pneumophila and biofilm-forming bacteria. Unlike chemical biocides, they leave no toxic residues and are compatible with human contact at the concentrations used.
Given the negative effects of Ag (heavy metal, staining effects, high price) we only use copper combined with other non-chemical treatments.
Combining Technologies
The greatest results are achieved when technologies are combined to address both the symptom (existing biofilm/scaling) and the cause (conditions that allow biofilm to form).
Applications include:
- Cooling towers, heat exchangers
- Drinking water, sanitary systems
- Swimming pools, aquaculture, waste water treatment
- Agricultural/Greenhouse water treatment
- Enhancing UF/RO installations and active coal filters