Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Experimental Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Material Fouling Resistance
Light as a key driver of freshwater biofouling surface roughness in an experimental hydrocanal pipe rig
Matilde Ravizza1, Dean Giosio2, Alan Henderson2
1a Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies , University of Tasmania , Tasmania , Australia.
Abstract:
Biofouling in canals and pipelines used for hydroelectric power generation decreases the flow capacity of conduits. A pipeline rig was designed consisting of test sections of varying substrata (PVC, painted steel) and light levels (transparent, frosted, opaque). Stalk-forming diatoms were abundant in both the frosted and transparent PVC pipes but negligible in the painted steel and opaque PVC pipes. Fungi were slightly more abundant in the painted steel pipe but equally present in all the other pipes while bacterial diversity was similar in all pipes. Photosynthetically functional biofouling (mainly diatoms) was able to develop in near darkness. Different biological fouling compositions generated differing friction factors. The highest friction factor was observed in the transparent pipe (densest diatom fouling), the lowest peak friction for the opaque PVC pipe (lowest fouling biomass), and with the painted steel pipe (high fouling biomass, but composed of fungal and bacterial crusts) being intermediate between the opaque and frosted PVC pipes.
Related Concept Videos
Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Curved Surface
Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Plane Surface
Typical Model Studies
Surface Tension of Fluid
Surface tension varies...
Major Losses in Pipes
Fluid flow can be classified as laminar or turbulent, primarily based on the Reynolds number. This dimensionless number reflects the relative influence of inertial to viscous...
Rapidly Varying Flow

