Here’s a carefully curated list of non-biocidal anti-fouling coatings suitable for large-scale river intake pumps and other raw water structures, with attention to potable water safety and large-flow applications. I focus on real commercial products used in waterworks or hydropower plants worldwide. 1. Jotun – Jotun SeaQuantum Ultra Type: Fouling-release, silicone-based coating Mechanism: Very smooth surface prevents adhesion of algae and mussels Potable water safety: Inert; low leaching; used on raw water intakes in Europe and Asia Durability: 5–7 years in high-flow water, low maintenance Supplier in Switzerland: Jotun Switzerland GmbH 2. Hempel – Hempasil X3 / Hempaguard X7 (Fouling-Release) Type: Silicone-epoxy hybrid coatings Mechanism: Fouling-release; physically prevents biofilm and mussel attachment Certifications: Non-biocidal; inert, suitable for indirect contact with raw water Use case: Pumps, intakes, submerged metal surfaces in water treatment plants Supplier: Hempel Schweiz AG 3. International Paint – Intershield / Intersleek 900 Type: Silicone fouling-release coatings Mechanism: Smooth surface, prevents macrofouling and biofilm Potable water compatibility: Inert; widely used in hydropower intakes and freshwater plants Maintenance: Minimal, periodic inspection sufficient Distributor: PPG Switzerland / International Paint 4. Carboline – Carboguard 890 / Carboline 1340 Silicone Coating Type: Silicone-based, non-biocidal anti-fouling coating Mechanism: Fouling release, excellent in freshwater rivers with mussels and algae Applications: Raw water intake screens, pump housings, and submerged pipelines Notes: Carboline has experience in large municipal water intake facilities in Europe Distributor in Switzerland: Carboline Schweiz AG 5. Local epoxy-based inert coatings (for potable water contact) Some companies produce epoxy coatings approved for raw water contact: ZinCo Aqua-Protect (DVGW/KTW certified) – suitable for potable water surfaces and raw water pumps Krylon or Sika Epoxy coatings with NSF/ANSI 61 or DVGW certification Use case: For surfaces that may have occasional direct contact with untreated water ✅ Key Selection Tips Choose silicone-based fouling-release coatings for high-flow river intakes. Check potable water certification if there’s any possibility of contact before treatment. Look for NSF/ANSI 61 (US) or DVGW/KTW (Europe). Durability in freshwater: 5–7 years is realistic for large river intakes; maintenance may include annual visual inspection and mechanical cleaning. Avoid adding biocides if you want zero environmental and human health risk.

Published September 4, 2025 17:53 by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network