Seminar: Understanding the impact of the physicochemical nature of water to reduce corrosion and biofilm formation

Addressing corrosion and biofouling is critical for maintaining the integrity, efficiency, and longevity of equipment and structures. Corrosion can lead to costly repairs, safety hazards, downtime, or even diminish the quality of water transported through pipelines. Biofouling—the accumulation of microorganisms on surfaces—can impair system performance and cause blockages in pipelines. It also increases drag in marine vessels. Both issues elevate operational costs and pose significant risks to environmental and human health. Recent scientific insights and Innovative solutions can help to mitigate these challenges and ensure sustainable and efficient industrial operations. This is also relevant for both the maritime sector and the water-transporting industrial sector (process water, drinking water).

To discuss issues and explore novel solutions for corrosion and biofouling, the Antwerp Maritime Academy organises a seminar on the impact of the physicochemical nature of water on corrosion and biofilm formation. BEMAS is supporting partner and kindly invites you to attend this symposium   .

Discover new technologies and engage in a brainstorming session on testing and incorporating these innovations for study and follow-up in operational contexts. The symposium is free of charge, but registration is required. Following the presentations, you are welcome to join the networking drink.

• 13:00 - 13:30: Welcome with coffee.
• 13:30 - 13:45: Opening Address by Antwerp Maritime Academy
• 13:45 - 14:15: The Case of the Canal Ghent-Terneuzen: Corrosion Yes, Microorganisms Maybe? - Prof. Dr. Geert Potters, research coordinator focusing on material science, maritime corrosion, and microbial corrosion ,  Antwerp Maritime Academy.
• 14:15 - 14:45: Physical Protection Types Against Corrosion and Biofilms - Speaker from the Kyiv Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (Speaker to be confirmed).
• 14:45 - 15:15: Cutting-Edge Innovation Serving Water Networks - Stephan Wagenheim, PHI Technology.
• 15:15 - 15:30: Coffee break.
• 15:30 - 16:00: Innovative methods to detect and tackle Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) - Jeroen Tacq, Project Engineer Metals, SIRRIS (Title to be confirmed).
• 16:00 - 16:30: Sustainable Corrosion Inhibition for Cooling Water Systems - dr. ir. Elias De Ketelaere, UGent Department Of Materials, Textiles And Chemical Engineering  / CAPTURE.
• 16:30 - 17:00: Q&A and Discussion
• 17:00 : Network Drink.