DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for protecting marine surfaces against biological fouling, and more particularly to an anti-fouling device for restricting marine growth on offshore platform structures semi-submerged in water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Fouling is the accumulation of unwanted material on solid surfaces subjected to harsh environment to detriment its function. The fouling materials can consist of either living organisms or a non-living substance (inorganic or organic). Fouling occurs on a surface of a component performing a defined and useful function and impedes or interferes with its ability to perform the function efficiently. Water submerged structures such as ship hulls, pipelines, offshore oil platforms etc are always subjected to harmful effects of harsh climatic conditions and fouling is one of the major concerns.

[003] Marine growth (also referred to as fouling hereafter) increases the roughness of the exposed surfaces, and grows in the form of a sheath or coating, which add substantial mass to submerged members and increase the effective dimensions or volume of the members. It also obscures visibility of surface, thus preventing necessary visual inspection of the structure.

[004] Offshore platforms used in the oil and gas industry are formed of large diameter pipe elements in the form of vertical, horizontal or inclined legs interconnected by other tubular members. The legs are semi-submerged in sea water and the splash zone where the air meets water is the area of the legs which is prone to fouling.

[005] In order to allow the component to deliver its intended function for the duration of its life, it is necessary to remove or prevent the formation of such fouling on the surface of the structure. Anti-fouling is the process of removing or preventing these accumulations from forming.

[006] The most common anti-fouling method for removing the marine growth is by scrapping the surface with blades. Sea divers need to take a deep dive along with cleaning instruments and scrap the structure to clean the submerged structures. This method is very tedious and involves high cost and skills. Another method is to apply coatings on the structure which does not allow any fouling to stick on the surface; however the coating also wear out with time and the application of coating on huge surface is also prohibitively expensive.

[007] Another drawback with coatings is that, the submerged surfaces have to be brought outside water to apply coating and let it cure before putting the structure again in application. This may not be possible for most of the structures.

[008] Other technique uses Ultrasonic waves and continuous current supply to inhibit microorganism settlement on the submerged structure surface. However the requirement of power source and sophisticated sensors and instruments limit use of this technique.

[0009] In view of the limitations inherent in the available anti fouling methods for removing marine growth, there exists a need for an anti-fouling device which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which can be used in a simple, cost effective, reliable, secure and environmental friendly manner.

[009] The present invention fulfils this need and provides further advantages as described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility, to include the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

[0011] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a marine anti-fouling device for removing marine growth from offshore platform structures which is simple, easy to install and cost effective.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention provides a marine anti-fouling device for removing a marine growth from a structure that comprises at least one helix encircling the structure, the helix having a plurality of cleaners to clean the structure surface, a plurality of mid-connectors for connecting the plurality of cleaners with each other to form a chain arrangement, a pair of end-connectors located at each of the end of the chain arrangement, a vertical connector to connect the two end connectors to close the chain arrangement to form a helical shape and a plurality of spatulas attached at the mid connectors and the end-connectors, such that the spatulas aids in rotation and an upward motion of the helix due to an ocean current.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of helices are joined laterally to each other, such that the plurality of helices move together due to an ocean current.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the cleaners rub the surface of the structure to clean it during the upward motion of the device by the ocean current.
[0015] In a further aspect of the present invention, the cleaner includes a rubber ball and a socket to enclose the rubber ball, such that the rubber ball is adapted to contain within the socket and rotate freely.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the socket includes a hollow enclosure to contain the rubber ball and two socket arms adapted to be connected with at least one of the mid connector and the end connector.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the socket further includes a socket cleaner having a thread with a roller, such that the socket cleaner is mounted on the curved strips to clean the socket surface when water splashes over the socket by the ocean current.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the present invention, each of the mid-connector and the end-connector includes a pair of vertical arms adapted to connect two parallel helices laterally, a pair of horizontal connecting arms, adapted to connect the cleaners to form the chain arrangement and a lateral arm connected to the vertical arms at one side and open at second side, such that the second side is adapted to connect with the spatula.

[0019] In a further aspect of the present invention, each of the mid-connector, the end-connector, the cleaners and the spatula includes a plurality of holes which are used to interconnect with each other using a plurality of snap fit pins.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the pair of connecting arms are oriented at a predefined angle with each other in a horizontal plane to facilitate the device to encircle the structure. The predefined angle depends on a diameter of the structure.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the lateral arm is oriented at a predefined angle with the pair of connecting arms and extends perpendicularly away from the structure.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the spatula includes a shaft and an aerofoil portion.

[0023] In a further aspect of the present invention, the helix further includes a cleaning disc mounted on a junction of the cleaner and at least one of the mid-connector and the end-connector, such that it can move along the junction and also rotate along its axis.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, the cleaning disc is a hollow disc which has a plurality bristles on its outer surface to clean the structure and an inner surface to clean the junction.

[0025] These together with other aspects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the description annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] FIG.1 illustrates a schematic view of the marine anti-fouling device installed on a structure, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG.2 illustrates a schematic view of a helix, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG.3 illustrates a schematic view of the cleaner, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG.4 illustrates a schematic view of the mid-connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG.5 illustrates a schematic view of the end-connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG.6 illustrates a schematic view of the vertical connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG.7 illustrates a schematic view of the spatula, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of the cleaning disc, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Like reference names refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0037] As used herein, the term ‘plurality’ refers to the presence of more than one of the referenced item and the terms ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘at least’ do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0038] The terms “platform structure” or “semi-submerged structure” or “submerged structure” or “structure” have been interchangeably used in the below description and refer to convey the same meaning. Similarly the terms “fouling” or “biological fouling” or “bio-fouling” or “”marine growth” have been interchangeably used in the below description and refer to convey the same meaning. Further the terms “platform” or “oil platform” have been interchangeably used in the below description and refer to convey the same meaning.

[0039] Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the diagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations in the invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, that illustrates a schematic view of the marine anti-fouling device 10 installed on a structure 12, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown the device 10 is installed on one leg of the platform structure 12 in the splash zone as well as below splash zone. The device 10 includes at least one helix 14 encircling the structure 12. Referring to FIG. 2 which illustrates a schematic view of the helix 14, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The helix 14 comprises a plurality of cleaners 16 to clean the structure surface, a plurality of mid-connectors 18 for connecting the plurality of cleaners 16 with each other to form a chain arrangement, a pair of end-connectors 20 located at each of the end of the chain arrangement, a vertical connector 22 to connect the two end connectors 20 to close the chain arrangement to form a helical shape and a plurality of spatulas 24 attached at the mid-connectors 18 and the end-connectors 20, such that the spatulas 24 aids in rotation and an upward motion of the helix 14 due to an ocean force.

[0041] The helix 14 is deployed in splash zone and/or below splash zone or in all water depth under a suitable current regime on the structure 12. The helix 14 moves upward due to the ocean force created by the ocean waves and falls back to the water surface due to gravity. The continuous up and down motion of the helix 14 causes rubbing and scraping of the structure 12, thereby cleaning it in every up/down movement which prevents the growth of marine organisms on the structure 12 surface.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of helices 14 are joined laterally to each other, such that the plurality of helices 14 move together due to the ocean force and clean the structure 12. One helix 14 encircles the leg of the platform structure 12 and is connected to another similar helix 14 laterally. As seen, the axis of the leg of offshore platform structure 12 is also the axis of the two helices 14. The two helices 14 are installed along the lateral direction on the leg structure and include different cleaning components. The two helices 14 are connected to each other such that, they both move together with the ocean force and the cleaning components remove the fouling from the structure 12 during the motion of the device.

[0043] The helix 14 is an elongate structure analogous to a chain and includes a plurality of links, each link formed by cleaners 16, mid-connectors 18 and end-connectors 20. The cleaners 16 are the cleaning components which touch and rub the surface of the structure 12 to clean it during the upward motion of the device by the ocean forces. The helix 14 can be installed on vertical, vertical diagonal and horizontal structures.

[0044] The mid-connectors 18 are used to connect different cleaners 16 with each other to form the helix 14. The end-connectors 20 are mounted on the two ends of the helix and are connected such that the helix forms a helical shape. The two ends of the helix are separated by a lateral distance and a vertical connector 22 connects the two end connectors to close the helix.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3 that illustrates a schematic view of the cleaner 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cleaner 16 includes a rubber ball 30 to rub the structure and a socket 32 to enclose the rubber ball, such that the rubber ball 30 is adapted to contain within the socket 32 and rotate freely. When the helix 14 moves up and down due to the ocean force, the rubber ball 30 comes in contact with the structure 12 surface and rub against it to eventually remove any marine growth developed. The continuous rubbing removes the existing marine growth and prevents formation of any further fouling on the structure 12 surface.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber ball 30 surface may further include quills or spine like elements to clean the structure 12 more effectively. The rubber ball 30 may be made up of hollow core or core of one material and a rubber layer wrapped over it. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rubber ball 30 may be made as solid ball of hydrogenated nitrile rubber composite. In another embodiment the rubber ball 30 may be as a composite rubber sleeve over a HDPE core or any other equivalent materials to effectively survive and function in the harsh ocean environment.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the socket 32 includes a hollow enclosure 34 to contain the rubber ball 30 and has two socket arms 36 which help it to be connected with any one of the mid-connectors 18 or the end-connectors 20. The shape of the socket arm 36 corresponds to the shape of the connectors used. The socket arm 36 include a plurality of holes 40 which are used to connect the socket 32 with the mid-connector 18 or the end-connectors 20 using snap fit pins. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow enclosure 34 is made of a plurality of curved strips forming a hemispherical cup shape open from a side towards the structure 12, such that the rubber ball 30 is exposed from the side which faces towards the structure 12 on which the device 10 is installed. The other side of the socket 32 which includes curved strips, covers the rubber ball 30 avoiding falling of the ball from the socket 32 during operation of the device. This rubber ball 30 and the socket 32 design facilitates in 360 degrees movement of the ball and provides effective cleaning of the structure 12 and less wear and tear of the device 10 components.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the socket 32 further includes a socket cleaner 38 to clean the socket 32 surface when water splashes over the socket by the ocean force. The socket cleaner 38 includes a plurality of strings 41 with rollers 42 and is mounted on the curved strips. The strings 41 are made up of HDPE or similar materials. The rollers 42 are loosely connected to the strings 41, such that they move along the length of the string 41 over the length of curved strips. The strings 41 are flexible further allow the movement of the rollers 42 along the width of the curved strip, thereby cleaning the whole socket 32 surface. It is to be noted that three curved strip on the socket 32 are shown are for illustrative purposes only and the number and shape of the strips may vary based on the design requirements of the device 10. The rollers 42 may be made of hydrogenated nitrile rubber composite or similar material.

[0049] The cleaner may further include a layer inside the socket 32 that will separate it from the rubber ball 30. This layer is meant to reduce the coefficient of friction between the rubber ball 30 and the socket 32. The layer may be made of material like Teflon or similar materials.

[0050] Referring to FIGs.4 and 5, which illustrates a schematic view of the mid-connector 18 and the end connector 20 respectively, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mid-connector 18 is meant to join two sockets 32 of the cleaner 16 with each other to form one link. A plurality of these links make up the chain arrangement to form the helix 14 of the device. The end-connectors 20 are used to close the helix 14 by joining the socket arms 36 of the sockets located at the extreme ends of the helix with each other.

[0051] Each of the mid-connector 18 and the end-connector 20 includes a pair of vertical arms 50 adapted to connect two parallel helices laterally, a pair of horizontal connecting arms 52, adapted to connect the cleaners to form the chain arrangement and a lateral arm 54 connected to the vertical arms 50 at first side and open at second side, such that the second side is adapted to connect with the spatula 24.

[0052] Both the connectors 18 and 20 are five way connectors with five arms aligned at different angles. Each of the vertical arm 50 is a hollow tube, open from both ends and meant for connecting the two parallel adjacent helices 14 vertically. Each of the horizontal connecting arm 52 is a tubular structure with their axes perpendicular to the vertical arm 50 axis. One side of the connecting arm 52 is perpendicularly connected to the vertical arm 50 and other side is open with connection means 40. The connecting arms 52 are adapted to be connected with the socket arms 36 using the connecting means 40 to form the helix 14. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting means include a plurality of holes 40 and corresponding snap fit pins on the open side of the connecting arms 52, the vertical arm 50 and the lateral arm 54 of the connectors. The pluralities of holes 40 on the open side of the connector components are aligned with similar holes on the socket arm 36 and the snap fit pins are inserted in the holes to make the connection.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of connecting arms 52 are oriented at a predefined angle with each other to facilitate the device 10 to encircle the structure 12. The orientation of the connecting arms 52 allows the connectors 18 and 20 along with cleaners 16 to encircle the platform structure. The predefined angle between the two connecting arms 52 depends on the diameter of the structure 12 component on which the marine anti-fouling device 10 has to be installed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the predefined angle between connecting arms is in a range of 90 to 150 degrees.

[0054] The cross section of the connecting arms 52 and the vertical arms 50 is hexagonal in one embodiment of the present invention. The hexagonal shape is chosen to provide a better structural integrity in terms mechanical connection. However any cross sectional shape which serves the purpose of connector may be used.

[0055] The lateral arm 54 is also oriented at an angle with respect to the connecting arms 52, but extending in opposite direction with respect to the horizontal connecting arms 52 of the connector. The open end of the lateral arm 54 is used to attach spatula 24 to it. The open end of the lateral arm 54 also includes plurality of holes 40 and slots for connecting it with spatula 24 by snap fit pins.

[0056] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting arms 52 of the mid-connector 18 are offset in vertical direction. One of the connecting arms 52 is located below the other connecting arm along the vertical tube 50. The offset vertical distance depends on the total offset desired at the closing end of the helix 14. It is further dependent on the height of rise of the helix by the ocean forces. The offset allows the mid-connectors 18 to connect with the socket arms 36 to form the helix, such that its two ends are separated by a predefined vertical distance apart as shown in FIG.2. The vertical connector 22 as shown in FIG. 6 is used to close the open ends of the helix by connecting the two end-connectors 20 at the two open ends of the helix 14. The vertical connector 22 is a hollow tube open at both ends with plurality of holes 40 at its end portions, which allow it to be connected with other components of the device by snap fit pins.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal connecting arms 52 and the lateral arm 54 of the end- connectors 20 are at a same horizontal plane oriented at pre-defined angles from each other.

[0058] FIG.7 illustrates a schematic view of the spatula 24, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The spatula 24 includes a shaft 26 and an aerofoil portion 28. The shaft 26 is a hollow tube which has an open end which has plurality of holes 40 to allow the spatula 24 to be attached to the lateral arm 54 of the any of the mid-connector 18 or the end-connector 20 by snap fit pins. The aerofoil portion 28 is attached perpendicularly to the other end of the shaft 26. The aerofoil portion 28 has an aerodynamic shape because of which a pressure difference is created between its upper and lower surface when deployed in splash zone/below splash zone in the ocean. Because of this, the aerofoil structure harnesses the ocean current giving a downward thrust and thus, providing a lateral movement or rotational movement to the anti-fouling device 10 along the structure 12.

[0059] The spatula 24 utilizes the ocean wave and synergizes the up and down motion of the device 10 by buoyancy and gravity. The aerofoil portion 28 aids in the thrust provided by the ocean wave and facilitates the upward movement of the device 10 more effectively and then the device 10 falls to its original position due to its own weight. The better the movement of the device 10, the better cleaning of the marine growth is achieved. The length of the shaft 26 may vary from 50 mm-200 mm depending on the deployment zone i.e. ocean current at the water depth.

[0060] For installing the device 10 on a platform structure 12, the socket arms 36 of the cleaner 16 are first attached to the mid-connectors 18 on both sides to form a link, now more cleaners 16 and mid-connector 18 links are attached to each other in a chain like arrangement to form an open helix 14. The number of links used are based on the platform structure 12 dimensions. Now, end-connectors 20 are attached on the two extreme ends of the open helix. The two open ends with end-connectors 20 are at a predefined vertical distance apart. Now a vertical connector 22 is used to connect the two end-connectors 20 with each other vertically to close the open helix. Next, the spatulas 24 are connected to the lateral arm 54 of each of the mid-connector 18 and the end-connectors 20 of the helix 14 along the periphery, thereby forming the helix of the present invention as shown in FIG.2. The helix is a modular structure with the number of cleaners may vary to accommodate the varying diameter of the offshore platform structure 12.

[0061] Now another similar helix 14 may be formed and installed on the platform structure 12. The two helices 14 are connected to each other at their respective mid-connectors 18 by vertical connectors 22 in vertical direction, such that the two helices 14 are attached to form the anti-fouling device 10 of the present invention with two helices 14 as shown in FIG.1. Similarly more such helices 14 may be added in vertical direction as per the requirements of the device. The device 10 is a modular device and any number of components may be connected as per the dimensions of the offshore platform structure to form the helix 14 of the present invention. Similarly the number of helices 14 used to form the device 10 also depends on the cleaning depth requirement.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the helix 14 further includes a cleaning disc 62 as shown in FIG. 8. The cleaning disc 62 is mounted on a junction of the cleaner 16 and at least one of the mid-connector 18 and the end-connector 20, such that it can move along the junction and also rotate along its axis. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning disc 62 is a hollow disc which has a plurality of bristles on its outer surface 64 to clean the structure 12 and an inner surface 66 to clean the junction of the cleaner 16 and connector (18, 20). Its inner surface 66 cleans the connector 18, 20 and the cleaner 16 junction and prevents any fouling formation on the device 10. The cleaning disc 62 may be made of HDPE or hydrogenated nitrile rubber composite or the any similar material and the bristles may be made of polyester or equivalent materials.

[0063] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the components of the device 10 including the mid-connector 18, end connector 20, cleaner 16 and spatula 22 are made of UV stabilized grade HDPE. All the components may further be provided with UV and infrared prevention coating to sustain in the harsh ocean environment.

[0064] The dimensions and shape of the connectors 18, 20 and sockets 32 are designed to attach with each other using the snap fit pins.

[0065] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in steps and their sequences may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0066] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0067] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A marine anti-fouling device for removing a marine growth from a structure, comprising:
- at least one helix encircling the structure, the helix comprising:
- a plurality of cleaners to clean the structure surface;
- a plurality of mid-connectors for connecting the plurality of
cleaners with each other to form a chain arrangement;
- a pair of end-connectors located at each of the end of the chain
arrangement;
- a vertical connector to connect the two end connectors to close
the chain arrangement to form a helical shape; and
- a plurality of spatulas attached at the mid connectors and the
end-connectors, such that the spatulas aids in rotation and an
upward motion of the helix due to an ocean force.

2. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of helices are joined laterally to each other, such that the plurality of helices move together due to an ocean force.

3. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaners rub the surface of the structure to clean it during the upward motion of the device by the ocean force.

4. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaner includes:
- a rubber ball to rub the structure; and
- a socket to enclose the rubber ball, such that the rubber ball is adapted to contain within the socket and rotate freely.

5. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 4, wherein the rubber ball surface further includes a quills, a spine to clean the structure.

6. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 4, wherein the socket includes a hollow enclosure to contain the rubber ball and two socket arms adapted to be connected with at least one of the mid connector and the end connector.

7. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 6, wherein the hollow enclosure is made of a plurality of curved strips forming a hemispherical cup open from a side towards the structure.

8. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 7, wherein the socket further includes a socket cleaner to clean the socket surface when water splashes over the socket by the ocean force, the socket cleaner comprising a plurality of strings with rollers and is mounted on the curved strips.

9. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein each of the mid-connector and the end-connector includes:
- a pair of vertical arms adapted to connect two parallel helices laterally;
- a pair of horizontal connecting arms, adapted to connect the cleaners to form the chain arrangement; and
- a lateral arm connected to the vertical arms at first side and open at second side, such that the second side is adapted to connect with the spatula.

10. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein each of the mid-connector, the end-connector, the cleaners and the spatula includes a plurality of holes which are used to interconnect with each other using a plurality of snap fit pins.

11. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 9, wherein the pair of connecting arms are oriented at a predefined angle with each other to facilitate the device to encircle the structure.

12. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 11, wherein the predefined angle depends on a diameter of the structure.

13. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 11, wherein the predefined angle is in a range of 90 to 150 degrees.

14. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 9, wherein the pair of connecting arms of the end-connector are in a common horizontal plane.

15. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 9, wherein the lateral arm is oriented at a predefined angle with the pair of connecting arms and extends perpendicularly away from the structure.

16. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein the spatula includes a shaft and an aerofoil portion.

17. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein the helix further includes a cleaning disc mounted on a junction of the cleaner and at least one of the mid-connector and the end-connector, such that it can move along the junction and also rotate along its axis.

18. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 17, wherein the cleaning disc is a hollow disc which has a plurality of bristles on its outer surface to clean the structure and an inner surface to clean the junction.

19. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 17, wherein the cleaning disc is made of at least one from a HDPE, a hydrogenated nitrile rubber composite and the like.

20. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 1, wherein the mid-connector, the end-connector, the cleaner and the spatula are made of a UV stabilized grade HDPE material.

21. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 4, wherein the rubber ball is made as a solid ball of hydrogenated nitrile rubber composite.

22. The marine anti-fouling device according to claim 4, wherein the rubber ball is made as a composite rubber sleeve over a HDPE core.