Using bubble curtain and barrier technology to prevent pollution
In this podcast episode from Portside Perspective, our very own Technical Director, Leela O’Dea was featured in a fantastic and very informed piece on how Frog Environmental helps prevent pollution in the marine environment.
Leela shared insights into the cutting-edge environmental products and services Frog Environmental provides for marine construction, ports and harbours, and waterways projects.
She highlighted our advancements in silt control, water treatment, and bubble curtain technology, showcasing our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the industry. Tune in to learn more about how we’re making a positive impact on our environment!
You can dive into some research on how our technologies are preventing pollution in the marine and water environment here:
Sediment dispersal is effectively impeded by air bubble curtains
Bubble Tubing® releases micro-bubbles from bubble curtains, which are used for various environmental protection purposes, including oxygenation, sound muffling, and restricting the dispersal of suspended sediments. SEACAMS Swansea conducted a study on behalf of Frog Environmental Ltd. to evaluate the effectiveness of bubble curtains in controlling sediment movement in seawater under laboratory conditions.
In the study, a seawater tank was set up with up to three lines of Bubble Tubing and sediments of various sizes were introduced into the laminar water flow. Sediments were collected on either side of the tubing. The results showed that a single bubble curtain could restrict, on average, 50% of sediment movement. Overall, the study demonstrated that three lines of Bubble Tubing could impede up to 90% of silt dispersal, suggesting its potential as a tool to limit sediment dispersion in coastal environments.
And further reading on preventing noise pollution can be read here:
In-situ underwater sound attenuation measurements of the Bubble Tubing®
Experimental tests conducted have shown that Bubble Tubing® technology provides high attenuation of underwater sound. While attenuation is more pronounced at high frequencies, it remains sufficiently high at low frequencies (i.e., < 1000 Hz) to reduce the impact of human activities on marine animals. The attenuation efficiency is influenced by the flow and the number of Bubble Tubing layers deployed in parallel, with higher efficiency at high frequencies. The study found typical attenuation ranging from approximately 20 dB at frequencies below 500 Hz to over 80 dB at frequencies up to 20 kHz.
Frog Environmental are water quality and silt control specialists working with contractors, regulators and consultants within construction, utilities, marine and coastal and public sector industries across the UK and Europe.
With environmental stewardship at the heart of everything we do, we bring innovation to the market through a range of cutting-edge products backed with our technical team’s knowledge, and strive to create new benchmarks for environmental protection, client efficiency and value.
Find out more about how we support clients visit our case studies or product pages. Follow our news and updates or contact us for technical support.