Bubble Curtain installation at Lintrathen Reservoir
Seasonal algae can build up around reservoir offtakes, the points where raw water is drawn out for treatment. When it does, it can increase the burden on downstream treatment.
At Lintrathen Reservoir, we’ve designed and supplied a Bubble Curtain system to help Scottish Water reduce the amount of algae reaching the offtake and being drawn out of the reservoir. It gives the operator a controllable response that can be switched on when conditions require it. The project was delivered with Morrison Utilities, with installation by RockSalt Subsea.
Why does algae near an offtake matter?
Algae growth tends to increase in warmer months, and wind can push it across the reservoir towards the offtake.
When algae accumulates around an offtake, more of it can be drawn into the treatment process. That can mean extra work and higher treatment requirements further down the line.
A controllable operational system
Bubble Curtains are often used as temporary measures on construction projects. The Lintrathen system is different: it’s a permanent installation, designed to be used as an ongoing reservoir-management tool.
The operator can run it when the risk of algae moving towards the offtake is higher, for example during warmer weather or when the wind direction makes it more likely. When it isn’t needed, it can be switched off.
Using existing site infrastructure, the system was designed to use the existing compressed-air infrastructure on site, making installation simpler and reducing the need for additional equipment and works.
How the system works
Compressed air is fed through submerged self-weighted Bubble Tubing® diffuser lines laid on the reservoir bed. As the bubbles rise, they create an upward current that influences water movement around the intake. This helps steer algae away from offtake.
At Lintrathen, the curtains are arranged around the intake structure to suit the asset they protect.
The system at a glance:
- Three double-layer bubble curtains.
- Six submerged Bubble Tubing® diffuser lines.
- Approximately 80 CFM of compressed air.
- Curtains arranged to encircle and protect the intake structure from algae.
- Powered by existing on-site compressed air.
- Run when algae risk is higher, switched off when not needed.
Installation and project team
Installing a system on a reservoir bed is straightforward, but it needs to be designed correctly to achieve the right outcome. Working safely on water also requires careful planning and the right expertise:
- Frog Environmental: System design, technical specification, supply and installation support.
- RockSalt Subsea: Installation of the bubble tubing on the reservoir bed utilising a small ROV (Remotely operated underwater vehicle). An ROV was selected for this installation, but it is able to be placed by RockSalt’s team of divers if required.
- Morrison Utilities: Overall project delivery and coordination.
A longer-term use for Bubble Curtains
Bubble Curtains are often associated with temporary jobs, such as holding back silt or reducing underwater noise. Lintrathen shows how the same technology can work as a long-term tool for abstraction and asset protection and reduce the cost of water treatment.
Richard Haine, Managing Director of Frog Environmental, said:
“What makes this project particularly useful is the flexibility it provides. The system can be operated when local conditions increase the risk of algae moving towards the offtake, then switched off when it is not required. As climate change puts increasing pressure on how reservoirs are managed, we will need practical, robust solutions like this to help control treatment costs and maintain a reliable supply of water to customers.”
Managing algae at your reservoir?
If you’re looking at ways to protect an intake or manage algae and water quality risks, our technical team will be happy to talk through your site and the options available. Contact us to start the conversation.
More information on bubble curtains: Abstraction and Asset Protection Bubble Curtains | Frog Environmental
For products, services, training and technical sales support contact us or call 0300 431 8888.
Contact Us
Image credit: RockSalt Subsea
RockSalt Subsea | Commercial Diving and ROV Specialist
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