Design of Longitudinal Air Bubbler System Inside Ship Lock

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated the expected behavior of installing a longitudinal air bubbler system in the St Lambert Lock, Quebec, Canada to bring “warm” water from the depths of the lock chamber and reduce ice buildup on the lock walls during the winter navigation. The bubbler manifold would be installed near the bottom of the lock chamber and extend along the entire wall of the lock chamber. Compressed air would be provided to the manifold and the air would be released through a series of holes (orifices) installed along the length of the manifold. A vertical water current would be induced in the lock chamber by the rising air bubbles. The continuous supply of water to the surface should reduce ice formation along the wall of the chamber. This use of a longitudinal air bubbler system to reduce ice buildup along lock walls during the winter season is a novel use of an air bubbler system in North America in a navigation lock.