Experimental Study of a Fish Behavioral Barrier Based on Bubble Curtains for a River Water Intake

Abstract

The protection of fish habitat near water diversion or hydrotechnical facilities is of particular interest for researchers working in various fields. The chapter is focused on an experimental study of a fish behavioral barrier consisting of a bubble curtain operating along a river water intake scale model. It approaches elements of fish hydrodynamics, river water intakes, as well as physical and non-physical barriers for fish diversion from hydrotechnical facilities. The design, development, and testing of the fish behavioral barrier as well as the results of the experimental analysis are discussed. The proposed experimental setup was based on a barrier placed in the proximity of a river water intake scale model fitted and tested in a closed-circuit hydraulic stand. The intake chamber is provided with perforated orifices which communicate through an inlet with a lower tank for discharging the water into another tank located beneath. A certain water velocity within the hydraulic stand was set to assess the tandem operation of the bubble curtain and water intake. A sharp velocity gradient was found in most cases, indicating local velocity changes and creating the premises for impacting the fish behavior. Conclusions and future research development are also envisaged in the chapter.