FirstLight Power Resources, a subsidiary of H20 Power, has purchased and installed the Hydro-Optic (HOD) ultraviolet (UV) technology from Atlantium Technologies Ltd. to provide non-chemical biofouling control of invasive mussels in cooling water circuits in the Housatonic River Project hydroelectric system at the Shepaug Hydroelectric Station and Stevenson Hydroelectric Station.
Since their introduction in the 1980s, the extremely prolific dreissenid, zebra and quagga mussels have spread into waterways, attaching to and clogging virtually all types of submerged surfaces. Biofouling from these two mussel species and the operational impacts on the hydroelectric industry are profound. Flow restrictions or blockages due to mussel infestation are the foremost concern because of the threat to water delivery and power reliability. In addition, the associated costs from lost power production can be significant.
“FirstLight has evaluated the risk from mussel fouling, outlined the best management practices for coping with invasion, and identified the Hydro-Optic UV treatment solution as the best control option for raw water systems to prevent invasion and infestation,” said Rebecca Allen, engineer, FirstLight Power Resources. “The HOD system is an advanced UV treatment solution that achieves a 99% inhibition of settlement of quagga mussel veligers downstream of the system using a UV dose rate substantially lower than 100 mJ/cm 2 . The HOD UV system will help FirstLight to minimize the risk from mussel fouling by preventing invasion and infestation.”
Source: Altanium Technologies Ltd.
