Author(s): P.P.D. van der Ven; G. Oldenziel

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Bubble screen; Lock exchange; Salinity intrusion; Scale model

Abstract: This abstract introduces measurements on the effect of a bubble screen on the density-driven exchange flow that occurs in shipping locks. Bubble screens are applied at shipping locks between salt and fresh water bodies, in order to reduce salt intrusion as a result of the locking process. The importance of limiting this salt intrusion is found in the required quality of the fresh water, which is given by ecological reasons or due to its use for agriculture and/or drinking water. In situ tests of an innovative combination of bubble and water screens are given by e.g. Uittenbogaard et al. (2015) and show that these measures can indeed mitigate salt intrusion to a sufficient degree. Compared to the application of a freshwater flushing discharge through the lock, the primary alternative, bubble screens are however more economically expensive as the required flow rate and pressure demand a significant compressor size. An important question therefore is to optimize the design or use of the bubble screen such that the required salt intrusion reduction is met at a minimum use of energy. This abstract shows model measurements, performed recently at Deltares, which provide data of high spatial resolution. The goal of these experiments is to assess the difference in performance as a result of varying the bubble screen’s air flow rate. As these differences may be subtle, high accuracy measurements are required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-981-11-2731-1_219-cd

Year: 2018