Bubble Barrier

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Public Sector Agencies

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product is implemented by the manufacturer.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Mr. Trash Wheel and Interceptor.

Regions

Worldwide

Manufacturing/Building Method

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product by directly contacting the manufacturer.

Distributions to Date Status

As of August 2020, Bubble Barriers have been installed at a wastewater treatment plant in Wervershoof, New Holland and in Amsterdam, commissioned by the Regional Water Authority Amstel, Gooi and Vecht and the municipality of Amsterdam

Design Specifications

Additional positive side effects include 1.) increased oxygen levels within the water, which stimulate the ecosystem and prevent the growth of toxic blue algae, and 2.) absorption of sounds and waves meaning fish and shores experience less harm from the ship traffic.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

The manufacturer can be contacted regarding the replacement of any components such as the PVC tube or compressor.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The manufactured specified performance targets are as follows:

• Animal-friendly: The Bubble Barrier forms a barrier for plastics, but allows fish to pass
• Ship-friendly: The Bubble Barrier has no effect on passing ships
• Full Range: The Bubble Barrier reaches entire width and depth of a river or canal

Vetted Performance Status

Initial concept testing took place in the flumes at Deltares in May 2017. A 200 m length Bubbles Barrier was subsequently tested at Kampen in the IJssel at the end of 2017. The 3-week investigation shows that that the Bubble Barrier works under all Dutch autumn weather conditions and that it catches 86% of all used test material on average.

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product. However, the manufacturer must be involved in its correct installation in a waterway.

Complementary Technical Systems

The manufacturer indicated they are always looking for creative uses for the plastic which has been removed, in order to create more awareness about waterway pollution.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

It is understood that the Bubble Barrier is compliant with known regulations as the product does not require any changes in infrastructure or policies. Any potential issues arising from implementation in different countries will be addressed on a project basis with the relevant authorities.

Evaluation methods

The manufacturer cites laboratory testing to assess the product’s ability to block all types of materials under all weather conditions present during a Dutch November month catching 86% of all used test material on average.

Other Information

The great bubble barrier - A smart solution to plastic pollution