Bubble Barrier

Product Description

The Bubble Barrier prevents plastic pollution by creating a bubble screen within the waterway. This is achieved by placing the tube (with holes) along the bottom of the waterway and pumping air through a tube.

The amount of money needed for full implementation of a new Bubble Barrier highly depends on the local conditions (width, depth, flow velocity, etc).^{Correspondence with the Manufacturer in August 2020}

Target SDGs

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

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.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The Bubble Barrier is made of a PVC tube with holes in it. This tube is reinforced with a steel cable and is attached to the bottom of the river at some points with steel or (recycled) concrete blocks. The company manages its manufacturing from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ^{Correspondence with the Manufacturer in August 2020}

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

User operation

Automated

Consumables

None

Power supply type

Electrical

Design Specifications

The Bubble Barrier works by using a tube with holes, which is placed on the bottom of a river. Pumping air through the tube creates a bubble curtain. The air bubbles force plastics in the water to the surface, making them accessible for removal. This concept is used in the oil industry, the dredging industry, and the Dutch lock system. By placing the bubble barrier diagonally to the flow of a river, the power of the river forces debris to the banks of the river, where it can be easily removed from the water. The Bubble Barrier also uses the natural current to guide the plastic to the local catchment system.

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

Spaargaren, L., 2018, The Bubble Barrier, Delft University of Technology Master Thesis.

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

Implemented by

Healing Waters International

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