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Bubble Barrier - Technology for Cleaning Rivers from Plastic Pollution with Bubbles
The Bubble Barrier is the first technology to use a bubble curtain to capture plastic pollution in rivers. Over the past 7 years, we have developed the most effective and energy-efficient solution to trap and remove plastic without hindering ship or fish passage.
How does the Bubble Barrier work?
We create a bubble curtain by pumping air through a perforated tube on the bottom of the waterway. The bubble curtain creates an upward current which directs plastic to the surface. By placing the Bubble Barrier diagonally across the river, the natural flow of the water will push the plastic waste to the side and into the catchment system.
The catchment system is designed to work in harmony with the bubble curtain to collect and retain plastics. Following collection, it will be removed for processing and reuse.
The Bubble Barrier system
The Bubble Barrier comprises three main components: the bubble curtain, the compressor, and the catchment system. The three components are designed to work together to create the optimum solution for each location. The components are:
The location and necessary airflow of our bubble curtain are adapted according to the flow dynamics of the river or waterway. The bubble hose is made from rubber tubing and is ideally suited to application in a wide range of locations.
The bubble curtain is created by using compressed ambient air. We use electric compressors that are optimised for the bubble curtain and tailored to the requirements of continuous operation and to any location-specific characteristics. Wherever possible, we aim to power our Bubble Barrier with renewable energy. This may vary per city and infrastructure.
The bubble curtain will be paired with the most suitable catchment system. We have developed our own catchment system which can be adapted to the local infrastructure at the site, for example, to accommodate how it will be emptied by local authorities.
Increases dissolved oxygen
Bubble curtains increase the dissolved oxygen at the site, benefitting the aquatic ecosystem.
Operates 24/7
No operators are needed to ensure the system functions round the clock, while monitoring can be handled remotely.
Open for ship traffic
Ships can navigate the Bubble Barrier without obstruction.
Safe for fish passage
Migrating fish can pass through the bubble curtain or through the system’s fish passage.
Extensive reach
The bubble curtain extends across the full width and depth of the waterway.
Versatile
Our system is suitable for a wide range of locations, without requiring changes to existing local infrastructure.
Increases dissolved oxygen
Bubble curtains increase the dissolved oxygen at the site, benefitting the aquatic ecosystem.
Operates 24/7
No operators are needed to ensure the system functions round the clock, while monitoring can be handled remotely.
Open for ship traffic
Ships can navigate the Bubble Barrier without obstruction.
Safe for fish passage
Migrating fish can pass through the bubble curtain or through the system’s fish passage.
Extensive reach
The bubble curtain extends across the full width and depth of the waterway.
Versatile
Our system is suitable for a wide range of locations, without requiring changes to existing local infrastructure.