| Sedimentation This equipment is particularly relevant in the
current context of the water crisis. In addition to providing increased reliability in results for low flows, its automation ensures safe data recording regardless of the river’s flow. All data is stored in the on-board computer and can be transferred to the company’s computer system, optimizing performance analysis, filing, and consultation of historical data. The vessel has already arrived in Brazil and was
taken to the Itapebi hydro power plant (BA), where it will undergo field measurements on a quarterly basis, as mandated by a joint resolution from Aneel and the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA). After testing, the vessel can be utilized at other company hydro generation sites: Baguari (MG), Baixo Iguaçu (PR), Belo Monte (PA), Corumbá (GO), Dardanelos (MT), and Teles Pires (MT/PA). The boat’s route is determined by geo-referencing
to collect samples at specific points in the reservoirs. At these locations, a sampler attached to the autonomous vehicle is deployed into the water, reaching depths of up to 20m. This design ensures the sampler remains aligned with the same vertical line of the river’s cross section relative to the vessel, enhancing the reliability of the data collected. The captured material can then be analyzed
automatically using a microscope developed as part of the same R&D project. This granulometric analysis, which examines the size of suspended particles, allows for the assessment of reservoir conditions, such as silting. The R&D project that resulted in the development of the vessel and the microscope began in 2017. Besides this equipment, other technologies were created, including a boat designed to measure flow and water quality. Additionally, the project facilitated the nationalization of a geo-referencing technology at a cost ten times lower than the market price.
Monitoring The LISST-SL2, developed by Sequoia Scientific, Inc.,
has been deployed for monitoring purposes within a critical hydropower facility. This advanced equipment is designed to measure various parameters including depth, velocity, temperature, sediment concentration, and size distribution. Hidroeléctrica CELEC, a state-owned holding company involved in the entire spectrum of electric power activities – from generation to distribution, commercialization, and international trade – oversees a diverse portfolio of energy projects. Notable among these is the 1500MW Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, a flagship project located in the Napo and Sucumbios provinces, which stands as the country’s largest energy initiative. Facilitating the acquisition process, Caracterización De Partículas Ostos & Ostos Limitada, acting as Sequoia’s regional distributor, coordinated the procurement and delivery of the LISST-SL2 equipment to CELEC. The LISST-SL2 stands as Sequoia’s foremost multi- parameter instrument for monitoring river sediment. It provides real-time Point-Integrated, Depth-Integrated, or time-series data, effectively replacing outdated samplers.
Designed with a streamlined, low-drag body, it measures depth, velocity, temperature, sediment
concentration, size distribution, and other auxiliary parameters using laser diffraction technology. The system features an active intake pump control that ensures intake velocity matches the river’s velocity (iso-kinetic), enhancing accuracy and reliability in data collection. The LISST-SL2 features significant advancements over its predecessor, the original LISST-SL, including: A simplified user interface for enhanced usability. Utilization of laser diffraction technology with redesigned optics to cover an expanded grain size range of 1-500 microns (compared to 2-386 microns for the LISST-SL).
Isokinetic capability with advanced pump control. Integration of a 2-wire special communication protocol compatible with USGS B-reel standards. The Topside Box (TCB) containing batteries and facilitating data transfer via Bluetooth to a laptop. Real-time display of current speed, temperature, concentration, grain size distribution, depth, and mean sediment grain size. New software providing point-integrated and depth- integrated sediment data. Bluetooth connectivity enabling operation in diverse weather conditions. Ability to switch between different units (ft, ft/sec, m, m/sec) for depth and velocity measurements. Real-time data processing supporting time-series or vertical profile formats. Simplified storage and maintenance post-use.
Key distinguishing features of the LISST-SL2 include its role solely as a sensor, requiring connection via a USGS B-Reel to a Topside Control Box (TCB). The TCB, equipped with a rechargeable battery and electronics, supplies power to the LISST-SL2 and receives raw scattering data. These data are transmitted via Bluetooth to a nearby Windows laptop or tablet, where real-time processing occurs. The software processes raw data to display optical transmission, velocity, depth, temperature, particle size distribution, and total concentration. Operators can select between time-series or vertical profile views, with post- processing software generating point-integrated or depth-integrated concentrations. This capability offers detailed insights into sediment flux across 36 distinct size classes.
All data, both raw and processed, are presented in user-friendly formats, enhancing accessibility and usability for scientific analysis and environmental monitoring applications.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | July 2024 | 35
Above: The SediCon Desander Dredge is a gravity-powered hydrosuction system designed to remove sediment from desanders or other small structures
Below: The Itapebi dam. An autonomous vessel has been deployed by Neoenergia at the Brazilian project
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