Barriers & booms | Floating guardians


Floating barriers and booms have become critical components in hydroelectric operations, tackling challenges from debris management to public safety. As the technology evolves, barriers and booms are adapting to meet new demands in efficiency, safety, and environmental protection


Above: Xayaburi Dam, Laos. Photograph on the right was taken five days after a Worthington debris barrier was installed at the project


BARRIERS AND BOOMS PLAY a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of hydropower plants. These floating structures serve multiple purposes, from debris control to public safety, and have evolved significantly over the years to meet the changing needs of the hydropower industry.


Debris control: protecting intakes and


maintaining efficiency Debris control is a critical function of barriers and booms at hydropower plants. Floating debris, including logs, branches, and other vegetation, can pose significant challenges to hydropower operations if not properly managed.


One of the primary uses of debris booms is to protect power plant intakes. These barriers are strategically placed upstream of hydropower plant intakes to prevent floating materials from entering and potentially damaging turbines or other critical equipment. By intercepting and deflecting debris, these barriers help maintain the efficiency and longevity of hydropower installations.


Maintaining generation efficiency is another crucial aspect of debris control. Accumulation of debris at intake structures can lead to reduced water flow and decreased power generation. Effective management of floating trash, logs, and other debris through floating debris booms helps hydropower plants maintain optimal generation efficiency. The importance of debris control is underscored by a striking statistic from the technical article ‘Evaluation of Clogged Hydropower Plant Trash Rack Losses’ by Aleš Hribernik: energy losses caused by floating debris and trash were estimated to be 133 MWh – a significant amount of power that hydropower producers would otherwise be “flushing downstream”. This highlights the real financial impact that effective debris management can have on hydropower operations.


Debris booms come in various forms to suit


different environments and debris types. For instance, permanent containment booms are designed for


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controlling lightweight debris and vegetation in calm water. These typically feature small, highly buoyant floatation materials fixed to the upper part of a submerged curtain, creating a permanent barrier below the waterline. For more challenging environments, such as rivers with higher debris levels or stronger surface velocities, specialized booms like the Debris Master™ from Worthington Waterway Barriers are employed. These are capable of handling heavy floating debris and trash flows on river systems and large reservoirs.


Public safety: protecting lives around


dams Beyond debris control, barriers and booms serve a critical safety function around hydropower facilities.


Restricting access to dangerous areas Safety booms are installed to prevent public access to hazardous zones near dams and hydroelectric power plants. These barriers help facility managers meet their responsibilities in protecting the public and managing risk.


Boat barriers In addition to general safety, some booms are specifically designed to act as boat barriers, preventing watercraft from approaching too close to dam structures or entering restricted areas.


Ice control: managing winter


challenges In colder climates, barriers and booms can also serve as ice control structures. These specialized booms help manage ice formation and movement, protecting hydropower infrastructure during winter months.


Evolution of boom technology The technology behind barriers and booms has


advanced significantly over the years, moving away from traditional timber log booms to more sophisticated and environmentally friendly options.


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