Cavitation barrier for aquatic species
OwnerEdem TSIKATAinventor
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel deterrent barrier based on the phenomenon of fluid cavitation. A drive unit comprising a motor and a propeller are configured for inducing cavitation in water. The cavitation takes the form of a rotationally confined vertical column of cavitation bubbles extending from the propeller, and a one-dimensional series of drive units spanning the width of a waterway may provide an effective, environmentally friendly and non-lethal barrier against entry of target fish species.
Claims19
A deterrent barrier system for aquatic species, the system comprising:
- a mounting plate configured for affixation to a submerged feature of a waterway;
- on the mounting plate, at least drive unit comprising a motor and a propeller configured for inducing cavitation in water, the cavitation taking the form of a rotationally confined vertical column of cavitation bubbles extending from the propeller;
- and
- a protective grid substantially enclosing the propeller.
A method of selectively deterring migration of a target aquatic species along a waterway, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a cavitation-producing drive unit;
- and
- operating the drive unit to induce cavitation in water, the cavitation taking the form of a rotationally confined vertical column of cavitation bubbles extending from the drive unit, the cavitation bubbles repelling the target aquatic species.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.