Zebra mussel control device for water intakes

A zebra mussel control device for a water intake, the device comprising:

• (a) a funnel member having its smaller end adapted to be fitted to a pipe of the water intake, and having an axis of symmetry extending generally vertically, the larger end of the funnel member having a circumference extending generally horizontally;
• (b) a cover member with a circumference in spaced parallel relationship with the circumference of the funnel member;
• (c) a series of electrodes extending generally vertically between the circumference of the funnel member and the circumference of the cover member, each electrode extending generally radially on the cover member and being separated from each adjacent electrode by a gap of uniform size, an electrical current being adapted to flow between adjacent electrodes;
• and,
• (d) an annular air chamber surrounding the funnel member, the air chamber having a series of apertures for releasing air from the chamber, the released air flowing upwardly, as bubbles, through the gaps between the electrodes;
• whereby, when the device is in use the flow of air bubbles through the gaps creates a water turbulence which increases the destructive effect of the electrical current flowing across the gaps on any zebra mussels entering the water intake through the gaps.

A zebra mussel control device for a water intake, the device comprising:

• (a) a flared funnel member, the funnel member having a circular cross-section and small and large circular ends, the small end being adapted to be fitted to a pipe of the water intake, the axis of symmetry of the funnel member extending generally vertically;
• (b) a cover member in spaced parallel relationship with the large end of the funnel member;
• (c) a series of electrodes extending generally vertically between a periphery of the cover member and the large end of the funnel member, the electrodes being held between respective equiangularly-positioned radial projections of the cover and funnel members such that the gap between adjacent electrodes is unbounded on the top and bottom, an electrical current being adapted to flow between adjacent electrodes;
• and,
• (d) an annular air chamber surrounding the funnel member, the air chamber having a series of apertures for releasing air from the chamber, the released air flowing upwardly, as bubbles, around the outside of the flared funnel member and then through the gaps between the electrodes;
• whereby, when the device is in use the flow of air bubbles through the gaps creates a water turbulence which increases the destructive effect of the electrical current flowing across the gaps on any zebra mussels entering the water intake through the gaps.