The key is to understand fish behaviour
to protect them better
Background study : fish reaction to infrasound
Among the different natural acoustic signals encountered in water, low frequency sounds, or infrasounds are picked up by all fish species. As fish swim they naturally produce infrasounds.
Infrasounds generally induce a flight response for all species tested, as confirmed by the observations of the research team of Professor Olav Sand, University of Oslo, Norway and by the recent study published by Damien Sonny and this team on the cooling water intake of the nuclear power plant of Tihange (Belgium).
This avoidance response is explained by the fact that infrasounds are natural alarm signals for fish.
Detailed technical studies for improving water intake installations
On the basis of its detailed knowledge of fish behaviour ProFish Technology has developed a system which relies on the emission of infrasounds to prevent fish from being killed on a massive scale at industrial water intakes during their downstream migration.
ProFish Technology carries out initial studies for existing or projected water intakes and proposes appropriate modifications which may include equipping the intake with a fish repulsion system.
Our objective is to ensure compliance with the ecological regulations dealing with water intakes and to provide a scientific and reliable response to each problem.
Installation and operation of the fish repulsion system
On the basis of an initial technical study, ProFish Technology will install the appropriate infrasound units. After installation ProFish Technology conducts maintenance and verifies operational efficiency.
Related developments
ProFish Technology is also developing consulting services for the design and implementation of fish bypasses for both upstream migration around dams and for downstream avoidance of hydroelectric intakes.
Technology for the protection of industrial systems can also include studies to deter organisms other than fish. For example, the reproduction of certain water organisms (such as zebra mussels, jelly fish, algae) at the water intake of industrial plant in marine or estuary environments might cause seizing or blocking of filters and or moving parts etc