Great Lakes Steel Barrier
Constructed: 1993
Classification: Industrial Scale Intake or Tailrace
Smith-Root designed and constructed a downstream electrical barrier to prevent fish from clogging cooling water intake screens.
The Great Lakes Steel plant drew cooling water from the Detroit River through a rectangular canal. During annual runs, gizzard shad would enter the canal and become impinged on screens, disrupting production at the plant at great expense.
Smith-Root designed and constructed a concrete apron on piles at the entry to the canal. Concentric electrodes embedded into the apron created an electrical field to deter the fish.
The system was generally effective, although in very heavy runs fish were pushed through the field regardless. The plant was closed in 2003 due to obsolescence.
Services Provided
- Civil and structural design of barriers
- Electrical and electronic design of the pulsators and power supply systems
- Construction of the barrier
- Supply of electronics
- Regular maintenance up to 2003.
Gallery
Click image to enlarge.
Location: Ecorse, Michigan
Site Characteristics
| Pulsators | Pulsator Qty | Power Output | Water Depth | Waterway Width | Water Velocity | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5kVA POW | 3 | 4.5kW max. | 4 feet | 30 feet | 1.5 ft./s | 300 µs/cm max. |
Specifications subject to change without notice.