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Debris control for hydropower
Published on 10 Mar ‘25
Debris Control at Barrage de la Plate Taille hydropower installation
Debris control for hydropower

Barrage de la Plate Taille, the largest dam in Belgium, is located at the border of Namur and Hainaut provinces. It plays an important role in the country’s renewable energy production, as part of the Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure. In addition to its purpose for hydroelectric power generation and water management, it also serves as a recreational hub. However, the presence of floating debris and water safety concerns create significant challenges for the Eau d’Heure hydropower station. To address these challenges, an effective solution was needed to protect the infrastructure, ensuring effective debris control for the hydropower infrastructure and safety for lake and recreational users.

Improving operational efficiency and public safety

To keep the Eau d’Heure hydropower station operational, a dual purpose solution was required. Our approach addresses both debris control and safety concerns. It integrates a protective net along with a fully customized boom system, providing an efficient and reliable barrier.

Preventing debris accumulation

Debris accumulation poses a major risk to hydropower facilities worldwide. Floating logs, branches and other materials can obstruct intake structures. This reduces efficiency and increases maintenance requirements.

The customized barrier system ensures debris control, intercepting both floating and submerged debris before it reaches the hydropower installation. It comprises of both a boom and an attached underwater net. This net acts as an additional layer of protection. It captures smaller debris that might otherwise pass through the boom, further ensuring the continuous operation of the hydropower station.

Enhancing safety for lake users

In addition to protecting infrastructure, the installed barrier system enhances public safety. It effectively prevents swimmers, divers, kayakers and boaters from accessing hazardous, restricted areas near the dam, intake structures or strong currents.

Engineering for performance

For this installation, Bolina Log Screen Booms were selected due to their durability and effectiveness in hydropower environments and customized. These booms have been successfully deployed at major hydropower sites worldwide, including top-10 plants in Africa. The booms ensure continuous plant operation by intercepting floating – and at times submerged – debris before it reaches critical infrastructure.

To ensure reliability, the booms undergo detailed physical testing. This includes Buoyancy Tests, Connection Flexibility Tests and Traveller Tests, all independently verified by Lloyds British.

Canoe pass

Customization options for site-specific needs

Bolina Log Screen Booms are designed with flexibility in mind, offering configurations that can be adapted to site-specific requirements. Options include but are not limited to:

40T fuse link – A controlled safety mechanism to prevent overloading.
Canoe passes – Optional openings to allow small watercraft passage when required.
Multiple end-connection options – Customizable solutions to align with site constraints and operational needs.

Common challenges in hydropower and safety management

Workboat navigation

Ensuring accessibility for workboats is a key consideration when installing safety barriers. To address this, the barrier system can be equipped with gated passages. This allows workboats to pass through efficiently without compromising the protection of infrastructure or safety zones.

Fluctuating water levels

Water levels in hydropower reservoirs vary significantly, affecting the effectiveness of the barriers. The inclusion of a traveller end connection enables the booms to adjust dynamically. This helps the system maintain its functionality even during periods of high or low water levels.

Recreational safety measures

With a high number of recreational users – swimmers, kayakers and divers – visiting the Eau d’Heure Lakes, ensuring safety is a critical concern. The floating barriers, coupled with the protective underwater net, provide clear visual markers for restricted zones. This dual-purpose system ensures that users are kept safely away from dangerous areas. It enhances overall water safety and prevents accidents.

Conclusion

The installation at Barrage de la Plate Taille hydropower plant provides a robust solution for both debris control and safety management for the client. By integrating a protective net with the boom, this system ensures the interception of floating and submerged debris while marking hazardous zones for lake users. Through rigorous testing and adaptable configurations, this solution continues to support hydropower facilities worldwide.

Looking for reliable debris control and safety solutions for hydropower facilities? Get in touch with our team to find the right solution for your site.

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