Research Initiated on Fine-Mesh Screen with Vacuum Larval Collection System
EPRI has initiated a laboratory effort to evaluate the performance of the Beaudrey Water Intake Protection (WIP) fine-mesh (2.0 mm) screen, which has a novel vacuum system for collecting fish eggs and larvae as well as debris.  The effectiveness of vacuum systems for collecting early life stages of fish and shellfish has not been previously evaluated.  This new research will complement the three years of EPRI research on other types of water intake screens with fine-mesh systems (see Technical Update 1020663).  The Beaudrey WIP screen with coarse mesh (9.75 mm or 3/8”) was previously tested in an EPRI–Nebraska Public Power District North Omaha Station Tailored Collaboration Project and found to be highly protective (>95% survival) of fish.  This new evaluation of the fine-mesh Beaudrey WIP screen will be conducted in the Alden Research Laboratory flume in Holden, MA.  Results will be available in late 2010.   For more information, contact Doug Dixon, (804) 642-1025, ddixon@epri.com.