THE CONCEPT
How does the Bubble Barrier work?
The catchment system is designed to work in harmony with the bubble curtain to collect and retain plastics. Following collection, it will be removed for processing and reuse.
THE PRODUCT
The Bubble Barrier system
The Bubble Barrier comprises three main components: the bubble curtain, the compressor, and the catchment system. The three components are designed to work together to create the optimum solution for each location. The components are:
Bubble curtain
The location and necessary airflow of our bubble curtain are adapted according to the flow dynamics of the river or waterway. The bubble hose is made from rubber tubing and is ideally suited to application in a wide range of locations.
Air supply
The bubble curtain is created by using compressed ambient air. We use electric compressors that are optimised for the bubble curtain and tailored to the requirements of continuous operation and to any location-specific characteristics. Wherever possible, we aim to power our Bubble Barrier with renewable energy. This may vary per city and infrastructure.
Catchment System
The bubble curtain will be paired with the most suitable catchment system. We have developed our own catchment system which can be adapted to the local infrastructure at the site, for example, to accommodate how it will be emptied by local authorities.
Bubble Barrier Benefits
Increases dissolved oxygen
Bubble curtains increase the dissolved oxygen at the site, benefitting the aquatic ecosystem.
Operates 24/7
No operators are needed to ensure the system functions round the clock, while monitoring can be handled remotely.
Open for ship traffic
Ships can navigate the Bubble Barrier without obstruction.
Safe for fish passage
Migrating fish can pass through the bubble curtain or through the system’s fish passage.
Extensive reach
The bubble curtain extends across the full width and depth of the waterway.
Versatile
Our system is suitable for a wide range of locations, without requiring changes to existing local infrastructure.
Increases dissolved oxygen
Bubble curtains increase the dissolved oxygen at the site, benefitting the aquatic ecosystem.
Operates 24/7
No operators are needed to ensure the system functions round the clock, while monitoring can be handled remotely.
Open for ship traffic
Ships can navigate the Bubble Barrier without obstruction.
Safe for fish passage
Migrating fish can pass through the bubble curtain or through the system’s fish passage.
Extensive reach
The bubble curtain extends across the full width and depth of the waterway.
Versatile
Our system is suitable for a wide range of locations, without requiring changes to existing local infrastructure.
OUR IMPACT
Effectively removing plastic from waterways
%
catch rate based on pilot data
kg*
of inorganic dry debris collected by Bubble Barrier Amsterdam every month
pieces*
of inorganic dry debris collected by Bubble Barrier Amsterdam every month
*based on 6 months data in 2021
Are you ready to take action?
Send an inquiry and we will get in contact with you.
How we implement a Bubble Barrier
Before we implement a Bubble Barrier, we carefully conduct research on the preferred location with you to ensure high quality and optimal performance. Typically, we go through the following phases with our clients:
PROJECT PHASES:
1. Preliminary research
In this phase we assess the suitability of a specific location, the best strategic partners, permit requirements and the indicate the total costs.
2. Realisation
In this phase we will make a final design based on our research and the permit requirements and we will install the Bubble Barrier.
3. Operation
In this phase the Bubble Barrier is fully operational ready to make impact. This includes organizing a launch and executing a tailored communication plan fitted to the local community.
4. Maintenance
The scheduled maintenance of the system can either be done by us or a certified third party.
Which rivers are suitable?
Every river is unique. Therefore, we carefully assess the options for installing a Bubble Barrier in each instance. A Bubble Barrier is suitable for many different sizes and types of rivers, as follows:
Tidal river
This type typically ranges from 30m up to 200m in width, but with tidal influence. Therefore, there are constant changes in the direction of flow. Depending on the nature of the river, it could be home to both recreational and commercial ship traffic.
Other river types
We are constantly developing our system. Please inquire to find out how a Bubble Barrier could help to clean up your particular river.
River type A
A canal which is mainly used for recreational and smaller tourist boats. This type is typically around 30 m wide and is often no more than 2m deep. The canal may flow in various directions.
River type B
A canal with a constant discharge and flow in one direction only. Typically, this type varies in depth between 2m to 5m and in width between 30 m up to 50 m. Ship traffic is predominantly recreational, with some occasional commercial ship traffic. The profile of the river is broadly rectangular and often man-made.
River type C
A river that has been significantly shaped by human activity; it has been mostly straightened with few, if any, meanders remaining. It is predominantly used for commercial ship traffic, including bulkers, tankers and container and river cruise ships. The deepest parts may be 5-7m, while widths vary from 100m up to 200m. Typically, there is a constant downstream flow with seasonal fluctuations in discharge.
Tidal river
This type typically ranges from 30m up to 200m in width, but with tidal influence. Therefore, there are constant changes in the direction of flow. Depending on the nature of the river, it could be home to both recreational and commercial ship traffic.
Other river types
We are constantly developing our system. Please inquire to find out how a Bubble Barrier could help to clean up your particular river.
River type A
A canal which is mainly used for recreational and smaller tourist boats. This type is typically around 30 m wide and is often no more than 2m deep. The canal may flow in various directions.
River type B
A canal with a constant discharge and flow in one direction only. Typically, this type varies in depth between 2m to 5m and in width between 30 m up to 50 m. Ship traffic is predominantly recreational, with some occasional commercial ship traffic. The profile of the river is broadly rectangular and often man-made.
Download specifications of a Bubble Barrier
Find out more about the specificities of a Bubble Barrier system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much energy does one Bubble Barrier use?
How much does one Bubble Barrier catch?
Can the Bubble Barrier catch microplastics as well?
What do you do with the catch? How are you handling the plastic collected?
How different are you from other solutions?
How does the Bubble Barrier interact with fish?
What is the cost of a Bubble Barrier?
Please visit our general FAQ page for more information and questions.