Underwater cleaning techniqued used for removal of zebra mussels at the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant
- Seaward Marine Services, Inc., Fairfax, VA (United States)
- New York Power Authority, White Plains, NY (United States)
This paper discusses the use of a mechanical brush cleaning technology recently used to remove biofouling from the Circulating Water (CW) System at New York Power Authority`s James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant. The FitzPatrick plant had previously used chemical molluscicide to treat zebra mussels in the CW system. Full system treatment was performed in 1992 with limited forebay/screenwell treatment in 1993. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) decided to conduct a mechanical cleaning of the intake system in 1994. Specific project objectives included: (1) Achieve a level of surface cleaniness greater than 98%; (2) Remove 100% of debris, both existing sediment and debris generated as a result of cleaning; (3) Inspect all surfaces and components, identifying any problem areas; (4) Complete the task in a time frame within the 1994-95 refueling outage schedule window, and; (5) Determine if underwater mechanical cleaning is a cost-effective zebra mussel control method suitable for future application at FitzPatrick. A pre-cleaning inspection, including underwater video photography, was conducted of each area. Cleaning was accomplished using diver-controlled, multi-brush equipment included the electro-hydraulic powered Submersible Cleaning and Maintenance Platform (SCAMP), and several designs of hand-held machines. The brushes swept all zebra mussels off surfaces, restoring concrete and metal substrates to their original condition. Sensitive areas including pump housings, standpipes, sensor piping and chlorine injection tubing, were cleaned without degradation. Submersible vortex vacuum pumps were used to remove debris from the cavity. More than 46,000 ft{sup 2} of surface area was cleaned and over 460 cubic yards of dewatered debris were removed. As each area was completed, a post-clean inspection with photos and video was performed.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst. (EPRI), Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 146959
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-105116; CONF-9502124-; TRN: 96:005753
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 5. international Zebra mussel and other aquatic nuisance organisms conference, Toronto (Canada), 14-21 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: Jun 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the fifth international zebra mussel and other aquatic nuisance organisms conference 1995; Ackerman, J.D. [Univ. of Northern British Columbia, Prince George (Canada)]; PB: 494 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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