Monitoring of mussel fouling threat
Fouling by mussel (Mytilus edulis) has been a common problem at power stations in Britain. Mussel spat are planktonic and can settle on any solid surface. Once settled the mussels grow and later die, when shells may break free and pass into the cooling water system. These shells may block condenser tube endplates and jam in condenser tubes. In severe infestations significant blockage of the intake culverts can also occur.
Fouling by mussel (Mytilus edulis) has been a common problem at power stations in Britain. Mussel spat are planktonic and can settle on any solid surface. Once settled the mussels grow and later die, when shells may break free and pass into the cooling water system. These shells may block condenser tube endplates and jam in condenser tubes. In severe infestations significant blockage of the intake culverts can also occur.
Pisces Conservation regularly monitor the size and condition of mussel colonies on the coast of north Somerset, to assess the risk of increased mussel fouling at power station CW intakes, and allow plant operators to fine-tune preventive measures such as biocide dosing.
Pisces staff and consultants have many years' experience working in and with the power industry, and so have a unique understanding of problems affecting power plant cooling water systems. Pisces's library of power plant internal reports and grey literature provides a vast source of information on which to base sound commercial and ecological decisions.
Further information on our power plant-related work is available on our Power Station Effects website.
Further information on our power plant-related work is available on our Power Station Effects website.
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