We may not always realise it, but fish regularly encounter tricky barriers during their swimming journeys. Weirs, dams, pumping stations and locks often obstruct their passage, which in turn is detrimental to fish stocks. The consulting firm Movares does something about this: it builds and designs a 3D printed fish passage, the FISHIONPassage ©, using a computer model. It is specifically tailored to each location. The Netherlands has a first with this special fish passage.
From model to design
Movares, in collaboration with the Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden, has built a simulation model that can be used to simulate both the flow of water as well as the behaviour of fish in a fish passage (De Wit type). "With this knowledge, we are now building a fish passage, the FISHIONPassage ©," Movares said in a press release.
Modular fish passage
A concept based on the principles of legolisation was developed for the construction of the FISHIONPassage ©. The main elements (chambers and windows) are printed from recycled plastic. This provides great freedom of form and thus the possibility of optimising the profile of chambers and windows. The elements can be replaced in the field if necessary to further optimise (parts of) the fish passage. Elements can also be easily reused in other locations. "By using glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene plastic, we realise a lightweight fish passage. The FISHIONPassage © is only assembled in the field. This eliminates the need for heavy equipment to land and place the structure. Installation time is significantly shorter than for regular fish passages. And that, in turn, benefits the CO2 footprint."
To measure is to know
Measuring the FISHIONPassage © is easy. Elements can be fitted with various measuring instruments. For example, windows can be fitted with an antenna for the purpose of telemetry research. It is also possible to equip a chamber with a camera or a fishcounter. All monitoring systems can be integrated temporarily or permanently. Measurement results are automatically reported online.
For the realisation of the FISHIONPassage ©, Movares works together with various partners, with the printed parts being made by 3D-Robotprinting. Structural parts and placement are provided by FishFlowInnovations. For automated monitoring techniques, Movares cooperates with Visadvies. "Together we stand for customisation, with the aim of delivering a high-quality product that is continuously optimised," says Movares.
Source: Movares/De Ingenieur
