Physical effects of entrainment: current research at ORNL

Abstract

An experimental program to evaluate the effects of entrainment on aquatic organisms is being conducted at ORNL. The damage to fish eggs and larvae during entrainment through condenser cooling water systems is one of the major environmental impacts of electric power plants. St~dies at operating P?wer plants have indicated that mortality rates can be excessive. These r~tes may vary among species and between plants. In order to assess the mortality associated with each component of the cooling system, a power plant simulator has been designed and is now under construction. The design of the apparatus is such that the internal hydraulics of an operating power plant condenser cooling system will be effectively reproduced. Experiments will be conducted using fresh water and marine fish species according to the experimental designs described herein. Rearing and holding facilities have been designed and assembled to assure a supply of specimens ~nd allow assessment of delayed mortality. The identification •of the factors which cau~e mortality during entrainment will provide a rational foundation for redesign of the components in cooling systems to minimize environmental impacts.