Case Study: Trash Skimmer Prevents Costly Closures at Nuclear Power Plant

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by TVA, the largest public power company in the U.S.
The plants three reactors produce 3.4 gigawatts of power
Located on 840 acres downstream from Wheeler Reservoir on the Tennessee River
About 1,500 acres of aquatic vegetation on Wheeler Reservoir are just upstream

PROJECT CHALLENGE

Fragmentation and breakup of aquatic plants may originate miles from intake
Floating aquatic vegetation interfered with power generation in 2019
High winds and flows increase the breakup and abundance of plant fragments and floating mats
Aquatic plants clog intake screens, leading to costly damage or shutdowns

THE SOLUTION

Eelgrass and other aquatic vegetation upstream from the nuclear plant becomes fragmented due to wind and river flows. These fragments accumulate and interfere with the plant’s operations by clogging intake systems, reducing water flow, and potentially leading to operational disruptions.

TR-56 Standard Trailer Launching a TH-620 Debris Skimmer.

Twin Joysticks

The Trash Hunter is an ideal solution as it is designed to efficiently collect the plant fragments without the need for cutting; simplifying the removal process.