Critical infrastructure sites, such as power plants, dams, and ports, are essential to the functioning of modern society. However, these facilities are also vulnerable to accidents and threats that could have devastating consequences. One way to protect these sites is by using booms that block access to restricted areas, and provide a physical barrier against potential threats.
How do Bolina booms help?
Two types of booms that has proven effective in protecting critical sites are the Log Screen Booms and the Traffic Control Booms from Bolina. Bolina Log Screen Booms help maintain power generation at some of the world’s major hydro dams, where the amount of floating debris is exceptional with serious consequences for failure. Bolina Traffic Control Booms are used to create a safety barrier to prevent even the smallest of craft from passing through. They are ideal for nearshore applications, waterways, marinas, private water bodies and nature reserves.
The importance of protecting critical infrastructure sites cannot be overstated. If these facilities are damaged or destroyed, the consequences could be widespread and far-reaching. For example, a breach at a dam could result in flooding that affects thousands of people.
Ignoring the need for proper protection measures can have disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, there have been numerous examples of dangerous accidents that have taken place at critical infrastructure sites because the necessary precautions were not taken. For example, a boat carrying illegal migrants crashed into a nuclear power plant in France, causing significant damage to the facility.
In conclusion, using booms, such as Log Screen Booms or the Traffic Control Booms from Bolina, is an important step in protecting critical infrastructure sites. These floating barriers provide a physical barrier against potential threats and spills, helping to ensure that these facilities remain operational and secure. By taking the necessary precautions, we can help to prevent devastating accidents and ensure the safety and security of our critical infrastructure sites.
Protecting the Mozambique’s Power: Solving Cahora Bassa’s Operational Challenges with Bolina’s LSB600 Log Screen Boom
Problem: The Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) plant, located in Mozambique, is the largest hydroelectric plant in Southern Africa and provides much of the power to the national grid in Mozambique. The plant was experiencing operational problems with the existing boom being unable to hold back waterborne debris that was overwhelming the installation. This was causing reliability issues and a new solution was needed to overcome these problems.
Solution: Our team proposed and installed the Bolina LSB600 Log Screen Boom, which was developed from a highly successful Traffic Control Boom and tested to over 60-tonnes. It is a seamless barrier for logs and debris with full articulation and a strong tubular backbone. 380 metres of boom were shipped to Cahora Bassa with a gate assembly to allow maintenance boats to pass. One of our field engineers also travelled to the site to assist with assembly and construction of the boom.
Results: The installed boom effectively captures and diverts debris, increasing the operational efficiency of the plant and reducing the need for maintenance to clear debris from around the intakes. The boom works as designed and provides much better protection to the plant compared to the previous boom, contributing to the socio-economic growth and development of Mozambique.
Secure Your Infrastructure with Bolina Booms – Take Action Today for a Safer Tomorrow. Visit bolina.com/contact-us.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Our CAB datasheets can be downloaded on the product page: Bolina Canoe Booms.
Our TCB datasheets can be downloaded on the product page: Bolina Traffic Control Booms.
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