Some observations on biofouling in the cooling water conduits of a coastal power plant

Abstract

Biofouling of cooling water conduits is a problem common to all coastal power stations using seawater as a heat sink. Madras Atomic Power Station has been facing the problem of fouling induced flow resistance of cooling water in its submarine tunnel leading to a drop in water level beyond design limits in the forebay. Inspection of the tunnel system by a diving team with the help of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) revealed severe fouling by the green mussel, Perna viridis in the tunnel. This paper reports qualitative and quantitative data on the fouling within different areas of the tunnel system.