Abstract: Provided is a pier scour protection method by combinating a downward bivariate normal distribution surface and a granular mixture, wherein the method is used for protecting a pier foundation of a sea-crossing or river-crossing bridge from scouring, and when a depth of a local scour hole around the bottom of a pier or a bridge pile reaches a set depth, a downward bivariate normal distribution surface protection structure is laid, and the granular mixture with a specific thickness is laid in the downward bivariate normal distribution surface protection structure. A downward bivariate normal distribution surface structure for defending and a granular mixture layer for weakening horseshoe-shaped vortexes in a scour hole are organically combined, the bivariate normal distribution surface structure is mainly used for defending the downflow in front of the pier, and the granular mixture layer can weaken the horseshoe-shaped vortexes around the piers.

Abstract: An articulated baffle assembly is disclosed and claimed. The battle assembly includes a support and vanes connected to the support. The support holds the vanes in the flow of a liquid in order to promote sedimentation when the baffle assembly is in an operational configuration. The support includes an articulation that allows the baffle assembly to be reversibly converted to a retracted configuration that facilitates access to and removal of sediment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufactured three-dimensional convex-concave fairing with attached vortex generators, for hydraulic structures such as bridge piers and abutments, whose shape prevents the local scour problem around such hydraulic structures. The device is a conventionally made concrete or fiber-reinforced composite, or combination of both, vortex generator equipped hydrodynamic fairing that is fit or cast over an existing or new hydraulic structure around the base of the structure and above the footing. The vortex generators are positioned so as to energize decelerating near wall flow with higher-momentum outer layer flow. The result is a more steady, compact separation and wake and substantially mitigated scour inducing vortical flow.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for transporting sediments in dammed bodies of water, especially in hydraulic power plants, said sediments being deposited because there are no erosion processes as a result of the absence of a current. According to the invention, the sediment deposits are picked up in the sedimentation zone of the reservoir and are transported to the erosion zone near the discharge element/s of the reservoir such that the sediments are transported into current water by the erosion processes of the effluent water caused by the current.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for containing and sealing an underwater oil leak comprising the steps of: (a) providing a quantity of particulate positioned on a platform located at a surface of the water; (b) providing a conduit having an inlet positioned on the platform and an outlet positioned near the oil leak; (c) delivering the particulate through the conduit to the oil leak; (d) depositing the particulate atop the oil leak; and (e) compacting the particulate over the oil leak. The platform can comprise a boat, a rig, or any other suitable structure. Likewise, the particulate can comprise a metal and/or a malleable material, and preferably comprises lead.

Abstract: A method of restoring a lake that has a high saline level is disclosed herein. In order to restore the lake, a series of concentric dikes or levees are provided that separate the lake into a plurality of smaller lake sections, each having a water surface. The smaller lake sections include an outer lake section which is next to the periphery of the lake and one or more inner lake sections. Each dike and each smaller lake section water surface have an elevation. Water is flowed from an influent source to the outer lake section and then to each of the inner lake sections. The outer lake section surface has a higher elevation. The inner lake section surfaces have cascading lower surface elevations. At a central area, a breathing brine area is provided that is surrounded by the smaller lake sections to provide an area that can be used to concentrate brine. The smaller lake sections can have differing salinity levels for sustaining diverse marine and plant life.

Abstract: A process in which material comprising an aqueous liquid with dispersed particulate solids is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved whilst retaining the fluidity of the material during transfer, by combining with the material an effective rigidifying amount of aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The process is particularly suitable for the treatment of the tailings underflow resulting from a mineral processing operation and the co-disposal of fine and coarse tailings fractions. In addition, liquor released during the rigidification step is of high clarity.

Abstract: A system for collecting the flow of sand and sediment in a water current including a catch basin and a seawater pumping arrangement. The catch basin includes a basin and a transfer tube, the basin having a bottom and a plurality of angled sidewalls defining a basin. The bottom basin aperture therethrough aligned with an aperture formed in the transport tube affixed horizontally below the bottom. The transfer tube preferably includes a wedge-shaped flow-enhancing cavity immediately downstream of the aligned apertures which enhances the flow of the sand and sediment from the basin. A longitudinal catch plate extending within a midportion of the transfer tube below the apertures prevents the sand and sediment from clogging the transfer tube when water flow through the transfer tube is off.

Abstract: An automated water discharging system for prohibiting buoyant debris from reaching and engaging an existing support structure that is partially submerged in an existing body of water may include a mechanism for extracting and channeling water from beneath a water line to above a water line of the existing body of water. Additionally, a mechanism for distributing water from above the water line to a plurality of third locations may be included by creating an artificial current flowing away from the existing support structure. A plurality of conduits and a power-actuated pump may direct the water and debris from one location to the next. Discharge nozzles may discharge the water at an angle defined downwardly towards the water line to thereby create the artificial current leading away from the existing support structure. A controller may be included to adjust the flow rate of the nozzles and the corresponding artificial current.

Abstract: The sludge treatment system is comprised of a dam passage penetrated through a dam (D); an induction pipe (11) for discharging a sediment retained by the dam (D) and having an inlet (11a) toward the floor of the dam (D) and an outlet connected to an inner end of the dam passage; an induction force action pipe (13) connected to an outer end of the dam passage and extended in a height for utilizing an atmospheric pressure as an induction force of the sediment; a U shape air control pipe (14) connected to the induction force action pipe (13), and preventing for an air from coming into the induction force action pipe (13); a drain pipe (15) connected to the air control pipe (14) for discharging the sediment; and an air vent pipe (16) connected to a horizontal flat portion of the air control pipe (14) for dissipating the induction action of both the air control pipe (14) and the drain pipe (15).

Abstract: A collector for removing sediment from a waterway. The collector has a housing (24) with an opening (38) and an internal cavity (44) for receiving particles. Means for adjusting the type of sediment is provided. An inlet (120) communicates with the cavity for altering the amount of suction and controlling the water intake and the type of material removed.

Abstract: A method of restoring a lake that has a high saline level is disclosed herein. In order to restore the lake, a series of concentric dikes or levees are provided that separate the lake into a plurality of smaller lake sections, each having a water surface. The smaller lake sections include an outer lake section which is next to the periphery of the lake and one or more inner lake sections. Each dike and each smaller lake section water surface have an elevation. Water is flowed from an influent source to the outer lake section and then to each of the inner lake sections. The outer lake section surface has a higher elevation. The inner lake section surfaces have cascading lower surface elevations. At a central area, a breathing brine area is provided that is surrounded by the smaller lake sections to provide an area that can be used to concentrate brine. The smaller lake sections can have differing salinity levels for sustaining diverse marine and plant life.

Abstract: A bridge includes a pier, and a hooked collar at least formed on upstream surface of the pier. The anti-scour structure includes at least one hook extending upwardly. The hook configured for guiding water flow or downflow to move upwardly thereby protect river bed from being scoured.

Abstract: A method of removing solids from the slurry at a construction site located on or near a stream in order to improve the quality of water discharged into the stream by forming treatment zones for receiving slurry, said zones comprising walls of filter bags and floors of filter skirts, said bags and skirts comprising geotextile material and the bags being filled with a shredded rubber and woodchip combination.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for transporting sediments in dammed bodies of water, especially in hydraulic power plants, said sediments being deposited because there are no erosion processes as a result of the absence of a current. According to the invention, the sediment deposits are picked up in the sedimentation zone of the reservoir and are transported to the erosion zone near the discharge element/s of the reservoir such that the sediments are transported into current water by the erosion processes of the effluent water caused by the current.

Abstract: A process in which material comprising an aqueous liquid with dispersed particulate solids is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved whilst retaining the fluidity of the material during transfer, by combining with the material an effective rigidifying amount of aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The process is particularly suitable for the treatment of the tailings underflow resulting from a mineral processing operation and the co-disposal of fine and coarse tailings fractions. In addition, liquor released during the rigidification step is of high clarity.

Abstract: A method of using beach wattles formed of straw or like material to replenish and renourish a beach area or to create or replace sand dunes removed by storm erosion or the like, the method comprising the steps of placing wattles to entrap sand to build up a replenished mound, then positioning additional wattles on top of the replenished mound to create a higher mound, and repeating these steps as necessary until a mound or dune of desired bulk and height is created. The wattles entrap blowing or deposited sand within the interstices of the fibrous filler material to define an anchor member. The wattles can be placed end-to-end, arranged in patterns, layered or stacked in pyramidal manner.

Abstract: A collector for removing sediment from a waterway. The collector has a housing (24) with an opening (38) and an internal cavity (44) for receiving particles. Means for adjusting the type of sediment is provided. An inlet (120) communicates with the cavity for altering the amount of suction and controlling the water intake and the type of material removed.

Abstract: An article of manufacture produced by a process comprising the steps of: erecting a sediment-containment structure comprising a plurality of floating boom segments; and introducing sediment into the shape formed by the sediment-containment structure. A system for building up sediment in a water-covered area comprises: a plurality of floating boom segments connected in an essentially closed shape; a sediment source depositing sediment inside the area substantially enclosed by the essentially closed shape formed by the boom segments; and a wasteweir segment disposed so as to close the essentially closed shape formed by the floating boom segments. The wasteweir segment has two posts and a removable barrier element. A method for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area comprises the steps of: erecting a sediment-containment structure comprising a plurality of floating boom; and introducing sediment into the shape formed by the sediment-containment structure.

Abstract: An erosion control system and method wherein a fabric filter bag is embedded with and/or filled with a flocculating polymer and is positioned on a sloping soil surface to dam and pond water flowing thereacross for settling of the particles in the water, and as the ponding water seeps into the bag the colloidal particles will be filtered or agglomerated for settling. The water then passes through and out of the bag and is further subjected to agglomeration and filtering by a skirt of filter material also impregnated with flocculating polymer, said skirt being anchored to the bag or stacked to maintain the position adjacent and downslope from the bag.

Abstract: A system for collecting the flow of sand or sediment in a current comprising a catch basin, comprising a base structure having a bottom and a plurality of angled side walls, said bottom having at least one aperture, an external pipe affixed at a first end to the at least one aperture, at least two guides affixed to one or more ends of the catch basin to direct sand and sediment into the catch basin, each of said guides comprising a chute with curved sidewalls extending substantially parallel to the flow of current and a pumping system affixed to the second end of the external pipe to remove the sediment or sand from the basin.

Abstract: A polymeric flocculant infused silt fence assembly comprising two opposing and attached geo-textile sheets, each adapted to filter entrained non-colloidal particles and together encasing a layer of polymeric flocculant material. In a preferred embodiment the polymeric flocculant material comprises anionic polyarylmide. A turbid water flow having a suspension of colloidal particles is flowed through the first geo-fabric sheet, which filters any entrained non-colloidal particles. The polymeric flocculant material coagulates a portion of the colloidal particles and forms flocs. The second geo-fabric sheet filters remaining entrained non-colloidal particles, including the coagulated flocs.

Abstract: An object retrieval system providing an expanse of flexible material variably configured by travel of a material support element between a first position and a second position which generates movement in objects that collect on the material surface for retrieval.

Abstract: An amphibious dredging vehicle includes a base including a pair of floatable pontoons linked together in essentially parallel relation; a cutterhead dredge system that is mounted on the base and that includes a cutterhead mounted on the front end portion of the base, a first directable discharge mounted to the rear end portion of the base, and a dredge pump in operative connection with the cutterhead and the directable discharge so as to develop suction at the cutterhead and to propel material from the cutterhead to the directable discharge. The directable discharge is configured so that the operator can aim the directable discharge in order to use the dredge pump to propel the amphibious dredging vehicle through water. The amphibious dredging vehicle may be used as part of a system and may be used with a method for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area.

Abstract: A system for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area has a plurality of floating boom segments connected end-to-end in an essentially closed shape, each boom segment having a sieve panel with a height approximately equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area and made from water-permeable, fine-meshed material, and each sieve panel having an anchor segment attached to the lower portion of the sieve panel. The system also includes a sediment source depositing sediment inside the area essentially enclosed by the essentially closed shape formed by the boom segments. Preferably a wasteweir segment is disposed so as to close the essentially closed shape formed by the floating boom segments, the wasteweir segment having an essentially U-shaped orthogonal frame of a height at least about equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area. The wasteweir segment also includes barriers that attach to the frame.

Abstract: A fluid containment basin having ridges located in the bottom of the basin and furrows adjacent to the ridges to facilitate maintenance of the basin using the naturally occurring forces of gravity, wave action and fluid currents. The ridges can be formed from material taken from the furrows into shapes that facilitate wave action against the sides of the ridges. While the fluid level is above the ridges, sediment settles on the ridges and furrows, reducing the permeability of the ridges and furrows and, therefore, the drainage from the basin. Wave action against the sides of the ridges as the fluid level is lowered washes the sediments off the ridges into the furrows, thereby restoring the permeability of the ridges. The wave action can be wind generated or induced by a wave mechanism. The furrows can be allowed to become impermeable or be lined to prevent contaminates from migrating.

Abstract: A fluid containment basin having ridges located in the bottom of the basin and furrows adjacent to the ridges to facilitate maintenance of the basin using the naturally occurring forces of gravity, wave action and fluid currents. The ridges can be formed from material taken from the furrows into shapes that facilitate wave action against the sides of the ridges. While the fluid level is above the ridges, sediment settles on the ridges and furrows, reducing the permeability of the ridges and furrows and, therefore, the drainage from the basin. Wave action against the sides of the ridges as the fluid level is lowered washes the sediments off the ridges into the furrows, thereby restoring the permeability of the ridges. The wave action can be wind generated or induced by a wave mechanism. The furrows can be allowed to become impermeable or be lined to prevent contaminates from migrating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable either independently of or with the stanchions as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are elevated by elevating the spaced stanchions.

Abstract: In a method for coastal protection, where the coastal area has an underlying freshwater basin and below this a salt water tongue which extends obliquely down into the coastal area, the pressure is equalized in the groundwater basin at least along an area at the shore line completely or partly to the atmosphere through pressure equalization modules, preferably in the form of pipes with a filter at the bottom, which extend down into the groundwater basin. This causes sedimentation of material and thereby an increase in the width of the shore. The resulting sand drift may be utilized for additional building-up of the coastal area by further establishing fascines.

Abstract: A compliant porous groin and method of use for restoring an eroding shoreline. The compliant porous groin has at least two supports placed in the eroding shoreline and a compliant porous barrier is attached to the supports such that the barrier is at least partially within a sediment-laden eroding water flow of the shoreline with the water flow passing through at least a portion of the barrier. The barrier is compliant such that the water flow impacting the barrier is slowed to at least a critical accretion velocity whereby sediment suspended in the water flow accretes to renourish the shoreline.

Abstract: A beach renourishment sand snare and a method or its employment. A series of metal posts are embedded in the sand, forming a line which is approximately perpendicular to the shore. Semi-rigid mesh panels are slidably placed and secured between adjacent posts. Each mesh panel, once immersed in the surf, tends to acumulate sand. The sand will eventually accumulate to the point that the shoreline will advance seaward of the mesh panel. Once this occurs the particular mesh panel is removed and transferred to the seaward end of the line of posts. Likewise, the posts on the landward side can be removed and transfered to the seaward side, thereby “walking” the assembly to seaward. The process thereby accumulates sand and advances the shoreline.

Abstract: A gross pollutant trap (50) to be installed in a storm water channel so as to receive storm water flowing through the channel and to filer gross pollutants from the storm water. The trap (50) includes a gross pollutant collection area (61) toward which there extends generally parallel sets (63) and (67) of vanes (64) and (68). The area (61) is at least partly defined by a mesh wall (72) through which water returns to the storm water channel.

Abstract: A deposit discharge system comprises: a discharge tube having a suction port opened so as to face a water bottom face of a water storing place on which deposits are deposited, a straight tube part extending upward from the suction port, and a discharge port communicating with the straight tube part and opened on the downstream side of the water storing place for draining the deposits together with water stream; a crane device suspending a whole main tube part of the discharge tube positioned in the water storing place in a state of being submerged and having a vertical moving mechanism vertically moving the suction port; and an air valve provided in the discharge tube for controlling introduction and exhaust of air from the discharge tube by opening and closing operation, wherein the discharge tube is installed so as to pass, when the deposits are discharged, through a dam banking in the water storing place routing a position lower than a water level of the water storing place.

Abstract: An apparatus used to maintain the bottom surface of a wishing well, fountain, pond, stream or other water body substantially free of debris, such as litter, unwanted plant life and/or golf balls includes a flexible mesh sized to overlie at least part of the bottom of the water body, and a lifting mechanism which is used to lift the mesh from the water. A peripheral edge portion of the mesh is secured adjacent an edge bank of the water body by anchors, with the lifting mechanism is positioned to engage and lift a portion of the mesh remote from the secured edge portion between a submerged position and a raised position above the water surface.

Abstract: A porous groin and method of use for restoring an eroding shoreline. The porous groin has at least two vertical supports placed in the seabed within the eroding water flow and a porous elongated barrier is attached to the supports such that the barrier is at least partially within the sediment-laden eroding water flow of the shoreline with the water flow passing through at least a portion of the barrier. The endmost seaside support is anchored to the seabed and the barrier has a lower edge which is retained proximate to the seabed. The porous barrier then causes the accretion of suspended solids within the water flow thereby restoring the eroding shoreline.

Abstract: Arrangement for fairways in brackish water tidal zones to prevent or minimize deposits of silt and/or sand in a branch or enlargement of such fairways. The invention is realized by the installation of a flow wall system. At the entrance to the branch or expansion, a current deflection wall is submerged in the fairway at an upper level some distance from the bank so that a channel is formed near the entrance to the branch or enlargement to direct an flood tide into the branch or enlargement and a deflection sill is juxtaposed with the partition at a lower level to divert an incoming near-bed current of the fairway away from the entrance to the branch or enlargement. The cross sectional area of the channel is small when compared with the cross sectional area of the entrance to the branch or enlargement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are carried by sleeves slidable on spaced stanchions and in other embodiments the screens may be sectional and carried by multiple sleeves.

Abstract: A system for transporting material recovered in a dredging operation performed by a dredge is disclosed. The system includes a water-borne material distribution vessel including a conveyor system for receiving and depositing the recovered material. It also includes at least one water-borne material transportation vessel for transporting recovered material from the dredge to the material distribution vessel. The water-borne material distribution vessel can deposit the material into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A device for collecting water polluting phytoplankton drifts and a method for collecting water polluting phytoplankton drifts by use of such device is provided such that the deterioration of water quality as a result of extraordinary proliferation of phytoplankton is suppressed and prevented such that a water area is kept clean. The device 1 for collecting water polluting phytoplankton drifts defines a predetermined volume of space therewithin with enclosing faces, the enclosing faces including at least one face section 3 composed of a water blocking member and other face sections 4 and 5 composed of a plurality of water admitting members, each water admitting member being formed with a plurality of water admitting holes.

Abstract: A device for forming a siltation construction comprising a substantially rectangular cloth (1) of water-permeable material, which is anchored on all sides to a water bed by anchoring means. Floating elements (10) are arranged on cloth at a distance from one side (4) thereof and along the other sides (3) are formed pouches (1) open toward the center of the cloth.

Abstract: An apparatus used to maintain the bottom surface of a wishing well, fountain, pond, stream or other water body substantially free of debris, such as litter, unwanted plant life and/or golf balls includes a flexible mesh sized to overlie at least part of the bottom of the water body, and a lifting mechanism which is used to lift the mesh from the water. A peripheral edge portion of the mesh is secured adjacent an edge bank of the water body by anchors, with the lifting mechanism is positioned to engage and lift a portion of the mesh remote from the secured edge portion between a submerged position and a raised position above the water surface.

Abstract: A sediment filtering apparatus and a method for removing sediment from a waterway. One or more collector assemblies are secured to a river bottom and have a leading, ramp surface facing upstream and over which the water flows. As the water/sediment mixture passes the apex of the collector, the trailing edge drops off rapidly thereby reducing the stream velocity and allowing the sediment to settle from the flow. The sediment then collects on the downstream side of the collector and via one or more openings reaches an internal cavity. A suction pipe is placed under negative pressure and draws the water/sediment mixture to a filtering apparatus which then returns filtered water to the waterway. The sediment and debris filtered therefrom is then easily removed.

Abstract: A system of structures uses the energy and properties of a stream flow to protect downstream structures from various potentailly damaging stream-flow-induced events. One element, a streamwise-vortex generator is placed upstream from a structure to protect it from impact by buoyant contaminates. The generator is positioned at a depth sufficiently below the surface to minimize the likelihood of contact with vehicles or debris. In this position it induces a vortex in the current flow whose axis is essentailly parallel to the streamwise flow. The vortex persists downstream of the generator and, migrating to the surface, deflects a debris away from the protected structure. Another element, a vorticity generator, causes interference with, and/or diversion of streambed-scouring vortices or eddies which are naturally generated adjacent the sides of structures. The result is protection of the streambed from damaging scour which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A machine tool coolant collection flume system (10) for communicating machine tool coolant from machine tools to a filtration system includes a main trough (12) and a tributary trough (14) intersecting the main trough wherein each trough (12,14) slopes downwardly in the direction of machine tool coolant flow and the main trough (12) has a greater cross-sectional area at the downstream side of its intersection with the tributary trough (14) to smoothly accommodate the additional flow of machine tool coolant from the tributary trough (14) without affecting upstream flow. A single large diameter flush nozzle (20) provides a low velocity high volume forced coolant flow in the main trough (12) upstream of the intersection by the tributary trough (14) to minimize the creation of mist and turbulence downstream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ecologically safely removing silt, muck, and sand from a waterbottom and for collecting the silt, muck, and sand without destroying the benthos therein into porous containers where the then contained mud and silt can be ecologically positioned where desired to enhance subaquatic environments. The apparatus includes a silt and mud collecting and transfer device that has no moving parts, thereby not endangering the benthos in the transfer process.

Abstract: A flexible pipe diffuser receives dewatering discharge and maintains water quality standards at harbors, lakes and ponds. The diffuser is designed for long-term construction use. It is rugged enough to work under construction conditions but simple enough to be easily assembled and deployed. The flexible pipe diffuser is a fabric tube with minimum 10 feet diameter suspended vertically in the water from a floating platform. Turbid discharge enters the top of the tube and is conducted to the harbor bottom, where sediment is allowed to separate and settle. Floatable materials such as oil and grease separate from dewatering discharge and collect at water surface in the flexible pipe diffuser. The collected floatable materials are removed for disposal by skimmers. The flexible pipe diffuser tube is made of sailcloth and vinyl sewn together. The flexible pipe diffuser has a float platform to which the tube is attached. The float platform is attachable to a pier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the hydraulic branching of an open stream having at least one straight main stream of a specific momentum and having one or more branch streams. Deflection from the main stream is brought about using the Coanda Effect. The hydraulically working channel, i.e., the main stream channel has an upstream corner in common with the branch stream channel which corner is rounded in the form of an arc of a circle between the upstream channel and the branch channel and which converges toward the corner and extends opposite that wall of the upstream channel leading toward the corner and forms with the corner an outflow gap, such that the momentum of the main stream flow which emerges, creates the Coanda Effect, thereby deflecting the controlled flow of water into the branch channel.

Abstract: An aqua culture facility and method using a pneumatic pump for displacement of water or other liquid located in a confined space having rigid bottom and side walls which form an interior surface of the space, with a flexible liner having the same contour as the space in which the liquid is confined. The confined space is a culture chamber and open at the top side, such as a fish pond. The flexible liner is comprised of two or more flexible membranes which are in sealing engagement at their edge portions to form a sealed compartment. There is an air inlet-outlet means through which gas or liquid can be introduced to inflate and then to exhaust the air from the sealed compartment. The flexible liner has a flexible membrane in contact with the rigid bottom and side walls of the confined space and is larger then the interior surface of the confined space. The placed flexible membrane liner is covered with water and seeded with organisms to create the culture chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for cleansing a harbor are disclosed which utilize the natural wave-like surface behavior of a tide wave propagating up a natural harbor or bay. Surface elevation changes along the propagating wave provide hydrostatic pressure differentials which drive the system. The system includes a conduit which connects an open sea area with an inner harbor area. The conduit may be either positioned on the bottom of harbor so that it extends through the harbor bay or it may be positioned so that it cuts across or cuts through a strip of land separating the harbor from the open sea. The conduit inlet is positioned in the open sea area and the conduit outlet is positioned in the inner harbor area. The outlet has a one way valve which both allows water flow through the conduit from the open sea area directly into the inner harbor area and also prevents water flow in the conduit in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sedimented particles from a fluid stream in a settlement basin. In the bottom of the basis there is a sluice which may include a sluice gate. The basin includes a longitudinal, flexible pipe unit which is shaped such that it can seal the edges of the sluice. The pipe unit can move up and down within the basin by filling the pipe with a fluid, i.e. water or air. Depending on the initial position of the pipe, upward or downward movement causes the pipe to seal against the edges of the sluice. By adjusting the amount of water and air in the pipe, it is possible to adjust the extent to which the sluice is sealed.