Bubble curtains are known for their effectiveness in mitigating underwater noise during marine construction projects. But with various types available, how do you choose the right one for the job? Let's take a deep dive and swim through the options.
While bubble curtains work wonders in preserving marine ecosystems, tackling pollution, and enhancing water quality, their primary mission remains noise mitigation. With a variety of types available, each differing in complexity and efficiency, it's crucial to grasp these distinctions to select the optimal one for your marine construction project.
Bubble curtains |
Efficiency |
Complexity |
| Small bubble curtain | ° |
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| Layered small bubble curtain | ° ° |
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| Big bubble curtain | ° ° ° ° |
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| Double big bubble curtain | ° ° ° ° ° |
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1. Small bubble curtain
The small bubble curtain is a straightforward solution designed to mitigate noise during foundation pile hammering. Deployed on the seafloor around the pile, it features a nozzle hose that releases a continuous stream of bubbles. Its simplicity and quick installation make it an attractive option for various projects. However, its effectiveness may be compromised by current sensitivity and the potential for sound waves to still transmit through the seafloor.
2. Layered small bubble curtain
A step up from the small bubble curtain, the layered version adds complexity to enhance performance. It consists of a frame surrounding the pile that houses nozzle hoses at various heights for improved coverage. This design offers a relatively simple installation compared to larger curtains while being less sensitive to currents. However, similar to its smaller counterpart, it may still allow some sound waves to transmit through the seafloor.
3. Big bubble curtain
The big bubble curtain is the most common in offshore industries, boasting a size of 120m diameters or more around the pile. While its installation is more complex compared to smaller options, it offers more effective sound mitigation. Safety regulations often dictate a specific distance for unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonation, adding to its installation complexity.
4. Double big bubble curtain
At the forefront of underwater noise mitigation, the double big bubble curtain represents a state-of-the-art solution. By pairing an inner bubble curtain with a substantially larger outer curtain, it achieves an impressive 95% effective sound mitigation. However, this comes with the most intensive installation process of all curtain types. Nevertheless, its high effectiveness has made it a standard practice in modern marine construction projects.
We're not going to burst your bubble
Choosing the right bubble curtain for noise mitigation is just as crucial as choosing the right provider. By considering factors such as project complexity, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements, you can ensure that the selected bubble curtain effectively meets your specific needs. Consulting with a trusted provider like Atlas Copco guarantees proper guidance in both selecting and installing the most suitable bubble curtain.
Curious about the impact of bubble curtains? Dive into our comprehensive whitepaper for all the essential insights.
