Abstract
A strainer is one means for preventing the invasion of golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) into water facilities. To prevent decreased strainer function as a result of adhesion of golden mussels to the filter element surface, we have studied the applicability of copper alloys as filter media with antifouling properties. Water flow experiments were conducted using an automatic backwash strainer (filter rating: 30 μm) made of cupronickel or brass alloy in Lake Ohshio, Gunma, Japan, which is a habitat of golden mussel. For both copper alloys, no invasion of juvenile mussels into the pipe downstream of the strainer was observed, and no adhesion of mussel was observed on the filter surface. As described above, the copper alloy was found to be effective as a filter material for countermeasures to golden mussel invasion. However, corrosion in the water flow section of the strainer was observed owing to the destruction of the oxide film. Hence, the use of copper alloy was found to require corrosion protection.
