Screened, low-velocity seawater intakes for research laboratories, aquaria, hatcheries, dive centres and coastal buildings — the same intake engineering used on desalination plants, right-sized for flows from a few cubic metres per hour.
A small seawater intake is not simply a scaled-down pipe — at low flows the same problems (sediment, biofouling, chloride corrosion, entrainment of marine life and air entrainment) become proportionally harder to manage. Reynolds & Bauhm applies the hydraulic and materials engineering proven on large desalination and power-station intakes to compact systems: a screened, low-approach-velocity intake; a self-priming or flooded-suction duty/standby pump set; and a layout that stays clear and serviceable. The result is a reliable, consentable supply for a building that needs a few cubic metres per hour, not a few thousand.
The intake type is driven by water clarity, seabed/shoreline, the species’ sensitivity and the consenting regime.
Draws seawater through the seabed sand, which acts as a natural slow-sand filter — low turbidity, very low biofouling and effectively zero entrainment of marine life. Ideal for sensitive research stock; limited by ground conditions and yield.
A passive wedge-wire or T-screen on a short offshore line, sized for a through-slot velocity ≤0.15 m/s. Higher and steadier yield; needs screening, biofouling control and pre-treatment. The most common choice for research buildings.
Wedge-Wire ScreensA screened shoreline sump or pontoon-mounted intake where a seabed line is impractical. Simple to maintain; the design must manage tidal range, sediment and air entrainment at the pump suction.
| Parameter | Small-scale basis | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Design flow | 1–50 m³/h (duty + standby) | From tank volumes × turnover |
| Through-screen velocity | ≤ 0.15 m/s | EPA 316(b) basis — protects marine life |
| Screen aperture | 1–3 mm (wedge-wire slot) | Balances larvae exclusion vs blinding |
| Pipe velocity | 1.0–2.0 m/s | Self-scouring without excessive head loss |
| Pumps | Duty/standby, VSD, flooded suction | Continuity of supply for living stock |
| Wetted materials | Super-duplex 2507, titanium, GRP, HDPE, PVC-U | Chloride corrosion & non-toxicity |
| Biofouling control | Periodic chlorination + dechlor, or copper-free anti-fouling | Keeps small bores & screens clear |
Mussels, barnacles and biofilm block small intakes fast. We design for in-situ cleaning, pigging or pulse-chlorination with full dechlorination before water reaches stock.
Learn MoreSeawater attacks standard stainless. We select super-duplex, titanium and non-metallics so the system survives its design life without contaminating the tanks.
Learn MoreA low approach velocity and fine passive screening keep larvae, fry and plankton out — protecting both the ecosystem and your downstream filtration and experiments.
Tell us the flow, the site and what the water feeds — we’ll recommend the intake type, screening, materials and pump arrangement, and produce a specification you can tender or build.
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