15
Features
Mooring Block System (7:1 Scope)
Anchoring / Mooring Block System
The mooring block system consists of
two mooring blocks made of high density
Polyethylene with smooth, rounded bottoms.
The smooth bottoms prevent any damage
being done to a pond liner or reservoir bottom.
The mooring blocks are concrete filled and
weigh approximately 31.75 kg (70-lbs).
Stainless steel anchor chain is used to
connect the mooring blocks to the SolarBee at
the float plate on one of the floats. The anchor
chain contains swivels approximately every
4.5m (15-ft) to prevent the chain from twisting
and tangling.
A 7:1 scope is generally preferred for the
length of anchor chain. For example, if the
pond is approximatley 3m (10-ft) deep, the
anchor chain will go from the first mooring
block out 21m (70-ft) to the machine. The 7:1
scope prevents the machine from moving
during high wind and wave conditions. The
two mooring blocks are generally spaced apart
along the anchor chain by a slightly greater
than the maximum water depth. From time to
time, as determined by specific circumstances,
the scope can be reduced to 5:1.
Following severe weather conditions (greater
than 129 km/hr (80-mph) wind, higher than
1.2m (4-ft) waves, or ice thaw), it is possible
for the SolarBee to drag the anchors and
move out of position. If this should happen,
the pond or reservoir operator will need to re-
locate the machine to its original position.
WARNING: IF MOVING OR DEPLOYING
MOORING BLOCKS CONNECTED TO THE
ANCHOR CHAIN, BE SURE THAT YOU AND
OTHERS ARE CLEAR OF THE ANCHOR CHAIN
BEFORE SINKING THE MOORING BLOCKS!
LOWER THE MOORING BLOCKS INTO THE
WATER SLOWLY. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH BY
DROWNING!
Movement of machine
- For a SolarBee anchored
by a mooring block system, the machine may
rotate 360 degrees around the mooring blocks on a
radius of approximately 5X to 7X the water depth.
For example, a machine that is in 10 ft (3m) of
water may travel on a 70 ft (21 m) radius from the
location of the mooring blocks
