New Innovation and Fabrication Techniques Create a Big Splash
Walter Curry, founder Curry Industries Ltd. designed the first Limno Corral System (limnocorral) after being asked to help a group of researchers. The group had a clear a vision in having large test tubes installed in the natural environment for securing real time data. The concept was move beyond the limits of the laboratory testing into nature in such way never done before.
- The research group was from the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans at a new freshwater research facility Experimental Lakes Area now known as IISD ELA.
- The researchers made a list of protocols they required for the envisioned large test tube. The test tube needed to be light weight and highly portable, the parts were to be modular to fit in pick up trucks, canoes, snow mobiles, light aircraft, for backpacking through dense forests and easy to assemble.
- With our experience in building portable greenhouses and fabricating tarpaulins in many markets, we proceeded into the research and development. The design started around the Styrofoam floatation with UV treated fabrics, greenhouse woven fabric and aluminum tubing for bracing. In a few weeks we developed the first modular test tube 10m diameter by 3m deep skirt with aluminum tubing matching the criteria outlined by researchers. • The first deployment was very successful. The test tube proved to be easy to transport, assemble, and was completely reusable. This deployment was a world first. At the end of the day, the researchers over a campfire had a discussion on what call this new test tube deployed. Many words were shared and ended up with consensus “Limno Corral” • Limno “from Greek limne pool of standing water, tidal pool, marsh, lake,” Corral “gather together and confine
- At the time of this deployment acid rain was the term used to describe rain clouds originating many hundreds of kilometers away from lakes. These clouds passed over northern freshwater lakes for many years ending up destroying the natural habitat. The lakes were deemed dead due to the rain fall.
- There were many headlines and finger pointing on who was responsible.
- The Limno Corrals were used to prove the acid rain was caused by smokestack emissions. The results of this environmental impact study testing overtime created awareness and mitigation of harmful elements being discharge in the atmosphere.
- At the time of this deployment acid rain was the term used to describe rain clouds originating many hundreds of kilometers away from lakes. These clouds passed over northern freshwater lakes for many years ending up destroying the natural habitat. The lakes were deemed dead due to the rain fall.
- There were many headlines and finger pointing on who was responsible.
- The Limno Corrals were used to prove the acid rain was caused by smokestack emissions. The results of this environmental impact study testing overtime created awareness and mitigation of harmful elements being discharge in the atmosphere.
This is first of many water splashing tales to look out for in future postings.
Michael Curry, Co-designer of Limno Corrals and President Curry Industries Ltd. in Winnipeg, MB