About the shade balls:
The 4 inches HDPE 100% virgin black plastic shade balls act as a floating cover on the surface of the water reservoir. Sometimes described as conservation balls, barrier balls etc.
With different applications:
-Evaporation reduction (mining, agribusiness, water treatment)
-Wildlife protection - prevents approach to the pools (mining, petrochemical, pulp)
-Elimination algae (mining, agribusiness, water treatment)
-Energy savings - less loss of heat tempered liquid (mining)
-Odors reduction (water treatment, agribusiness, pulp)
Physical property:
The shade balls are hollow except for a small quantity of water to keep slightly submerged. After being literally dropped into reservoir, the shade balls are virtually maintenance free and are designed to withstand winds of up to 100mph and winter weather.
As a floating cover on the reservoir the shade balls take up approximately 91% of the surface area. They reduce the amount of surface exposed to sunlight and therefore maintain a lower water temperature. Simultaneously the balls prevent UV rays reaching the water and therefore reducing algae.
Installation:
For installation the shade balls are "poured" into the reservoir.They re-arrange themselves to fit any size and shape reservoir.
When water levels drop the shade balls accommodate the situation by stacking on themselves. When water levels rise the shade balls return to a single layer on the surface.
From the time I placed one shade ball in the reservoir I immediately started saving money, though it is not yet quantifiable.
After all the balls are installed, it is estimated that most ski areas would break even in about 2 1/2 years.
Since the shade balls have an estimated life span of well over 15 years, I see this as a great investment.
