Can Compressed Air Save Venice?

We're back!

Sorry we were gone for so long - it's been about 3 months since we've made a blog post.  The last three months were an especially busy time for us.  Customers always come first, so sometimes the blog has to take a back seat.  However, we are dedicated to blogging on a more frequent basis.

Today we look at a news story where Compressed Air goes up against Mother Nature.  Compressed air has been used to battle the elements before, but I can't think of it doing so on such a large scale.

THE PROBLEM

On November 4, 1966, an occurrence of high tides, rain-swollen rivers and a severe Sirocco wind caused the canals to rise to a height of over 6 feet. Venice was known for their acqua altas or high waters which often flood the streets, but this flood left thousands of residents without homes.  It caused over six million dollars in damage.  Since then a plan to block or lessen the impact of the acqua alta has been in the works.


The floods have been increasing in frequency ever since.  Between 2001 and 2010 there were 64.  Even though the plan has been in the works since the 60's, construction on a real solution didn't start until 2003.

This is a problem that I'd like to have!

THE SOLUTION

 

 

Named after the biblical prophet who split the waters of the Red Sea, The MOSE Project or Project Moses, aims to part the waters of the Adriatic Sea from the Venetian Lagoon.

Compressed air will be used to raise and lower large gates to block high tide.


Here is how it works:

It will be placed in three strategic locations to block the high tide.

Overall there will be 78 individual gates that can be raised all at once or just one at a time.  They may all be raised or there might only be a few raised, depending on the conditions.  The is budgeted at 7 billion Euros, and is expected to be completed in 2016.  Over 80% of it is already done.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Of course with any project whose costs run into the billions, there's always some corrupt politician that wants a piece of the action.

.......I'm sorry - I mean ALLEGEDLY corrupt politician who allegedly got caught with his hands in the cookie jar.



The mayor of Venice and 35 others were arrested for allegedly taking kickbacks from the companies involved in the project.


Despite those problems, the project continues and is nearing completion.  We hope that the scandal behind the project doesn't cripple its effectiveness.  There were also environmental concerns and one would hope those issues were addressed, as well.  There's no turning back now.

Compressed air has been used by man for centuries, and we find it interesting when its power is displayed on such a grand scale.  We observe the utility and the power of compressed air on a daily basis, and soon the citizens of Venice will be saved from possible catastrophe by it.  Let's just hope the alleged political bribery was the only problem.