Sequoia’s LISST-Portable|XR laser diffraction particle size analyzer has significantly advanced research in hydropower and sediment management by providing precise measurements of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and particle size distribution (PSD) in various environments.

It has been instrumental in studies of equatorial rivers, such as the Niah River (Malaysia), where it helped simulate turbine performance and identify erosion-prone areas on turbine blades[i]. In the Sutlej River basin (India), it facilitated the understanding of sediment dynamics crucial for hydropower efficiency[ii]. Its capabilities in measuring SSC and PSD have proven more reliable than traditional methods, aiding in the design and development of hydropower projects[iii]. In run-of-river hydropower plants such as Bentong (Malaysia) the LISST-Portable|XR has been used to manage sediment-related challenges, minimizing maintenance costs and enhancing operational efficiency[iv]. It also supports the optimization of desilting basins by providing detailed sediment data, which is essential for minimizing erosive wear on turbine components[v]. Furthermore, its ability to deliver rapid and accurate measurements in high turbidity environments aids in sediment monitoring, crucial for optimizing hydropower plant operations during high sediment transport periods like the monsoon season[vi]. By integrating with other analytical methods, it provides comprehensive sediment analysis, contributing to more efficient and durable hydropower systems[vii], [viii].

[i] E. A. Azrulhisham, Z. Z. Jamaluddin, M. A. Azri, S. B. Mohd Yusoff (2018): Potential Evaluation of Vertical Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine Implementation in Equatorial River. https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1072/1/012002

[ii] Naman Arora, Arun Kumar, Sunil Kumar Singal (2024): Spatial variation of suspended sediment properties in the Sutlej river basin of Indian Himalayas. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11600-024-01322-6

[iii] Naman Arora, Arun Kumar, Sunil Kumar Singal (2024): Spatial Variation in Hydrosedimentary Characteristics of the Alaknanda River Basin in the Indian Himalayas: A Field Study. https://dx.doi.org/10.1061/jidedh.ireng-10237

[iv] E. A. Azrulhisham, M. Arif Azri (2018): Application of LISST Instrument for Suspended Sediment and Erosive Wear Prediction in Run-of-River Hydropower Plants. https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/icit.2018.8352295

[v] E A Azrulhisham, M Arif Azri (2019): Desilting Basin Efficiency Estimation for Run-of-River Small Hydropower Plants. https://dx.doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.d5124.118419

[vi] Naman Arora, Arun Kumar, Sunil Kumar Singal (2022): Technological advancement in measurements of suspended sediment and hydraulic turbine erosion. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2022.110700

[vii] Din, M. Z. U., Harmain, G. A. (2020): Assessment of erosive wear of Pelton turbine injector: Nozzle and spear combination – A study of Chenani hydro-power plant. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2020.104695

[viii] Rai, A. K., Kumar, A. (2017): Sediment monitoring for hydro-abrasive erosion : A field study from Himalayas, India. https://dx.doi.org/10.5293/ijfms.2017.10.2.146