Quantifying Sediment Size and Shape Using SEM and ImageJ-Based Approach for Sediment Management in Hydropower Plants

Suspended sediment concentration, mineral composition, and morphology, i.e., size and shape, are some sediment properties that influence the hydropower industry and river sediment dynamics. The sediment has negative impacts in terms of reservoir sedimentation, abrasive erosion of hydraulic structures and hydraulic turbine components, and sediment deposition in cooling water systems. Sediment management is the major challenge that needs to be taken care of to minimize the negative impacts on the hydropower industry. One of the essential aspects of sediment management is sediment measurement. Over the years, sediment measurement techniques have advanced rapidly. These technologies are quick and cost-effective over traditional methods for measuring sediment properties. The present study is focused on the measurement technique of dynamic imaging processing using the combined approach of the scanning electron microscope and ImageJ tool. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of such a combined approach in measuring sediment size and shape, then to apply data analytics tools to identify statistical patterns in datasets, and ultimately to supply an effective approach to characterize sediment.