This study was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office. The laboratory studies were conducted at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which is operated by Battelle for the DOE under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830.

1. Acid/base encapsulation
<ol>
	<li>Mix a 1:2 ratio by the weight of H2C2O4 (oxalic acid) and NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) in a mixing cup (see Table of Materials). If the acid-base powder mix is crystallized, grind it down using a mortar and pestle (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Retrieve the size 3 vegetable-based capsules and the semi-automatic capsule filling machine to begin the process (see Table of Materials).</li>
	<li>Place the cap sheet flat on a clean, dry surface. Align the encapsulation sheet on top of the cap sheet using the black pegs to fix it correctly in place (Figure 1B).</li>
	<li>Separate the capsule tops and bottoms, unless using pre-separated capsules. The size #3 vegetable capsules, when closed, have overall dimensions of 15.9 mm in length, 5.57 mm in outer diameter (OD), 0.30 mL in volume, and weigh 47 mg.</li>
	<li>Pour capsule tops into the encapsulation sheet (Figure 1C). Gently shake the tops into the holes with a circular motion. While doing this, cover the gap in the wall of the encapsulation sheet with one hand or a powder spreader to avoid spilling the tops (Figure 1D).
	<ol>
		<li>Once the holes are filled, pour the excess capsule tops into a clean cup (Figure 1E). Identify any upside-down capsule tops and turn them over (Figure 1F). Ensure that all capsule tops are facing the correct direction in the cap sheet. It is important to ensure proper orientation, as incorrect alignment may result in capsule tops not properly joining with the capsule bottoms.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Remove the encapsulation sheet and set aside the filled cap sheet.</li>
	<li>Take out the body or &#34;bottom&#34; sheet. Place it on a clean, dry, flat surface. Fix the encapsulation sheet to the bottom sheet, ensuring proper alignment by utilizing the black pegs to position it correctly in place.</li>
	<li>Pour capsule bottoms into the encapsulation sheet and shake as before in a circular motion to fill the holes. Pour off excess capsule bottoms. Identify any upside-down capsule bottoms and turn them over.</li>
	<li>Remove the encapsulation sheet from the bottom sheet and set it aside.</li>
	<li>Pour the acid/base powder mixture onto the filled bottom sheet (Figure 1G). Use a plastic spreader to fill the capsule bottoms with the powder (Figure 1H). Check that all the capsule bottoms are filled (Figure 1I). Remove any unused acid/base powder.</li>
	<li>Place the cap sheet on a flat surface and position the middle sheet on top, aligning it with the black pegs to ensure a correct fit. Ensure to line up all the capsule tops with the corresponding holes in the middle sheet.</li>
	<li>Invert the cap sheet with the affixed middle sheet and align it with the filled bottom sheet (Figure 1J).</li>
	<li>Gently press down on the cap sheet equally on all sides to join the tops and bottoms, fitting both sides of the capsule together (Figure 1K).</li>
	<li>Remove the cap sheet and middle sheet from the bottom sheet. At this point, the capsule bottoms and tops should be properly joined together.
	<ol>
		<li>Verify that each capsule top and bottom are fitted tightly; if not, manually press the capsule top and bottom together to create a tight fit. Remove the filled capsules and place them in an airtight, sealable container (Figure 1L). 
		NOTE: For safe handling, it is essential for users to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and face protection. Adequate ventilation should be ensured, and precautions should be taken to avoid ingestion, inhalation, and contact with the substance on the skin, eyes, or clothing. Additionally, it is important to prevent the generation of dust. For detailed information regarding safety, please refer to the safety data sheet (SDS) for oxalic acid and sodium bicarbonate. To maintain the integrity of the acid/base capsules, it is advised to store them away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Store the unused capsules in a sealed, airtight container. As long as the capsules are kept dry and free from moisture, they can be used effectively to ensure optimal functionality.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Silicone stopper manufacture
<ol>
	<li>Using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer (see Table of Materials), print a mold plate using the STL file provided in Supplementary File 1.</li>
	<li>Place a clear packing tape on the bottom side of the mold plate so that each opening is sealed (Figure 2A).</li>
	<li>Mix a 1:1 ratio by weight (e.g., 50 g each of Part A and Part B) of the commercially available silicone mold material into a mixing cup (see Table of Materials). Using a disposable spoon, thoroughly mix the chemical compound for approximately 5 min, or until it has become uniform.</li>
	<li>Place the mold plate with the packing tape over a piece of paper. The paper will catch any potential silicone spill from the mold plate.</li>
	<li>Begin pouring the silicone mixture into each stopper hole, ensuring they are all filled (Figure 2B). Use a rubber squeegee to spread the silicone into each stopper hole (Figure 2C). Remove the leftover silicone mixture from the surface of the mold plate.</li>
	<li>Let the rubber stoppers dry for 4 h. After making sure the stoppers have fully cured (e.g., the silicone mixture has completely dried and hardened), remove the tape from the back of the mold plate (Figure 2D), and then begin pulling the stoppers out of the mold (Figure 2E).</li>
	<li>Remove any excess silicone attached to the stoppers (Figure 2F).</li>
</ol>
3. Balloon tag assembly
<ol>
	<li>Carefully insert the piercing tool (e.g., straight dental pick) into the silicone stopper (Figure 3A) (see Table of Materials). Insert the piercing tool into a 15 G syringe needle and then remove the piercing tool from the silicone stopper, leaving only the 15 G needle inside (Figure 3B). The piercing tool will create a slit inside the silicone stopper without cutting or removing any material.</li>
	<li>Cut a piece of 50 lb. fishing line (see Table of Materials) to a length of 150 mm. Insert the fishing line through the 15 G syringe needle and into the silicone stopper (Figure 3C).
	<ol>
		<li>While carefully holding the stopper and the fishing line together, remove the 15 G syringe needle from the stopper&#39;s body, leaving the fishing line inside the stopper (Figure 3D). Ensure the fishing line lengths are even on both sides of the stopper.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Insert two acid/base-powder-filled capsules into a latex balloon (Figure 3E) (see Table of Materials). Expand the balloon opening using the rubber-band expansion tool (i.e., castration band pliers) and then carefully insert one silicone stopper into the balloon opening (Figure 3F), leaving the fishing line&#39;s two ends outside the balloon.</li>
	<li>Place two O-rings (1.6 mm wide, 8.1 mm ID, see Table of Materials) onto the rubber-band expansion tool and expand them. Insert the neck of the latex balloon through the two expanded O-rings (Figure 3G). Carefully pull the two O-rings away from the rubber-band expansion tool, leaving them tightly wrapped around the balloon&#39;s neck, centered on the stopper (Figure 3H).</li>
</ol>
4. Balloon tag attachment to Sensor Fish caps
<ol>
	<li>Put one end of the fishing line through one of the small holes in the Sensor Fish cap (see Table of Materials) and bring it through the large hole in the center of the cap (Figure 4A).</li>
	<li>Tie the two ends of the fishing line together, leaving about 13 to 26 mm between the top of the cap and the base of the balloon. Use four overhand knots on top of each other when tying the fishing line.</li>
	<li>Leave the extra fishing line attached, as cutting it too close to a knot could potentially cause the knot to come undone (Figure 4B).</li>
	<li>Test the knot by gripping the fishing line on each side of the knot with the fingers and pulling as hard as possible. Be cautious not to pull too close to the balloon, as it could unintentionally tear the fishing line through the rubber stopper.</li>
</ol>

Optimizing Balloon Tag Assembly to Recover Sensor Fish and Live Fish

<ol>
	<li>Uria-Martinez, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=U.S.+Hydropower+Market+Report.">U.S. Hydropower Market Report.</a> Oak Ridge National Laboratory. , (2021).</li><li>Kao, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=New+stream-reach+development:+a+comprehensive+assessment+of+hydropower+energy+potential+in+the+United+States.">New stream-reach development: a comprehensive assessment of hydropower energy potential in the United States.</a> Oak Ridge National Laboratory. , (2014).</li><li>Martinez, J. J., Deng, Z. D., Mueller, R., Titzler, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+situ+characterization+of+the+biological+performance+of+a+Francis+turbine+retrofitted+with+a+modular+guide+vane.">In situ characterization of the biological performance of a Francis turbine retrofitted with a modular guide vane.</a> Applied Energy. 276, 115492 (2020).</li><li>&#268;ada, G. l. e. n. n. . F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+development+of+advanced+hydroelectric+turbines+to+improve+fish+passage+survival.">The development of advanced hydroelectric turbines to improve fish passage survival.</a> Fisheries. 26, 14-23 (2001).</li><li>Tuononen, E. I., Cooke, S. J., Timusk, E. R., Smokorowski, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extent+of+injury+and+mortality+arising+from+entrainment+of+fish+through+a+Very+Low+Head+hydropower+turbine+in+central+Ontario,+Canada.">Extent of injury and mortality arising from entrainment of fish through a Very Low Head hydropower turbine in central Ontario, Canada.</a> Hydrobiologia. 849, 407-420 (2020).</li><li>Deng, Z., Carlson, T. J., Duncan, J. P., Richmond, M. C., Dauble, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+an+autonomous+sensor+to+evaluate+the+biological+performance+of+the+advanced+turbine+at+Wanapum+Dam.">Use of an autonomous sensor to evaluate the biological performance of the advanced turbine at Wanapum Dam.</a> Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. 2, 053104 (2010).</li><li>Martinez, J. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hydraulic+and+biological+characterization+of+a+large+Kaplan+turbine.">Hydraulic and biological characterization of a large Kaplan turbine.</a> Renewable energy. 131, 240-249 (2019).</li><li>Zhiqun Deng, , et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Six-degree-of-freedom+sensor+fish+design+and+instrumentation.">Six-degree-of-freedom sensor fish design and instrumentation.</a> 7, 3399-3415 (2007).</li><li>Deng, Z. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+and+implementation+of+a+new+autonomous+sensor+fish+to+support+advanced+hydropower+development.">Design and implementation of a new autonomous sensor fish to support advanced hydropower development.</a> Review of Scientific Instruments. 85, 115001 (2014).</li><li>Deng, Y., Jia, Y., Haoran, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+ionicity+and+chain+structure+on+the+physicochemical+properties+of+protic+ionic+liquids.">Effects of ionicity and chain structure on the physicochemical properties of protic ionic liquids.</a> AIChE Journal. 66 (10), e16982 (2020).</li><li>Salalila, A., Deng, Z. D., Martinez, J. J., Lu, J., Baumgartner, L. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+a+fish-friendly+self-cleaning+horizontal+irrigation+screen+using+autonomous+sensors.">Evaluation of a fish-friendly self-cleaning horizontal irrigation screen using autonomous sensors.</a> Marine and Freshwater Research. 70, 1274-1283 (2019).</li><li>Martinez, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+situ+characterization+of+turbine+hydraulic+environment+to+support+development+of+fish-friendly+hydropower+guidelines+in+the+lower+Mekong+River+region.">In situ characterization of turbine hydraulic environment to support development of fish-friendly hydropower guidelines in the lower Mekong River region.</a> Ecological engineering. 133, 88-97 (2019).</li><li>Heisey, P. G., Mathur, D., D'Allesandro, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+technique+for+assessing+fish+passage+survival+at+hydro+power+stations.">A new technique for assessing fish passage survival at hydro power stations.</a> International Atomic Energy Agency. , (1993).</li><li>Heisey, P. G., Mathur, D., Rineer, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+reliable+tag-recapture+technique+for+estimating+turbine+passage+survival:+application+to+young-of-the-year+American+shad+(Alosa+sapidissima).">A reliable tag-recapture technique for estimating turbine passage survival: application to young-of-the-year American shad (Alosa sapidissima).</a> Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 49 (9), 1826-1834 (1992).</li><li>Mathur, D., Heisey, P. G., Euston, E. T., Skalski, J. R., Hays, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Turbine+passage+survival+estimation+for+chinook+salmon+smolts+(Oncorhynchus+tshawytscha)+at+a+large+dam+on+the+Columbia+River.">Turbine passage survival estimation for chinook salmon smolts (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) at a large dam on the Columbia River.</a> Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 53 (3), 542-549 (1996).</li><li>Mathur, D., Heisey, P. G., Robinson, D. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Turbine-passage+mortality+of+juvenile+American+shad+at+a+low-head+hydroelectric+dam.">Turbine-passage mortality of juvenile American shad at a low-head hydroelectric dam.</a> Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 123 (1), 108-111 (1994).</li><li>Watson, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safe+passage+of+American+Eels+through+a+novel+hydropower+turbine.">Safe passage of American Eels through a novel hydropower turbine.</a> Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 151, 711-724 (2022).</li><li>Al-Tabakha, M. o. a. w. i. a. . M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Influence+of+capsule+shell+composition+on+the+performance+indicators+of+hypromellose+capsule+in+comparison+to+hard+gelatin+capsules.">Influence of capsule shell composition on the performance indicators of hypromellose capsule in comparison to hard gelatin capsules.</a> Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 41 (10), 1726-1737 (2015).</li><li>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hydropower+Vision.">Hydropower Vision.</a> U.S. Department of Energy. , (2016).</li><li>Duncan, J. o. a. n. n. e. . P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Physical+and+ecological+evaluation+of+a+fish-friendly+surface+spillway.">Physical and ecological evaluation of a fish-friendly surface spillway.</a> Ecological Engineering. 110, 107-116 (2018).</li><li>Trumbo, B. r. a. d. l. y. . A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improving+hydroturbine+pressures+to+enhance+salmon+passage+survival+and+recovery.">Improving hydroturbine pressures to enhance salmon passage survival and recovery.</a> Reviews in fish biology and fisheries. 24, 955-965 (2014).</li><li>Pohanish, R. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Sittig's handbook of toxic and hazardous chemicals and carcinogens. , (2017).</li><li>U.S. Food and Drug Administration. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. , (1994).</li></ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

This study concluded that three-capsule balloon tags injected with 5 mL of water at 18.3 &#176;C had a slower start inflation time and consistently larger volume compared to two-capsule and four-capsule balloon tags. When the balloon tags were injected with water at 12.7 &#176;C, the average volume was smaller, and the inflation time was longer. The three-capsule begins deflating first, followed by the four-capsule, and lastly the two-capsule. The inflation and deflation periods associated with each water temperature can...

Hydropower is a significant renewable energy resource worldwide. In the United States, hydropower contributes an estimated 38% or 274 TWh of electricity generated from renewable sources1 and has the potential to add approximately 460 TWh per year2. However, as hydropower development increases, concerns about fish injury and mortality during hydraulic passage have become paramount3. Various mechanisms contribute to fish injuries during passage, including rapid decompression (barotrauma), shear stress, turbulence, strikes, cavitation, and grinding4. Although these injury mechanisms may not have an immediate impact on the overall condition of the fish, they can render them more vulnerable to diseases, fungal infections, parasites, and predation5. Additionally, direct physical injuries resulting from collisions with turbines or other hydraulic structures can lead to significant mortality, emphasizing the importance of mitigating these risks in hydropower development.
One of the most common methods for evaluating fish passage conditions is releasing Sensor Fish and live fish through hydraulic structures6,7. The Sensor Fish is an autonomous device designed to study the physical conditions that fish experience during passage through hydraulic structures, including turbines, spillways, and dam bypass alternatives8,9. Equipped with a 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope, temperature sensor, and pressure sensor9, the Sensor Fish provides valuable data on fish passage conditions.
Balloon tags, which are self-inflating balloons attached externally to Sensor Fish and live fish, assist in their recovery after passing through hydraulic structures. The balloon tags consist of dissolvable capsules filled with gas-generating chemicals (e.g., oxalic acid and sodium bicarbonate), a silicone stopper, and a fishing line. Prior to deployment, water is injected through the silicone stopper into the balloon. The water dissolves the vegetable-based capsules, triggering a chemical reaction that produces gas&#160;inflating the balloon. In this neutralization reaction, sodium bicarbonate, a weak base, and oxalic acid, a weak acid, react to form carbon dioxide, water, and sodium oxalate10. The chemical reaction is provided below:
2NaHCO3+ H2C2O4 &#8594; 2CO2 + 2H2O + Na2C2O4
The inflated balloon increases the buoyancy of the Sensor Fish and live fish, enabling them to float on&#160;the water surface for easier recovery.
The number of balloon tags required to achieve flotation and facilitate the retrieval of a sample (e.g., Sensor Fish or live fish) may vary based on the volume and mass characteristics of the sample. The duration of balloon tag inflation can be adjusted by injecting water at different temperatures. Colder water will increase the inflation time, while warmer water will decrease it. Balloon tags have been successfully employed in various locations, including the Farmers Screen, a unique horizontal, flat-plate fish and debris screen structure in Hood River, Oregon11, and a Francis turbine at Nam Ngum Dam in the Lao People&#39;s Democratic Republic12. Another commercially available balloon tag example is the Hi-Z Turb&#39;N Tag13,14. The Hi-Z Turb&#39;N Tag allows inflation time to be adjusted between 2 min and 60 min, depending on the injected water temperature13. This technology has been used in fish studies at many field sites, including studies involving Chinook salmon smolts released at Rocky Reach Dam on the Columbia River and juvenile American shad at Hadley Falls Dam on the Connecticut River15,16. Both technologies utilize acid-base&#160;chemical reactions to inflate the balloon tags for recovery.
This method offers cost-effectiveness and simplicity in manufacturing, with an estimated material cost of only $0.50 per balloon. As described here, the manufacturing process is easy to follow, making balloon tag production accessible to anyone.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>3D Printed Silicone Stopper Plate</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ARC800 Sensor Fish</td>
			<td>ATS</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FDM 3D printer</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manual Capsule Filler Machine CN-400CL (Size #3)</td>
			<td>Capsulcn</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mold Star 15 SLOW</td>
			<td>Smooth-On</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oil-Resistant Buna-N O-Ring</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>SN: 9262K141</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oxalic Acid, 98%, Anhydrous Powder (C2H2O4)&#160;</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td>CAS: 144-62-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber Band Expansion Tool</td>
			<td>iplusmile</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Separated Vegetable Cellulose Capsules (Size #3)</td>
			<td>Capsule Connection</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Smiley Face YoYo Latex balloon</td>
			<td>YoYo Balloons, Etc.</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Bicarbonate Powder (CHNaO3)&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>CAS: 144-55-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line (50 lbs.)</td>
			<td>Power Pro</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

balloon tag manufacturing technique for sensor fish and live fish recovery

Fish may experience injuries and mortality when they pass through hydraulic conveyances at hydropower dams, even if these conveyances are designed to be fish-friendly, such as downstream bypass systems, modified spillways&#160;and turbines. The main methods used to study fish passage conditions in hydraulic structures involve direct, in situ testing using Sensor Fish technology and live fish. Sensor Fish data helps identify physical stressors and their locations in the fish passage environment, while live fish are assessed for injuries and mortality. Balloon tags, which are self-inflating balloons attached externally to Sensor Fish and live fish, aid in their recovery after passing through hydraulic structures.
This article focuses on the development of balloon tags with varying numbers of dissolvable, vegetable-based capsules containing a mixture of oxalic acid, sodium bicarbonate powders, and water at two different temperatures. Our research determined that balloon tags with three capsules, injected with 5 mL of water at 18.3 &#176;C, consistently achieved the desired balloon volume. These tags had a mean inflation volume of 114 cm3 with a standard deviation of 1.2 cm3. Among the balloon tags injected with water at 18.3 &#176;C, it was observed that the two-capsule balloon tags took the longest time to reach full inflation. In addition, the four-capsule balloon tags demonstrated a faster inflation start time, while the three-capsule balloon tags demonstrated a faster deflation start time. Overall, this approach proves to be effective for validating the performance of new technologies, improving turbine design, and making operational decisions to enhance fish passage conditions. It serves as a valuable tool for research and field evaluations, aiding in the refinement of both the design and operation of hydraulic structures.

Author Spotlight: Developing Cost-Effective and Customizable Balloon Tags for Fish Passage Studies 

Balloon Tag Manufacturing Technique for Sensor Fish and Live Fish Recovery

This research focuses on developing and evaluating cost-effective balloon tags for fish passage studies and hydraulic structures. Our aim is to assess the effectiveness of different balloon tag configurations for the recovery of sensor fish and live fish after they pass through these hydraulic structures. The balloon tag protocol we developed offer a cost effectiveness, customizability, and adjustable inflation times.It is a low-cost solution for large scale studies with limited budgets. It helps to understand the impact of hydraulic structures on fish and can be tailored to different species and environments. We have developed a cost-effective balloon tag manufacturing process.This will enhance our understanding of balloon tag performances under different conditions, enabling tailored testing and facilitating environmental impact assessments for developing and operating fish-friendly hydropower systems.

A study was conducted to determine the optimal methods for manufacturing balloon tags, focusing on the volume and temperature of water injected into the balloon. The study examined various input parameters, including the inflation start time, full inflation time, deflation start time, and the volume of the balloon at full inflation. The study was conducted at a desk with an ambient temperature of 21 &#176;C.
A total of 360 balloon tags were prepared for the study. The tags were divided into 36...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Developing Cost-Effective and Customizable Balloon Tags for Fish Passage Studies at JoVE.com

A protocol is presented for designing and manufacturing balloon tags to recover Sensor Fish and live fish, allowing assessment of their physical condition and biological performance in hydraulic structures. The method optimizes balloon tag performance by considering factors such as balloon volume, inflation/deflation times, component selection, and the characteristics of the injected water.

Fish may experience injuries and mortality when they pass through hydraulic conveyances at hydropower dams, even if these conveyances are designed to be ...

balloon-tag-manufacturing-technique-for-sensor-fish-live-fish

Research

JoVE Journal

Engineering

Acid/Base Encapsulation for Balloon Tag Assembly

To begin, in a mixing cup, combine oxalic acid and sodium bicarbonate, maintaining a weight ratio of one to two. If the acid-based powder mix becomes crystalline, grind it into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. To fill the capsules using a semi-automatic capsule filling machine, place the cap sheet on a clean, dry surface.Align the encapsulation sheet over the cap sheet. Separate the capsule tops and bottoms unless using pre-separated capsules. Pour the capsule tops into the encapsulation sheet and shake the sheet gently in a circular motion to fill the holes with the tops.Collect the leftover capsule tops in a clean cup. Detach the encapsulation sheet from the completely filled cap sheet and keep the cap sheet aside. Identify and flip the capsule tops that are upside down.Next, place the body or bottom sheet on a clean, dry, flat surface. Fix the encapsulation sheet to the bottom sheet and secure the alignment with the black pegs. Pour the cap bottoms onto the encapsulation sheet and shake as described previously to fill all the holes.Then pour off the excess capsule bottoms from the sheet. Remove the encapsulation sheet from the filled bottom sheet. Flip any capsule bottoms found upside down.Now, disperse the acid base powder mixture onto the filled bottom sheet. Using a plastic spreader, fill the capsule bottoms with the powder. After positioning the filled cap sheet on a flat surface, mount the middle sheet on its top.Invert the cap sheet affixed to the middle sheet on the filled bottom sheet, ensuring a proper mutual alignment. Press gently, but equally on all sides of the cap sheet to join and fit the tops and bottoms of the capsules. Then remove the cap sheet and the middle sheet from the bottom sheet, leaving the capsule tops and bottoms joined.Check each capsule to ensure its top and bottom are fitted tightly. If not, manually press and tighten the top and bottom together. Finally, transfer the filled capsules to an airtight sealable container.

Manufacturing Silicone Stopper for Balloon Tag Assembly

To begin, mix both commercial silicone mold material components in a mixing cup, maintaining a one-to-one weight ratio. Stir thoroughly with a disposable spoon for about five minutes until the mixture becomes uniform in appearance. Then position the 3D-printed mold plate fitted with packing tape over a sheet of paper.Pour the silicone mixture into each stopper hole, ensuring all the holes are filled. Using a rubber squeegee, spread the silicone evenly into each stopper hole before clearing any leftover silicone. Leave the rubber stoppers to dry for four hours.Once the stoppers have fully cured as indicated by the complete drying and hardening of the silicone mixture, take off the tape from the back of the mold plate and pull the stoppers out of the mold. Finally, clean any surplus silicone attached to the stoppers.

Balloon Tag Assembly and Attachment to Sensor Fish Caps

To begin the balloon tag assembly, carefully insert the piercing tool into the silicone stopper. Then insert the piercing tool attached to the stopper into a 15 gauge syringe needle. After that, remove the piercing tool from the silicone stopper leaving only the needle embedded in the stopper.Cut a six inch piece from a 50 pound fishing line. Insert the fishing line piece into the silicone stopper through the 15 gauge needle. While holding the stopper and the fishing line together, carefully retract the needle from the stopper leaving the fishing line inside the stopper.Next, insert two acid-based powder filled capsules into a latex balloon. Using a rubber band expansion tool like a castration band plier, gently expand the balloon opening. Then carefully insert one silicone stopper into the balloon opening, making sure to keep the two ends of the fishing line outside the balloon.Place two O-rings onto the rubber band expansion tool and expand them. Push the neck of the latex balloon through the two expanded O-rings. Carefully pull the two O-rings away from the rubber band expansion tool leaving them tightly wrapped around the balloon's neck centered on the stopper.Insert one end of the fishing line through one of the small holes in the sensor fish cap and pull it through the large hole at the center. Tie both ends of the fishing line together leaving a 0.5 to one inch gap from the top of the cap to the balloon base. Keep the extra fishing line attached as cutting it too close to a knot might cause it to untie.Studying the average inflation time for balloon tags with different volumes of water at two different temperatures revealed that full inflation occurred faster when using water at 18.3 degrees Celsius as compared to 12.7 degrees Celsius. A slower dissolution of the capsules at lower temperatures caused delayed inflation. Among the tested conditions, the three capsule balloon tags injected with five milliliters of water at 18.3 degrees Celsius exhibited consistent size with a mean volume of 114 cubic centimeters.At 18.3 degrees Celsius, the four capsule balloon tags demonstrated a faster inflation start time. However, the full inflation times for the two capsule and four capsule balloon tags were nearly identical. The three capsule balloon tag began deflating first followed by the four capsule, and finally, the two capsule balloon tags.

1.1K Views.  Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.  A protocol is presented for designing and manufacturing balloon tags to recover Sensor Fish and live fish, allowing assessment of their physical condition and biological performance in hydraulic structures. The method optimizes balloon tag performance by considering factors such as balloon volume, inflation/deflation times, component selection, and the characteristics of the injected water.

Optimizing Balloon Tag Assembly to Recover Sensor Fish and Live Fish

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