FishSafe™️ engineering by Natel, manufacturing by trusted industry partners.

High performance

Natel’s runner designs combine through-turbine fish passage with resistance to cavitation and >90% peak hydraulic efficiency. Natel rigorously tests design performance at our IEC 60193-compliant hydraulic test facility. Performance tests measure flow, pressure, torque, and speed of scale-model turbines and are conducted to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers PTC-18 standard.

Abrasion resistant

The same innovative design principles that allow Natel’s FishSafe™ turbines to function as a fish passageway also provide significant advantages in reducing hydro-abrasive erosion. The thick, rounded leading edges that characterize FishSafe™ turbine designs reduce sediment impact velocity and create a stagnation effect that minimizes abrasion. For plants in mountainous regions with heavy sediment loads, this could mean substantial economic benefits and reduced downtime—all while supporting exceptionally fish-friendly operations.

In tests following IEC Standard 62364, FishSafe™ blades showed up to 78.5% less wear in high-sediment conditions compared to conventional turbine blades. This translates to: 5x longer blade life in sediment-heavy environments, reduced maintenance costs due to extended intervals between repairs, and consistently higher turbine efficiency over time.