Efficient dredging with the underwater cutting wheel
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XVII: "Dredging in a Sensitive Environment" - 2004, Hamburg, Germany
Authors:
C. Marburg
Abstract: Floods and extreme drought of recent years have triggered public awareness for the need of integral river basin management, including also retention areas and ground water level control in inland regions.
Dredging activities in river basins, harbors and inland spots need to be ever more efficient, to assure benefits at low costs while being compatible with sustainable development.
For efficient dredging, the Underwater Cutting Wheel (UCW) is specially suited. It is a very accurate tool, creates low spillage, and the system consumes little energy per cubic meter of soil. The UCW ensures a steady cutting process and can cope with virtually any type of soil, including the most compact, sticky, or abrasive materials. Recent improvements have made the device more compact, light-weight and effective. This paper presents the latest developments and applications of the device.
Using compact directly coupled radial piston hydraulic motors has reduced weight and maintenance costs for the UCW drive. The compact sturdy UCW frame gives optimum strength, a new suction mouth improves the soil intake and self-cleaning of cutting blades. The UCW is designed for the latest tooth systems, for reduced wear and ease of maintenance. For abrasive soils special protecting measures are available.
Recent applications range from coarse gravel to highly adhesive compact silt. With the use of environmentally compatible oil for the hydraulics and lubrication, UCW technology has also been successfully applied for underwater mining in protected potable water winning areas.
Keywords: underwater mining, spill, clay, bucket wheel