Dredger: what it is and how it works, types and applications

Dredging and cleaning the bottom of the reservoir and river from silt, sludge, sand and other sediments, as well as the extraction of minerals, in particular peat and other species does not do without the use of special equipment, which is called a dredging machine. This equipment can have different characteristics, which is why the choice depends primarily on the tasks at hand. 

What is a dredger

From the outside, the dredger resembles a ship, but when you look at it in detail, it becomes clear that its design is much more complex. The machine is held in the water by powerful pontoons. The equipment includes many devices and mechanisms for pumping water and soil in significant volumes.

The main units of a dredging machine are the suction device, mechanisms for its movement, a suction pump and two types of piping - suction and pressure. With the help of these systems the slurry is pumped through the pipes or directly to the shore.

As auxiliary equipment are used lowering and lifting mechanisms, power generators, pumps for clean water, protective and measuring systems, lighting, ventilation, heating and fire-fighting devices. Some dredgers are equipped with living quarters.

Technical characteristics: how to choose a dredger

• capacity (expressed in cubes per hour);
• type of dredger (determined by the type of soil);
• power generator;
• material of slurry pipeline (metal, rubber and woven material, plastic).
• Construction (collapsible or non collapsible);
• Soil intake method (with or without loosening);
• control (remote, manual, automatic).

Main functions

In addition to dredging and cleaning the bottom, extraction of peat and other minerals, including precious metals, the dredger is needed for such tasks:

• cleaning of settling tanks of agricultural and industrial facilities;
• construction of sand and gravel embankments on beaches, roads, etc;
• development of slag and ash collectors;
• construction of trenches and laying of pipelines;
• construction of dams, berths and ports.

Hydro-technical equipment is used to eliminate the consequences of floods and floods, strengthen the banks of rivers, lakes and reservoirs. A suction dredger is necessary in such works.

Operating principle of a dredger

The efficiency of operation depends on the diameter of the pipeline and the speed of the mixture, so these parameters are pre-calculated and taken into account when performing the task;

• the dredger is filled with water and loaded to the bottom;
• the motor and gearbox are started;
• the air is evacuated from the suction pipe and a vacuum environment is created, so that the slurry enters the pump and then onto the barge or shoreline.

The dredger is controlled from the operator's cabin, the so-called captain's cabin of the dredging vessel. There is a control panel for all main and auxiliary units. The equipment is moved with the help of winches or on a pile-driven and combined form.