Raw water intakes along rivers and streams can clog during large flooding events or over time. Bar screens and travelling screens can prevent certain debris from entering the stilling well, but over time logs, sticks, and sediment may clog the intake. Debris can be cleaned with an excavator is access is available. Cleaning can also be done manually by hand but this can be a tedious process. Another option for fine sediment clogging the intake is using a hand-operated dredge with diver-assistance. Sediment can be removed from the front on an intake and from within the stilling well or between the screens.
Both options are effective at dewatering sludge from a wastewater pond or lagoon. Belt presses require more maintenance and operating costs but can produce dewatered sludge ready for immediate disposal. The footprint required for belt presses can be much less than dewatering tubes. Dewatering tubes are effective and economical options to dewater and temporarily store sludge on-site. The selection of either process may be limited to your project’s budget, access, and timeline.
Recently, Charles Parker, President, of River Sand completed the Dredging Engineering Short Course through the Center for Dredging Studies at Texas A&M University. It was the 41st Annual Class and had a record attendance this year from professionals in the dredging industry representing the US (from Alaska to Florida) and the world (from Europe to Africa).
The class focused on several aspects of River Sand, Inc.’s dredging work including hydraulic cutterhead dredge performance and efficiency, mechanical dredging, contaminated sediment treatment, dewatering techniques, and more. Charles graduated from the class and enjoyed the experience of listening and speaking with other dredging professionals. It was an opportunity to improve upon the techniques and share some of our own that we incorporate when dredging in Georgia and the Atlanta region.
