Dredging method and apparatus
AssigneeHarwich Haven Authority
InventorJeremy David Warner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of dredging which comprises suspending dredging apparatus 200 from a vehicle 360. The sediment agitating apparatus comprising a chassis 210, and mounted on the chassis are an extractor, sediment agitating apparatus and respective pumps 220, 230. The dredging apparatus 200 is disposed above, but not in contact with a waterbed 340 to be dredged of sediment 350. The sediment 350 is agitated then extracted with the extractor. The dredging apparatus 200 is moved around the water and the extracted sediment 400 is deposited underwater and above the dredging apparatus 200, so that the sediment 400 is transported and deposited away from an area being dredged by the natural movement of the water. Apparatus and use of the apparatus are also described.
Claims16
A method of dredging comprising:
- suspending dredging apparatus from a vehicle, the dredging apparatus comprising:
- a chassis;
- sediment agitating apparatus for disposal above a sediment layer on a waterbed, the sediment agitating apparatus comprising a fluid injector and a pump arranged to inject fluid through the fluid injector, the sediment agitating apparatus and pump being mounted directly on the chassis wherein the and injector comprises one or more conduit, the conduit bearing a plurality of nozzles;
- separately an extractor, the extractor being arranged to move agitated sediment away from the waterbed and above the dredging apparatus, the extractor comprising a conduit and a pump arranged to pump agitated sediment through the conduit, the extractor and pump being mounted directly on the chassis;
- and
- a connector for connecting the sediment dredging apparatus to the vehicle;
- disposing the dredging apparatus above, but not in contact with a waterbed to be dredged of sediment;
- agitating the sediment with the sediment agitating apparatus;
- extracting the sediment with the extractor;
- suspending the extracted sediment underwater and into a higher water column above the sediment agitating apparatus;
- and
- moving the dredging apparatus around the water;
- wherein the sediment is transported and deposited away from an area being dredged by the natural movement of the water.
Dredging apparatus for disposal above, but not in contact with, a waterbed to be dredged of sediment, the apparatus comprising:
- a chassis;
- sediment agitating apparatus for disposal above a sediment layer on a waterbed, the sediment agitating apparatus comprising a fluid injector and a pump arranged to inject fluid through the fluid injector, the sediment agitating apparatus and pump being mounted directly on the chassis, wherein the fluid injector, comprises one or more conduit, the conduit bearing a plurality of nozzles;
- separately an extractor, the extractor being arranged to move agitated sediment away from the waterbed and above the dredging apparatus, the extractor comprising a conduit and a pump arranged to pump agitated sediment through the conduit and suspend the extracted sediment underwater and into a higher water column above the sediment agitating apparatus, the extractor and pump being mounted directly on the chassis;
- and
- a connector for connecting the sediment dredging apparatus to a vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.