Removal of fine-grained sediments from water bodies

Abstract

A method for removing fine-grained sediments from flowing or standing bodies of water. The sediment is dredged from the bottom of the body of water. The dredged sediment is dewatered and classified in a sieve plant. At least a fine-grained admixture material such as fly ash or refined clay is admixed to the dewatered sediment material. The admixture is granulated and the resulting granulate is dried and fired under swelling. The swelled, fired granulate is cooled and further processed. The light weight granulate is admixed to concrete or used in the production of building materials such as sinter blocks and bricks. The noxious materials and heavy metals contained in the sediment are substantially sealed into the granules produced by sintering. The resulting waste waters can be cleared such that they are suitable for feeding back into the bodies of water. The residues of the waste water treatment can also be employed as admixture component in the granulate production.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.