Device for removing sludge from the bottom of a lagoon

An inexpensive compact open structure of simplified construction and operation having a long dimension along which said structure is symmetric, a width perpendicular to said long dimension and a depth shorter than said width, said structure useful for removing a pre-specified amount of material to maintain the operational readiness of a body of water while minimizing impact on the characteristics of the water in said body of water and capable of operation and maintenance by existing operations crews, comprising:

• a frame having enclosed sides along said long dimension and cross members connecting said enclosed sides,
• wherein said cross members assist in maintaining said structure's shape during operation;
• scoops affixed to said structure so as to extend from each end of said long dimension to near the center of said structure, said scoops having a bottom inclined upwards towards said center of said structure;
• a central pump chamber affixed to said frame approximately central to said long dimension and said width and in operable communication with each said scoop,
• wherein each said scoop first captures said material and transfers said material to said central pump chamber by the action of being dragged across said material;
• and
• a grill positioned proximate each said scoop to prevent large objects from entering said scoop,
• wherein said structure may be operated in a reverse direction without having to turn said structure due to said symmetry along said long dimension.

A method of maintaining the operational readiness of a body of water while minimizing impact on the characteristics of the water in said body of water, said method capable of performance by existing operations crews, comprising:

• dragging, at a pre-specified rate, along the bottom of said body of water an open structure having a long dimension along which said structure is symmetric, a width perpendicular to said long dimension, and a depth shorter than said width, said structure attached to at least one cable pulled by at least one winch affixed onshore, said structure further incorporating:
• a scoop on each end of said long dimension, each said scoop having a bottom inclined upwards towards the center of said open structure;
• a central pump chamber;
• at least one pump in operable communication with said central pump chamber;
• at least one hose in operable communication with said at least one pump and a remote repository;
• at least one float affixed to said structure via at least one float connector;
• at least one connection for affixing to said cable for pulling said structure;
• dragging said structure across said material at said pre-specified rate to capture said material in said scoop;
• transferring said material to said central pump chamber by the action of dragging said structure across said material at said pre-specified rate;
• pumping said material from said central pump chamber to said remote repository via said hose,
• wherein said at least one winch affixed via said at least one cable to said at least one connection, each said at least one winch located at opposing ends of said body of water, drags said structure in a direction parallel to said long dimension;
• and
• wherein said at least one winch is in operable communication with at least one ground-anchored cable, each said at least one ground-anchored cable located at one of two opposing ends of said body of water for anchoring and positioning said at least one winches along said opposing ends of said body of water;
• stopping said structure upon reaching one side of said body of water;
• sliding said at least one winches along said at least one ground anchored cables to enable a next section of said bottom of said body of water to be dragged;
• reversing the direction of dragging of said structure without having to turn said structure by using one at least one said winch on the opposite side of said body of water from the side at which said structure was stopped;
• and
• repeating said dragging, stopping, sliding, and reversing operations until said pre-specified amount of material is removed from said bottom of said body of water.