Device for the installation of vacuum consolidation dewatering horizontal drains for dewatering sludge ponds

Abstract

A device for installing horizontal drains in a coal combustion residual or other sludge pond consists of a trenching device that extends downwardly to the depth of required installation of the drains and an attachment through which the drains are fed during installation. The trenching device and attachment are mounted onto a carrier for floatation of the required equipment on the surface of a water-filled sludge pond. The carrier can be winched, hauled or driven across the surface of the sludge. A hydraulic system may be used to raise and lower the trenching device and attachment. The trenching device may be equipped with a chain driven blade mechanism or dredging device for the purpose of cutting a trench into the pond sludge, and a vibratory trenching device may be used to effectively liquefy the material to make the trenching device easier to pull or tow through the sludge in the pond.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENTUnder 35 U.S.C. § 119 & 37 C.F.R. § 1.78[0001]This non-provisional application claims priority based upon prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 411,992 filed Oct. 24, 2016, in the names of David Seeger, Steven Kosler, David Morett, and Michael Fontenot entitled “DEVICE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF VACUUM CONSOLIDATION DEWATERING HORIZONTAL DRAINS FOR DEWATERING SLUDGE PONDS,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference as if fully set forth herein.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a device for the installation of horizontal drains below the surface of a sludge pond for the purpose of removing the water from (dewatering) the sludge. Various methods of using horizontal drains for dewatering sludge are generally known in the art and are referred to here as vacuum consolidation dewatering (VCD). This invention will describe a device used to install the drains below the surface of the sludge pond for the pur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a device that can be used to install drains in ponds. The device includes a mechanism to cut a trench in the pond sludge using a chain-driven blade or a vibratory plow. This reduces the energy requirement for towing or operating the device and makes it easier to install the drain. The device also includes a protected operator cab for safety and communication with support staff. The technical effects of this patent are improved efficiency and safety in the installation of drains in ponds.

Problems solved by technology

CCR is known to be unstable when saturated.

When saturated CCR is subject to shear strain, it densifies and expels water, resulting in a near total loss of shear strength.

This process may result in overtopping of impoundments and makes excavation and handling difficult to impossible.

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