INTEGRATED SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR THE EVACUATION OF SEDIMENTS ACCUMULATED IN RESERVOIRS

Abstract

A system for extracting sediments accumulated in reservoirs, which works by suction, has a low environmental impact and can reach any depth. It then transports and deposits them downstream.

Description

1.1 Introduction: Throughout the world, there are a large number of water reservoirs, which are intended for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, human consumption, and recreation. This accumulation of water causes the settling of sediments such as sand and silt, which are carried by the feeder river, and which after some years reduce the storage capacity and performance of the reservoirs. For this reason, in general, the dam administrators have to interrupt the water supply for a few months, closing the outlet gates to allow the reservoirs to refill, and even then the water is not enough for all the oases, resorting to the extraction of groundwater with the consequent expenditure of energy. In this context, our country's reservoirs have a useful life of only a few more years, putting important productive regions at risk of drought, as shown in the following diagram, using the Carrizal dam in the province of Mendoza as an example: Carrizal Dam Sediments Regulation of the Tunuyan River V =?7 \ 2040 NO ACTIONS This problem of reservoir sedimentation is common to most countries, citing as an example the European Community, where there are thousands of abandoned dams, having lost their storage capacity. While some methods of sediment dredging already exist, these are very expensive due to the complexity of their machinery and high fuel consumption; they are also limited by the shallow extraction depth, as only the near edges of the coast are dredged. So, we saw an opportunity to create a dredging system, based on the premise that: ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 • Energy savings • Operational simplicity • Dredging of sediments to greater depths • Relocation of extracted sediments • Contribution to the environment 2.1 Summary: The Yurumí is a suction dredging system for the sediments accumulated in the reservoirs, which does not consume additional fuels, since it is self-propelled and generates its own energy, both in the extraction and in the transport of said sediments. Achieving sediment extraction at any depth, even below the ice layer, in reservoirs that freeze during the winter (Yurumí Bajo 0) The operating principle is based on suction by communicating vessels, through a conduit whose first end is inserted into the reservoir and through which it draws in the sediments. The second end then extends over the dam, dropping down to the riverbed and transporting the sludge to the discharge point. The system generates its own mechanical energy through the suction effect, as the water enters through the dredging head at such a speed that it is able to drive a small hydraulic turbine installed inside it, which in turn rotates a drill bit that removes the soil, as well as driving an electric generator, which provides energy to the entire positioning system, the control station and the purging system. IMAGE 1 Storage ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 In this way, the Yurumí can operate autonomously at all times, since it also has the ability to guide itself, thanks to a CNC positioning system and echo sounders, mounted on a floating positioning platform. In addition, we propose a gravity-fed transport and deposition system, which will accumulate sediments downstream; generating the "camalotes" or settling niches, under which the river will pass through underground pipes. And in this way, we will create new flat land reclaimed from the river, since on these, green spaces with tourist infrastructure can be developed, thus generating new real estate or agricultural business plans. While some sediment dredging methods already exist, they are very expensive due to the complexity of the machinery and high fuel consumption. Furthermore, they are limited by the shallow extraction depth. With Yurumí, we can provide an innovative solution through: • Energy savings • Greater depth reach • New business plans, with sediment deposits • Smaller carbon footprint • Reduced noise and visual impact • Operational simplicity with high performance The Yurumí system is a highly versatile and efficient system that can also be permanently installed in a dam for continuous sediment control. It can coexist with tourism and sports activities, as it generates no noise or visual pollution and has a negligible carbon footprint because it does not consume fossil fuels. 3.1 Yurumí System: The Yurumí system is composed of a series of elements: • Suction Head • Floating Positioning Platform • Control Station • Suction and Transport Ducts ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 • Fluid speed control system 3.2 Suction Head: This is the element through which sediments enter, which are then transported to the outside by the flexible conduit. This head has a main cylindrical steel structure with a cross-section of 0.38m and a length of 2.5m, inside which an axial hydraulic turbine operates, rotating due to the action of the water current that enters by suction. This rotation is then transmitted via a shaft to a soil-cutting auger installed at the lower end of the drill head. The auger breaks up the soil, and the resulting sediment is immediately drawn in by suction through the mouth of the drill bit. This mouth is protected by a screen or filter that blocks larger particles from damaging or clogging the conduits. This soil breaking can also be achieved by injecting water at high pressure. The turbine also drives an electricity generator, which will provide the necessary energy to position the head and operate the various mechanisms of the system. At the top, there's a system of openings that purge the filter head if it becomes clogged with large sediment. This process is performed automatically by servo valves whenever the flow sensors detect a decrease in liquid velocity due to a blockage in the filter. In this situation, the filter self-cleans using an electromechanical mechanism or high-pressure water injection, which dislodges the encrusted elements. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 Simultaneously, these upper nozzles serve to assist in the propulsion of the head, thanks to the action and reaction of the suction itself, thus achieving the necessary position for the next dredging maneuver. This self-propulsion system is specifically used for dredging under ice. It has two nozzles for vertical movement and four for horizontal movement. It also has a buoyancy module, which achieves vertical stabilization of the head. And at the top end, there is the connection that couples the flexible transport conduit, next to the securing shackle, from which the control cable is attached, which connects the head and the floating positioning platform. 3.3 Floating Positioning Platform: Generally, sediment settling processes create a uniform accumulation with a fairly flat surface. This allows the Yurumí to be moved with constant movements, sweeping the dredge to achieve orderly dredging. For this purpose, a floating platform equipped with a CNC motion controller is used, which transmits movement to the extraction head via a steel cable. This movement results from displacement along three axes, controlled by echo sounders and proximity sensors that monitor the reservoir floor, ensuring a uniform sweep. The dredge head movement maneuver consists of it creating a series of holes in the reservoir bed, one next to the other, each to a depth equivalent to 70% of the head's length. Each time the head dredges a hole, it immediately rises to begin the next. This movement can also be performed by dragging the head, creating a linear dredging pattern. Positioning platform IMAGE 3 ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 But during this intermediate lifting maneuver, the purge system will also be activated, switching from the main suction inlet to the upper auxiliary inlets. This leaves the filter without suction, allowing it to self-clean of jammed elements thanks to a servo mechanism that modifies the structure of the grid. In this way, the jammed elements fall by gravity, cleaning the filter for immediate retrieval. Then successive passes or sweeps will be repeated, until the original bed of the reservoir is reached; and after dredging the maximum amount of sediment, the entire platform will be moved to the next adjacent area, and thus a new succession of dredging drillings will begin. Furthermore, to prevent dredging from being interrupted each time the dredge head is raised, another dredge head can be installed in tandem, operating alternately with the first. This means there will be two heads controlled from the same positioning platform, which will advance "step by step" so that at least one head is always sucking in and transferring sediment through the same transport channel. And in the case of dredging in areas with shallow water, we propose raising the positioning platform, taking care not to raise the extraction heads too high; since when sucking in air, it could interrupt the suction and stop everything. Continuous operation with two heads IMAGE 4 ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 3.4 Control Station: The control station manages and monitors all system operations. Located at the crest of the dam, it allows for the movement of vehicles and personnel. Its function is to operate and monitor: • Start-up and shutdown of the entire system • Dredging mechanisms • Positioning platform • Water speed regulation • Air bubble extractor • Transport maneuvers and sediment deposits 4.1 Fluid regulation: The system's fluid conduit serves to generate suction for the dredging process and to transport the aspirated sediments to the discharge area. For this, we divided the duct into three stages. 1. Suction head 2. Upward suction duct 3. Downward traction pipe 4. Transport pipeline ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 It is important to note that the fluid must have a velocity sufficient to lift sediment particles in the vertical suction section, and also sufficient to prevent sediment from settling by gravity inside the horizontal section and clogging the system. However, this velocity should not be excessive, as this can cause damage due to erosion and turbulence. Therefore, depending on each situation, it will be necessary to reduce or increase the fluid speed; for this, we propose different speed regulation methodologies. Dams generally have a difference in level “H1”, between the upper water level and the base of the dam, which can vary between 10m and 100m, which implies that the speed of the water falling through the descending pipe of stage 3 can be very high in some cases, exceeding 20 m / s, so we are obliged to reduce this acceleration. However, in cases where the dredging area is very far away and requires a long transport pipeline, and / or the mud containment dike is also very far away, the fluid will tend to slow down due to internal friction in the pipeline and its shallow slope. Therefore, it will be necessary to increase the speed of the entire hydraulic circuit, which can be achieved by increasing the traction in pipeline 3. And depending on the different dimensions and shapes of the dams, we can infer the application of four types of technologies, these are: A. Speed ​​reduction using Bernoulli's principle B. Speed ​​reduction with air injection C. Speed ​​reduction while going down the slope D. Increase in speed using Bernoulli's principle For small and medium-sized dams, with an H1 < 15m and with nearby dredging and storage areas, regulation system “A” will be applied. For larger dams, with nearby dredging and storage areas, it is suggested to apply speed regulation system B, or some mixed regulation option, between “A”, “B” and “C”. For dams with large distances to dredging and / or storage areas, it is suggested to apply the regulation system “D”, plus the regulation with air injection “B”. Next, we will briefly detail the operating principles of the three methods, considering the hypothetical case of a dam, whose H1=50m, in order to better illustrate the dimensions. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 4.2 Speed ​​reduction using Bernoulli's Principle: Applying Bernoulli's principle, we can decrease the suction velocity of stages 1 and 2 by decreasing the pipe section of stage 3, according to the principle of conservation of mass in fluids, "A1.V1 = A2.V2" Next, we applied the Hazen Williams equation to determine the flow rates, velocities, and sections of each pipe (Achour, B & Amara, 2020). V = 0.8494 * C * (Rh)°,63* S°,54(1) And also, the flow rate calculations: Depending on the diameter for units of Q: [m3 / s] V: [m / s] D: [m], Q = 0.2787 * C * (Di)4·87 / 1.85* S1 / 1.85(2) Which is approximately equal to: Q = 0.2787 * C * (D02.63* S°,64(3) Where: Rh = Hydraulic radius = Flow area / Wetted perimeter = Di / 4 V = Average water velocity in the pipe in [m / s]. Q = Flow rate or volumetric flow in [m3 / s]. C = Coefficient that depends on the roughness of the pipe (C=150 for PVC pipes) Di = Inside diameter in [m]. (Note: Di / 4 = Hydraulic radius of a pipe operating at full capacity) S = Slope - Head loss per unit length of the duct [m / m]. That is, we begin the calculation in stage 3, or the downpipe, because it is the part of the system that determines the velocity, as it exerts the traction of the entire hydraulic circuit due to gravity. For this, we estimate a diameter of 0.20 m, an H1 of 50 m, and a slope of 45°, which implies a fluid velocity of 21 m / s. This will be rigid and highly resistant to pressure and abrasion, to withstand the tensile stress of the fluid, cavitation and water hammer. In stage 4, or the transport pipeline, the pipe will have a diameter of 0.30 m, a fluid velocity of 9 m / s, and will also be rigid. New sections of pipe can be added to this stage to reach different discharge areas. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 In stage 2, or the riser pipe, it will have a diameter of 0.30 m, with a fluid velocity of 9 m / s, and will be flexible, allowing the pump head to move freely across the entire reservoir bed, suctioning sediments, even in very narrow and deep places. In stage 1, or the suction head, it will have a diameter of 0.38 m and an inlet fluid velocity of 5 m / s. Pipe 1 2 3 4 Diameter [meter] 0.38 0.30 0.20 0.30 Flow rate [m3 / s] 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 Velocity [m / s] 5 9 21 9 As we can see, the fluid velocities are very high, which can cause ruptures. Therefore, we propose applying or combining the following regulation systems. 4.3 Speed ​​reduction with air injection: In this case, the three stages of the conduit or pipe will have the same characteristics as before, but a constant diameter of 0.25m, from the suction to the discharge. Then, in stage 3, where the fluid descends and fractionates, air will be self-injected in the middle or upper part of the pipe, by the "Venturi effect"; Because the water falling at high speed in that sector decreases its pressure and when it encounters a lateral opening in said pipe, it will suck air from the outside that is at atmospheric pressure, mixing it with the water inside. This new fluid composition, made up of water, sediments and “air”, will descend more slowly, due to having less specific weight and greater turbulence, decreasing its speed by more than 50%. To prevent damage to the pipes from cavitation and water hammer, it will be necessary to remove this large amount of ingested air. This will be achieved using an "air bubble extractor," which will be installed further down, at the junction of stages 3 and 4. And in this way, the fluid will be able to continue without air bubbles, through the next stage 4, traveling at a lower speed, until it reaches the sediment discharge area. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 IMAGE 6 The installation planned for this purpose consists of placing a series of 5 cm diameter servo valves at the top of the descending pipe, through which the air “J” will enter. Further downstream, at the change in slope between pipes 2 and 3, the air bubble extractor “K” will be installed. This consists of a larger pipe, 0.38 m in diameter and 10 m long. The fluid containing bubbles will enter at its ends, and the fluid without bubbles will exit. The air will be expelled to the outside through a lateral opening, controlled by another servo valve. This “bubble trap” should be laid flat and slightly inclined on the ground so that the air contained in the fluid rises to the upper side of the pipe and then exits through the opening. Both the air inlet valve and the air outlet valve will be connected by an “M” pipe, which will then continue its path to the top of stage 2, as a system vent. “The fluid speed can be regulated by means of the air inlet servo valve, since the amount of air injected will be inversely proportional to said speed.” This way, we will significantly reduce the fluid velocity throughout the pipe without needing to close or restrict it with a shut-off valve, which could cause a blockage due to the high sediment density. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 4.4 Speed ​​reduction, with a smaller slope: This speed regulation will be achieved in stage “3”, by decreasing the slope “S”, according to V = 0.8494 * C * (Rh)0.63* S0.54 The pipeline will have to descend at a gentler slope than the dam (S<< 45°). Depending on the characteristics of each dam, different techniques will need to be applied to reduce this slope. The ideal installation would be for the pipe to follow a straight, downward path to the discharge area, but in general this is very difficult and expensive. Therefore, it is necessary to modify this slope in a segmented manner, through a distribution of the pipe in a "zigzag" or spiral shape. 5.1 Dredging of very large reservoirs: The methods used so far are applicable to small and medium-sized dams, since the dredging area, generally located at the tailrace of the dam, is a short distance from the dam. Therefore, the sludge can be transported from the suction point to the storage tank via pipelines, as we have already seen. However, in large reservoirs, where the extraction area is located several kilometers from the dam, we run the risk that the fluid traveling through the pipes will lose speed due to friction and the lack of slope, causing blockages. Therefore, we propose two ways to mitigate this problem. • With increased fluid velocity • With sediment transshipment barges Increasing the fluid speed: When the dredging area is far from the dam, extensive pipes with zero slope will have to be used, which will slow the flow of the fluid. To increase this speed, we can again use Bernoulli's principle, but in the opposite direction to the previous application; that is, section "3" of the pipe, which runs down alongside the dam wall, will have a larger diameter than the preceding pipe "2" and the subsequent pipe "4". Thus, and according to the principle of conservation of mass in fluids “A2.V2 = A3.V3”, then we have that V2= A3.V3 / A2, where we can infer that the velocity V2 of the horizontal transport section will be greater, as well as for the transport section towards the reservoir, with little slope and great length. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 The speed reduction method can also be incorporated simultaneously, by means of air injection “B”, for when a special maneuver or maintenance is required. IMAGE 7 Using Sediment Transfer Barges: In the case where the dredging area is far from the dike, we propose transporting these sediments between the tail of the dike and the dike, inside floating containers or transshipment barges. This would mean that the extraction platform, through the suction head (submersible mud pump), would send the dredged mud to an adjacent vessel “A”, with a large accumulation capacity, and after a period this would be filled and depart towed by a maneuvering boat, traveling the entire length of the reservoir, until it reaches and stops in the vicinity of the dam “B”. Next, the barge will be connected to the dewatering system for this cargo, which consists of the flexible pipe of the Yurumí system, which will suck up the mud by the principle of communicating vessels, and then transport it over the dike to the sediment deposit area “C”. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 IMAGE 8 6.1 Sediment deposition: After the sediments are extracted with the Yurumí, and have been transported through the three stages of the conduit, they will be deposited in an area determined by the dam administrator. In general, this issue of sediment accumulation is always somewhat controversial, since it involves mountains of sand, gravel, and silt, which cause a significant visual and environmental impact. To that end, we have created a proposal that can provide a solution to this problem and also generate a new business plan, which is: The aim is to create settling niches or "camalotes", composed of spaces, built on the same riverbed downstream, with a hypothetical dimension of 100 m wide by 200 m long or more. IMAGE 9 To achieve this, the river will need to be piped underground. Then, pyramidal embankments of stones and gravel (gabions) will be constructed across the river, perpendicular to both banks. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 ends of the niche. So that a construction remains, which can contain the mud with the sediments, which will settle as the fluid enters. Next, a series of these niches will be constructed, leaving spaces in between, with the river exposed in its natural channel. To feed these sediment deposits, conduits will be installed, which can be open or closed, allowing the fluid to be transferred from one niche to another. After a while, these deposits will be filled with solid matter, composed of sand, silt and enriched with organic matter, which after drying, will become multi-purpose spaces, suitable for excellent agriculture. These new areas reclaimed from the river will be located in a prime spot among the mountains and very close to the dam; this will also imply a very attractive business plan when it comes to marketing these lands, which can be used for the construction of parks, tourist infrastructure and real estate investments, with the attraction of the river as the main attraction. And in this way, the sediments extracted from the dam will be distributed, giving them a useful, profitable and ecological use. IMAGE 10 CROSS VIEW LONGITUDINAL VIEW / SECTION I _ , . 1 Slope, Consolidated sediments ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 7.1 Environment: The Yurumí can significantly mitigate most of the unwanted environmental impacts generated by conventional dredging systems, due to its minimally invasive methodology and the non-use of fossil fuels, thus avoiding the emission of greenhouse gases. And as for the environmental impact on the area surrounding the reservoir, it would be nil, since the large quantities of sediment that are currently generated would not accumulate; because with our idea, all the sediment would be deposited downstream, allowing the coastline to remain unaltered, without harming tourism or residential developments. Similarly, the "camalotes" (sediment deposits downstream) will fill with solid material composed of sand, silt, and enriched with organic matter. After drying, these areas will become multi-use spaces, suitable for parks or high-quality agriculture. This will significantly increase green areas, which will absorb more CO2, thus mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. 8.1 Innovation: Most of the methods used by current dredging systems are based on the extraction of sediments near the coast, whether from reservoirs, rivers or the sea; through large excavators, mechanical shovels or floating suction dredgers, which have a suction arm of no more than 15 meters, so they are limited to a small surface of the total, and do not extract in the central areas, which is where there is greater depth and accumulation of sediments. The concept of the Yurumí system is very innovative because: • It works best in the central parts of reservoirs, which is where it is most needed. • It uses only electromechanical systems, whose energy is self-generated. • Sediment transport is by gravity, and deposited far from the extraction site. • Sediment deposits are transformed into flat spaces reclaimed from the river, becoming new economic resources. • The Yurumí can be used for cleaning old reservoirs or installed at the time of the construction of new dams, thus ensuring continuous maintenance. • It does not generate any environmental impact, but it does contribute to new green spaces. • It has two unique methods for regulating the speed of the sludge extracted by suction, making it a pioneering system. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 9.1 Sediment management in reservoirs Below, we present an example of how dredged sediments are redistributed. We cite the situation at the El Carrizal dam in the province of Mendoza. Subsequently, for each dam in the country, different sediment deposit locations will need to be applied, depending on the topography of each site, as well as the distribution of components and the various methodologies of the Yurumí system. 9.2 El Carrizal Dam Plan After 50 years since its inauguration, the Carrizal de Mendoza reservoir has lost almost 40% of its capacity due to sediment settling; this means that more than 100 Hm3 of water are lost from accumulation. Proposed solution: Our proposal involves recovering a large portion of the water volume lost to sedimentation through 20 Yurumí systems, which will allow us to extract 10 hm³ of sediment annually. Projected over seven years, this would mean recovering more than 70 hm³ of water (70% of current sediment), significantly mitigating water scarcity in eastern Mendoza, while simultaneously creating new areas for fertile agriculture and increasing hydroelectric power generation. But the greatest benefit would be extending the dam's lifespan by several more decades, since with this system, sedimentation could be controlled systematically. This dredging would be carried out in the area of ​​greatest sedimentation of the reservoir, which is at the entrance of the river; then from there, this sludge with 10% suspended solids will be transported by semi-floating pipes or ferry barges to the spillway, from where it will go down to the riverbed, and then to the discharge or deposit place, for which two low-height settling dams must be built, one before the reservoir, and another after it. This is: • Dredged mud containment dike (downstream) • Incoming water sedimentation dike (upstream) ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 The following image shows the distribution of all the elements that make up the Yurumí system, to regulate sedimentation in the Carrizal reservoir. Mud containment dike: It is the place where the extracted mud will be deposited, and it is located between the Carrizal earth dam and the Benegas dam, on the bed of the Tunuyan river with an area of ​​approximately 7 km2, generating a depression of almost 100 meters, with respect to the lateral foothills. For this purpose, an earth and / or gabion dam will be built, approximately 2,000 meters long by 12 meters high, which will generate a reservoir where an approximate flow of 5 m3 / s of mud will enter, which will settle its solid matter by gravity; Then the clear water will filter into the groundwater layers or run off through a spillway provided on this small dam, returning to the riverbed. The spillway will have the particularity of regulating the height or level of runoff, in order to prevent a large accumulation of water, and thus exert a greater thrust on the slope or containment dike, with the risk of breaks; In this way, the reservoir will always be minimal, and its level will grow according to the consolidated sediments. To achieve better compaction of the settled solids, the total surface of this deposit will be fragmented into two or more sectors, with the aim of alternating the filling, and thus allowing the sediments to drain, dry and compact. On the other hand, we must take into account that the main outflow, which drives the hydroelectric turbines and is intended for irrigation, will have to flow through a conduit ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 independent underground, and below this sediment bank; To then connect with the Benegas diversion dam. As we said, the surface area of ​​this deposit will be approximately 7 km2, and if we consider an average sediment height of 10 meters, we will have approximately 70 Hm3 of accumulation, which can be increased by raising the height of said slope. Sediment retention dike: It will serve to retain the sediments brought by the Tunuyan River, which, upon entering a larger space, decreases in speed and turbulence, allowing the denser particles to settle, thus preventing them from entering the El Carrizal reservoir. This involves the construction of a dam identical to the previous one, that is, 2,000 meters long by 12 meters high, plus a spillway and a system of locks in which a small hydroelectric power plant could be installed. With this sediment trap, a similar amount to the mud dam can be accumulated, but with a much lower sedimentation rate, since the concentration of the solid entering through the river is less than 1%, compared to the 15% that the dredged mud would have. Extending the useful life: With this suction dredging and sediment trap scheme, there would be a significant loss of sedimentation in the main reservoir, since during the dredging period, the outgoing sediment would be much greater than the incoming sediment. It is estimated that if we started applying our Yurumí system today, by 2028 the reservoir could be back to its almost original storage capacity. Then we would have about 50 years to take advantage of the El Carrizal dam without sediment, since the suspended solids that the river brings would be trapped in the retention dam, until it fills with sediment in the year 2078, and only from that moment on, would sediment begin to enter the main reservoir again, which would take another 40 years for it to return to the current situation of stagnation, by the year 2118. In the future, the heights of these slopes could be increased or taller and more resistant ones could be built to generate greater capacities, since by raising them just a few meters, the area and volume of these dikes would expand exponentially. “That is to say, we could extend the useful life of the El Carrizal reservoir by more than 100 years” ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 PERIODS SEDIMENT RETENTION DIKE EL CARRIZAL DAM MUD CONTAINMENT DIKE UTILITY 2021 NO ACTIONS 2040 NO ACTIONS 2026 WITH YURUMI 2076 WITH YURUMI 2116 IDEM 2021 ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 10.1 Production Metrics: The dredging production of the Yurumí system is higher than traditional methods, thanks to having a very dynamic and continuous method, which allows for a large extraction of mud without interruptions. The calculation of the system's production capacity is based on the amount of sediment extracted per year. For this purpose, we consider the characteristics and dimensions of a single system, which would be fed by two tandem extraction heads (one at a time), each with its own sludge pump. That is, we begin the calculation in stage 3, or the downpipe, because it is the part of the system that determines the velocity, as it exerts the traction of the entire hydraulic circuit due to gravity. For this, we estimate a pipe diameter of 10 inches, a length of H1 of 60 yd, and a slope of 21° (zigzag). Then, we apply the Hazen-Williams equation to determine the fluid velocity inside the pipe (Achour, B & Amara, 2020): 33 = 0.8494 * C * (Rh~)0.63 * S0.54 (See page 9). This results in V3 = 13 m / s Then we reduce this speed by 50% with air injection, resulting in V3 = 6.5m / s, (this speed can be lowered even further by decreasing the slope “S”) And we determine the flow rate of the system according to: Q = 0.2787 * C * (Di)2.63* S0.64(See page 9) resulting in Q = 0.59 m3 / s, then we reduce this flow rate with air injection to 50%, and we obtain the flow rate of extracted sludge Qs = 0.29m3 / s (sludge) So the amount of sludge pumped in one hour would be Qh = 1000 m3 / h, with a solids content of approximately 10%; This would give a sediment extraction capacity of 100 m3 / h. In reality, we must also consider other factors that will reduce the ideal production time, using the following parameters, such as: • Maintenance tasks, reduced to 85% ~ 85 m3 / h. • The translation of the extraction platform, reducing to 70% ~ 59 m3 / h. And we obtain the production capacity for each Yurumí system of: 516,840 m3 / year 11.1 Operating costs: The low operating costs of the Yurumí system are based essentially on fuel savings, less maintenance and the small number of operators; due to the great advantage it possesses, of performing the three operations of extraction, transport and filling, in a single process. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 For the calculation of operating costs, we will assume that the value of electricity is zero and that a salary including travel expenses for a qualified operator in Argentina is USD 3 per hour. Operators Description Salary [USD / h] Per diem [USD / h] Cost [USD / h] 1 Control station 3 2 5 2 Platform control 3 2 10 2 In maintenance 3 2 10 1 Shift manager 5 3 8 - Total operator costs / hour - - USD 33 / h 1 Supplies, repairs and logistics expenses - - USD 2 / h Total operating costs / h - - USD 35 / h Total operating costs / m3 (production 59 m3 / h) - - USD 0.59 / m3 (sediments) Total operating costs / year (production 500,000m3) - - USD 295,000 %Hm3 of sediments Furthermore, the energy savings and conversion are significant, since being subjected to less stress would mean less energy consumption compared to traditional dredging. This would be achieved using only electromechanical systems, powered either by the system itself or a floating photovoltaic station. ©2020YURUMÍ - TANGOTECH 1639954 of 25 With our system we lower costs because we simplify the different stages, due to the automation of all processes, which are also favored by being in a cold environment, which naturally cools the motors and mechanisms, thus favoring the maintenance cost. These operating costs can be significantly reduced by increasing the number of systems. Since increasing the flow rate of the fluid or slurry allows for the dredging of a greater quantity of sediment, in exchange for a moderate increase in operating costs. 12.1 Conclusion: The Yurumí will provide a great solution to the problem of sedimentation in reservoirs, as it consists of a very simple, versatile and sustainable system. It operates autonomously, generating its own electricity and possessing a positioning system that allows it to move and dredge intelligently. It is also capable of reaching any point on the reservoir floor, regardless of depth, even in frozen dams. This system can be installed temporarily for specific dredging operations and, once those tasks are completed, can be quickly dismantled and moved to another reservoir. It can also be marketed as a permanent maintenance system, ensuring a sediment-free reservoir and thus extending its lifespan indefinitely. It has a very favorable cost-benefit balance, since it requires a low initial investment and operational control, in exchange for significantly increasing water storage for irrigation and hydroelectric generation capacity. Also, the initial investment cost is 1 / 3 that of traditional suction dredging systems. We also solve the problem of the accumulation of extracted sediments, transforming these deposits into new green spaces, available for use in various tourism, real estate or agricultural ventures. Specifically at the El Carrizal Dam in Mendoza, we will be able to recover 70% of the water reservoir lost over 50 years of use within seven years. This will allow us to repurpose the reservoir, boosting the region's economic development. This is a highly innovative idea, as the methods of extraction, transport, and sediment deposition are unprecedented. It has become a sustainable and scalable project that benefits the environment while also opening up new business opportunities.

Claims

1. A process for dredging, transporting, and depositing sediments accumulated in a water reservoir, characterized in that it comprises: a) extracting sediments from the bottom of the reservoir by means of a sludge dredging head (22) that includes a stone filter (39) disposed at the suction inlet, self-cleaning by means of purge valves (36) that operate automatically during the dredging operation, preventing obstruction of the head; b) transporting said sediments in the form of a sludge flow through at least one pressurized duct (10) connected to said dredging head (22); c) regulating the transport speed of the sludge flow along said pressurized duct (10), by means of regulating means disposed in the system, in order to stabilize the hydraulic regime of the transport and reduce risks of cavitation, water hammer, and mechanical stresses in the duct;(d) depositing said transported sludge in at least one accumulation tank (12) arranged downstream of the reservoir and configured for controlled sediment settling. 15 Claims follow;