Modular Pontoon System for Reservoir Deposit Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing material deposits from hydrotechnical structures, such as dams, are inefficient, environmentally harmful, and pose operational challenges due to clogging issues, energy wastage, and accessibility problems in mountainous regions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, modular system comprising a floating pontoon with a dragline excavator, screening device, mixing device, and solids pump that allows for efficient separation and pumping of deposits, including coarse materials, without the need for large equipment or carrier mediums, and can operate in difficult-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flushing is used to remove deposits, then storage capacity is restored, but energy is wasted and ecological damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the deposit removal process into distinct stages: cutting deposits at the bottom, transporting them through pipelines, and depositing them in a disposal area. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, avoiding the ecological harm of flushing while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transport system (pipelines and conveyors) between the deposit source and disposal area, replacing the direct water flushing method. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled, localized removal without the uncontrolled water release that causes ecological damage.
2Ease of operation
If suction pipes are used to clean bottom outlets, then fine sediments are removed, but stones and large debris cannot be removed and water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple removal mechanisms into one integrated system: cutting devices for various deposit types, conveyor systems for transport, and disposal mechanisms. This combination enables the removal of stones, large debris, and fine sediments simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of suction pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from water-based suction to mechanical cutting and mechanical transport. This parameter change allows the system to handle solid, coarse materials that cannot be removed by suction while reducing water consumption.
3Productivity
If crawler excavators are used to dredge lakes, then deposits are removed, but equipment cannot reach reservoirs in mountainous regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from land-based operation to water-based operation by deploying equipment from boats on the reservoir surface. This dimensional change allows access to remote mountainous reservoirs that are inaccessible to land-based crawler excavators, while maintaining deposit removal productivity.
4Productivity
If reservoirs are emptied for flushing, then deposits are removed, but production is interrupted and water levels must be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary localized cutting and removal of deposits from critical areas (bottom outlets and reservoir bottom) without requiring complete reservoir emptying. This preliminary action maintains production continuity while achieving the necessary deposit removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific problem areas (bottom outlets and reservoir bottom) with cutting devices rather than treating the entire reservoir uniformly. This localized approach removes deposits where they cause harm while maintaining water levels needed for production.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, reliable, and efficient removal of deposits, reducing environmental impact, maintaining water flow, and allowing for continuous operation of hydropower plants without disrupting water levels or ecosystems.
Implementation Method 1
a float; a dragline excavator having a hoist mounted on the floating body
Implementation Method 2
a screening device for separating coarse materials
Implementation Method 3
a mixing device with mixing screws for homogenizing the conveyed material
Implementation Method 4
a solids pump arranged on the floating body, by means of which degraded material can be pumped through the floating line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system (1) has a cable excavator (7), a screen-like separating device (17) i.e. separating screen, a mixing device (18) and a solid matter pump (22) e.g. hydraulic two cylinder-slurry pump, arranged on a modular pontoon (6). The separating device separates coarse materials. The mixing device through-mixes and homogenizes removed materials. A high pressure transport pipe (21) conveys the removed materials from the pontoon above a water body to a location, which is remote from the pontoon. The pump pumps the removed materials through the pipe by pressurization. An independent claim is also included for a method for removing material deposits from water bodies.