Sediment Suction Sink for River Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harvesting sediments for coastal restoration, such as dredging and river diversions, are costly, labor-intensive, and have negative environmental impacts, with sediments often being wasted by depositing in deep waters, necessitating the development of a more efficient and sustainable approach.
Innovation Solution
A platform-based sediment harvesting system that includes a sediment suction inlet or sink positioned below the water surface, equipped with a sediment pump, venturi, water jet, flow control valve, and pipeline, which captures sediments passively as they flow downstream, using sensors and a programmable logic controller for automation and efficient sediment transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional dredging methods are used to maintain water depth, then navigation depth is maintained, but navigation is disrupted and significant expenditures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the waterway into multiple sections with sediment suction sinks positioned at strategic locations. Each sink independently captures sediment in its section, allowing continuous operation without disrupting navigation elsewhere in the waterway. This segmentation enables maintenance of water depth while avoiding complete navigation shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment suction sinks operate passively using the existing water flow to transport sediment into the collection chambers. The system utilizes natural hydrodynamic forces rather than requiring active dredging vessels, enabling continuous sediment removal without interrupting navigation. The sinks self-regulate by filling and emptying cycles based on sediment accumulation.
2Strength
If dredges are used to remove sediment, then water depth is maintained, but significant labor and fuel costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using the natural flow of water to transport sediment into the suction sinks and through the piping system. The system utilizes hydrodynamic forces and pressure differentials created by water flow rather than requiring fuel-powered dredging equipment, dramatically reducing operational energy costs while maintaining water depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment suction sinks operate passively using the existing water flow to transport sediment into the collection chambers. The system utilizes natural hydrodynamic forces rather than requiring active dredging vessels, enabling continuous sediment removal without interrupting navigation. The sinks self-regulate by filling and emptying cycles based on sediment accumulation.
3Strength
If sediment is deposited in deep waters during dredging, then sediment is removed from navigational channels, but sediment is wasted and not available for coastal restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary storage system (sediment suction sinks and collection chambers) that captures sediment from navigational channels and holds it for later transfer to coastal restoration sites. This intermediary storage prevents direct deposition in deep waters, preserving the sediment for beneficial reuse in coastal restoration projects while maintaining channel depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment suction sink system serves multiple functions: it maintains navigational channel depth by removing sediment, provides storage for captured sediment, and enables transfer of sediment to coastal restoration sites. This multi-functionality eliminates the waste associated with single-purpose dredging operations.
4Quantity of substance
If river diversions are implemented for sediment delivery, then sediment reaches coastal areas, but the process is costly and has negative environmental impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements localized sediment capture at specific points along the river using sediment suction sinks positioned in navigational channels. This local approach allows sediment to be captured where it naturally accumulates and transported directly to coastal restoration sites, avoiding the broad environmental disruptions caused by large-scale river diversions while achieving the same sediment delivery goal.
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
This system reduces labor costs, minimizes environmental impact, and provides a long-term, cost-effective method for sediment harvesting, enhancing coastal restoration by reducing down-river shoaling and associated maintenance costs while providing a sustainable source of sediment for land rebuilding.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi including an auger/propeller
Implementation Method 2
a water jet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatuses, methods, and systems for removing sediment from waterway bottoms and pumping the sediment through pipelines. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatuses, methods, and systems for sediment control and altering the average effective depth in a section of rivers, streams and channels for maintaining the navigability of waterways and coastal restoration. The apparatus preferably comprises a sediment harvesting platform preferably positioned above a water surface; a sediment suction inlet or sediment sink preferably positioned below the top level of source sediment or within a sand bar including a grating, a sediment pump, a venturi including an auger/propeller, and a water jet; a flow control valve; and a pipeline for pumping sediment. The apparatus may further comprise a sediment conveyor including sediment inlets and a remote controlled pulsing valve. The apparatus may further comprise sensor(s) and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The method of the present invention preferably comprises removing sediment from waterway bottoms with at least one apparatus of the present invention. The system of the present invention preferably comprises a plurality of apparatuses in either series or parallel design for sediment control and altering the average effective depth in a section of a waterway.