Written by Christopher on June 29, 2022

What Are The Different Types of Dredging Equipment?

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You may be wondering, what are the different types of dredging equipment? The different types of dredging equipment Spring, TX used include Mechanical, Air-lift, Clamshell, Backhoe, suction dredges and dipper dredges. Read on to learn more about these types of dredges. 

Mechanical dredges

Mechanical dredges can be classified into two types: bucket and grab. Both types use grabs to raise material in-situ and bring it to the surface. A bucket is usually equipped with a capacity of 100-900 liters. This style is more common in large bodies of water. Mechanical dredges are ideal for various applications, including river and lake dredging, coastal restoration, and oil and gas exploration.

One type of mechanical dredger is self-propelled. It can move from site to site and transport the dredged material to storage. The capacity of a self-propelled dredger varies from 100 to 2,500 m3. A single crane can haul dirt from a site to a holding area. Depending on the size and number of cranes, self-propelled dredgers can reach capacities of more than 2,500 m3. A small-scale vessel can only carry one crane, while a large vessel can have up to four. The size of a crane and the number of cranes determine how productive the dredged material is. In addition, the depth of the water and the distance from the site can determine how much material a particular type of dredger can transport.

Air-lift dredges

Air-lift dredges use high-pressure air jets instead of water to level the dredged bed surface and are attached to a tugboat at one end. The air-lift function is crucial for the smooth dredging of shallow waterways. While dredging has advantages, there are also certain negative effects on marine habitats. These effects are largely related to the impact on the surrounding environment.

When it comes to the commercial shipping, dredging is an essential process. In addition to making waterways navigable, removing sediment helps keep the depth and width of the waterway at appropriate levels. It also protects coastal areas by removing pollution and pollutants. The material gathered during dredging is then deposited in various locations. Dredging can also help with various aspects of construction projects. Once the dredging process is complete, construction can continue.

Clamshell dredges

Clamshell dredges are floating platforms that utilize a heavy-duty cycle crane and wire rope suspended buckets from collecting sediment. These dredges can be either hydraulic or cable operated. They use a level cut bucket, so it will not stir up sediment. They also have baffles to hold sediment in the bucket while allowing water to exit. A clamshell dredge can be used for various dredging applications, from small-scale projects to large-scale ones.

Clamshell dredges are equipped with special edges that minimize turbidity. It means that they will not disturb sediments near the jaws. Remote dredgers are operated remotely by computers. They are perfect for environmental projects and are often equipped with sensors, cameras, and sonars. They are also widely used in marine infrastructure projects. For environmental protection, clamshell dredges are ideal for shallow-water projects.

Backhoe and dipper dredges

Mechanical dredges rip up the seabed by scooping material from beneath the surface. The resulting material is pumped into a barge or other approved placement area. Typically, the mechanical dredgers are mounted on a large barge and towed to the dredging site. They are secured in place by anchors. Due to their small footprints, these dredges are perfect for harbors and other protected channels. In addition, some mechanical dredgers have two or more disposal barges, known as scows. It allows for continuous operations.

Backhoe dredgers are typically rectangular pontoons equipped with an excavator. These excavators may be integrated into the dredger or a proprietary mobile type. For example, dipper dredges utilize integrated excavators and buckets designed to match the in-situ strength of the dredged material. Once excavated, the material is typically loaded into barges.

Suction dredges

Suction dredges are a type of equipment that is used to move materials from the seabed or mines. They are used to move semi-solid or unconsolidated sediments over a long distance. Divers frequently utilize this equipment underwater. Pumping air into a pipe and sucking in water and sediments surrounding it is part of their job. The materials are drawn in by the air, which is lighter than water.

There are three types of dredges: hydraulic, mechanical, and plain. Each has a unique feature that makes it suitable for a specific project. For example, hydraulic dredges suction up the material and are best for work with fine materials. The other type is cutter-suction, which uses a cutting tool to remove loose material. Both types have advantages, but a cutter-suction is more effective for hard surfaces.