Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

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.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim