Small Radio Controlled Dredge

Nikolaus Sires ET-493

Advisor: Dr. Rana Mitra

Problem 1

The site of this senior project is a pond of approximately three acres.

I desire to remove one foot of loose sediment from the bottom.

This amount of sediment would be approximately 5,000 cubic yards. (A percentage of this will be water)

Problem 2

The site is surrounded by trees, and I desire to minimize the environmental impact to the location.

Typical remote controlled dredging systems are large and cumbersome.

SolutionI propose the construction of a small,

partially radio controlled dredging system.Propulsion could be achieved through the use

of a trolling motor/motors.Dredging could be done through the use of a

small trash pump mounted to a floating platform, or an electric pump powered by a small generator.

Some ideasUse winches to raise/lower the suction hose

and anchorsSolar panels to maintain battery life and

minimize downtime for charging of these systems

Floating discharge hose easily redirected from the bank

Radio control system to control trolling motors

Other considerations

How to catch the sediment removedHow much of one hour can be devoted to

actual dredging, and not relocation of the dredge system

Preliminary numbersTypical small trash pump capable of moving

up to 16,000 gallons per hoursAt 50% efficiency and 50% of the material

being sediment and not water, this equates to 20 cubic yards per hour with dredge working the entire hour.

It took about 8 hours for me to move 1 cubic yard of material (with the pond drained)

DeliverablesExamine the pros/cons of a pump centered system vs. a

generator based systemTake sediment samples from various locations in the

pond and determine average pond depthMake selection of system type based upon soil sample

findingsDraw design plans to allow ease of system access based

on findings of average pond depthComplete cost analysis of dredging system costsStudy methods to efficiently collect dredged pond

sedimentBegin purchasing materials and assembly of dredging

system

TimelineSystem type study 3/05/2015 - 3/19/2015Take sediment samples 3/16/2015 - 3/23/2015Choose system type 3/24/2015 - 3/26/2015Design plans 3/21/2015 - 3/28/2015Cost analysis 3/28/2015 - 4/04/2015Collection methods 4/04/2015 - 4/11/2015Purchase materials 4/11/2015 - 7/04/2015Begin assembly 4/25/2015 - 7/25/2015

Sediment Sample Collection

Two samples were taken from four locations.(North, South, East, and West sections of pond)

Initial purchases include a pair of waders, and collection containers (1 quart).

The samples will be allowed to settle for a few days, and I will begin removing the water.