Water Injection Dredging

Abstract

Maintenance dredging plays a crucial role in maintaining navigable waterways. While traditional methods using Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs) are well-established, Water Injection Dredgers (WIDs) are gaining popularity due to their energy efficiency. WIDs utilize hydrodynamic forces to mobilize sediment, eliminating the need for physical transport, thereby reducing energy consumption. However, a comprehensive comparison between WID and TSHD-based dredging methods has been lacking.

This research aimed to address this gap by developing a model to simulate WID operations, estimate production rates, and assess energy consumption. The model was integrated into the discrete-event simulation package OpenCLSim, enabling the comparison of different dredging strategies.

The model incorporates various factors, including sediment characteristics, hydrodynamic conditions, and equipment specifications. Production rates were estimated using empirical, theoretical, and data-driven approaches. The energy footprint was calculated by considering the power consumption of key components such as engines, jet pumps, and thrusters. A case study was conducted to validate the model and compare WID and TSHD performance. Results demonstrated that WIDs were significantly more energy-efficient per cubic meter of dredged material compared to TSHDs. However, the energy footprint is significantly effected by the operational circumstances.

The model provides valuable insights for dredging contractors and port authorities. By simulating various scenarios, stakeholders can optimize dredging strategies, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing efficiency. Future research should focus on refining the model's accuracy, expanding its applicability to diverse scenarios, and exploring the potential for optimizing dredging operations based on energy consumption. This research contributes to a better understanding of sustainable dredging practices. By promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies like WIDs, the dredging industry can play a vital role in mitigating its environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.