SUCTION BOOSTED SAND DREDGING AND DELIVERY SYSTEM

Description

GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The subject matter of this disclosure was made with support from the United States Army Corps of Engineers—Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Under paragraph 1(a) of Executive Order 10096, the conditions under which this invention was made entitle the Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Army, to an undivided interest therein on any patent granted thereon by the United States. This and related patents are available for licensing to qualified licensees.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sand dredging and delivery system and methods for filing a geotextile container, such as a Submersible Matting (SUBMAT) system, with sand or other indigenous fill material. The systems and methods utilize a suction boosted sand delivery system to pump water, sand and indigenous fill materials to fill geotextile containers at a beach or littoral zone.

BACKGROUND

Modern geotextile sediment containment devices, such as a SUBMAT, require a filling system and method that can quickly fill the geotextile container. In general, a SUBMAT is a submersible matting system that uses sand and other indigenous fill materials to create a stable roadway system across the littoral zone to bridge the gap between low-and high-tide at the beach/water interface.

Existing SUBMAT filling systems and methods typically utilize dredging methods, such as a cutterhead dredge, to produce a slurry to fill a geotextile container. The disadvantages of the existing filling systems are the size, cost, and labor required to implement these dredging methods. They often require large hydraulic power packs and an excavator to handle and are labor intensive. A more ideal system would be a capable, lightweight, and easy to setup and operate, dredging and filling system. A need exists for dredging, sand delivery and filling systems that address and overcome these disadvantages.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a dredging and sand delivery system that is lightweight, relatively portable, has a small footprint, and is easy to use and operate. It also requires little labor to implement and maintain, can be assembled by hand without specialty tools, and can be operated by just a few individuals. The filling system utilizes sand and other indigenous material collected from nearby to the location of the geotextile sediment containment device and can operate in austere and resource limited beach and intertidal areas.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sand dredging and delivery system. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for filling a geotextile sediment containment device with sand and indigenous fill material. In some embodiments, the system is utilized for filling a SUBMAT device. Embodiments of the system include a suction-booster assisted hydraulic dredging and pumping system to pump water, sand and indigenous fill materials from their natural source locations, such as a beach, to the geotextile sediment containment device positioned at the littoral zone. Various embodiments of the system are utilized to fill one or more containment device on location to create a stable roadway system across a littoral zone.

In various embodiment, components of the system are essentially portable and can be transported and assembled by one or a few individuals at a littoral zone location. According to various embodiments, the system includes an arrangement of two or more pumps, a power jet log, and an assembly of tubing or hoses. Embodiments of the system include a slurry pump as a primary mover of the sand slurry, and a water pump to pump clear water. In various embodiments, the water pump (also called a trash pump or a dewatering pump) is connected to a clear water intake while the slurry pump (also called a trash pump or a centrifugal pump) is connected to a dredge nozzle that is operated in the swash-zone, i.e., the beach. The sand slurry and the clear water are combined at a power jet log, which creates a venturi-like suction to help power the sand slurry through the system of tubing or hoses, and discharge the sand through a discharge hose to the fill ports of the geotextile sediment containment device. Embodiments of the system are gas or diesel powered.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for dredging and delivering sand. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for filling a geotextile sediment containment device with sand and indigenous fill material. Embodiments of the method include providing one or more sand dredging and delivery system as disclosed herein, and utilizing the system to dredge and deliver sand and indigenous fill material. Embodiments of the method include utilizing the system to fill a geotextile sediment containment device. In some embodiments, the method is utilized to fill a SUBMAT device. In some embodiments, the method fills one or more SUBMAT device on location to create a stable roadway system across a littoral zone. According to various embodiments, the method is performed by a group of a few individuals at a littoral zone location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, detailed description, and examples, which should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to the embodiments shown and described. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a sand dredging and delivery system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a power jet log or suction log according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a dredge nozzle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a geotextile sediment containment device (i.e., SUBMAT unit) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, the disclosure can be applied to a wide variety of applications, and the description herein is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the claims. The description in the present disclosure should not be viewed as limiting or as setting forth the only embodiments of the disclosure, as the disclosure encompasses other embodiments not specifically recited herein. The present disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments.

This application may be considered to have subject matter related to that of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/527524, entitled A Submersible Matting System, filed on Dec. 2, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. A SUBMAT system is a mattress-based system in which individual SUBMAT units or sections are filled with indigenous fill material (e.g. gravel, sand) to provide adequate bearing capacity, lateral stability, and vertical stability under applied vehicle traffic across the littoral zone and to bridge the gap between low-tide and high-tide at the beach/water interface.

According to various embodiments, the SUBMAT system is easily deployable, remains stable through sea state 5 (rough seas with wave heights of about 8 to 13 ft), and uses indigenous fill materials while supporting large scale multi-wheeled and/or multi-tracked vehicle maneuvers. The SUBMAT system provides a roadway for vehicles to traverse weak or soft soils, such as the littoral zone, while retaining stability with tide changes. According to various embodiments, the SUBMAT system is filled with granular material such as sand or gravel to create a stable driving surface for offloading vehicles and/or heavy equipment, such as military equipment, from vessels.

The present disclosure provides a sand dredging and delivery system. According to various embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for filling a geotextile sediment containment device, such as a SUBMAT. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the sand dredging and delivery system.

The system 100 includes a water pump 102 to pump clear water from a water source 106 through a water suction hose 104. The proximal end of water suction hose 104 is in place to intake water from the water source 106.

In embodiments, the water source is fresh water or salt water at the site where the system is being deployed, such as a river, pond, lake, swamp, sea, bay, or ocean at the site. While the water being pumped may be described herein as “clear water,” the water may contain some amount of particulate material, e.g., sediment, sand, gravel, rocks, dirt, mud, detritus, etc. In some embodiments, the water suction hose 104 includes a strainer 105 at the proximal end to help strain out larger particulate material from entering the water suction hose 104.

According to various embodiments, water pump 102 is gasoline or diesel fueled and is portable in size. Embodiments of water pump 102 are manually portable by one or two individuals and weigh in a range of about 80-200 lbs, or about 130-180 lbs. Embodiments of water pump 102 have dimensions in a range of about 20-30 in×16-24 in×18-26 in. Embodiments of water pump 102 generate power in a range of about 4-12 hp, about 4-8 hp, about 7-10 hp, or about 8-9 hp.

Embodiments of water pump 102 have a suction port diameter in a range of about 2-5 in, or about 2.5-4 in, or a diameter of about 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 in. Embodiments also have a discharge port diameter in a range of about 2-5 in, or about 3-4 in, or a diameter of about 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 in. Embodiments of water pump 102 have a maximum suction head lift (suction capacity) in a range of about 20-32 ft (water), about 24-28 ft, or about 25-26 ft. Embodiments of water pump 102 have a discharge capacity in a range of about 150-500 gallons/min, about 300-450 gallons/min, or about 320-420 gallons/min.

According to various embodiments, water pump 102 is Honda Model WT20X, Model WT30X, or Model WT40X, or Wacker Neuson Model PT2A or Model PT3A, or similar like model of gasoline or diesel fueled water pump. In various embodiments, water pump 102 includes a durable steel or other metal frame for protection and for ease of handling or transport.

In various embodiments, the clear water leaves water pump 102 through a water discharge hose 108 and enters a power jet log 110 (also referred to in the art as a suction log) at water inlet port 111. Embodiments of power jet log 110 have one or more water inlet port 111. In various embodiments, water discharge hose 108 is connected to power jet log 110 by a hose clamp fitting.

According to various embodiments, water suction hose 104 and water discharge hose 108 have a diameter matching that of the suction port diameter and discharge port diameter, respectively, of water pump 102. Thus, embodiments of water suction hose 104 and water discharge hose 108 have a diameter in a range of about 2-5 inches, or about 2.5-4 inches, or a diameter of about 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the diameter of water suction hose 104 and water discharge hose 108 have an equal or about equal diameter.

According to various embodiments, system 100 includes a slurry pump 112 to pump sand from a sand source 116. In embodiments, sand source 116 includes one or more of sand, gravel, small rocks, coral, shells, dirt and other indigenous fill material useful to fill a geotextile sediment containment device, located at the site where the system is deployed, such as a beach or littoral zone.

In various embodiments, system 100 includes a sand suction hose 114, and in some embodiments, a dredge nozzle 118 at the proximal end of suction hose 114 to help a user control the sand dredging and suctioning.

According to various embodiments, slurry pump 112 is gasoline or diesel fueled and is portable in size. Embodiments of slurry pump 112 are manually portable by one or two individuals and weigh in a range of about 75-150 lbs., or about 90-120 lbs. Embodiments of slurry pump 112 have dimensions in a range of about 20-30 in×16-24 in×18-26 in. Embodiments of slurry pump 112 generate power in a range of about 4-12 hp, about 4-8 hp, about 7-10 hp, or about 8-9 hp.

Embodiments of slurry pump 112 have a suction port diameter in a range of about 3-6 in, or a diameter of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5 in. Embodiments also have a discharge port diameter in a range of about 3-6 in, or a diameter of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5 in. Embodiments of slurry pump 112 have a maximum suction head lift (suction capacity) in a range of about 20-32 ft (water), about 24-28 ft, or about 25-26 ft. Embodiments of slurry pump 112 have a discharge capacity in a range of about 200-700 gallons/min, about 200-300 gallons/min, about 350-600 gallons/min, or about 400-500 gallons/min.

According to various embodiments, the slurry pump 112 is a centrifugal pump or a dewatering pump. In various embodiments, slurry pump 112 is Tsurumi Model TE2-100HA, Model TE3-80V, Model TE3-80HA, or similar like model of gasoline or diesel fueled slurry pump. In various embodiments, the slurry pump 112 includes a durable steel or other metal frame for protection and for ease of handling or transport.

According to various embodiments, slurry pump 112 and sand suction hose 114 remove sand and/or other indigenous fill materials such as gravel, small rocks, coral, shells, dirt, etc., from the sand source 116, and the term “sand” as used herein refers to both sand and such other indigenous fill materials. In various embodiments, the sand is pumped from the sand source 116 through sand suction hose 114 and into power jet log 110. In various embodiments, the sand converges with the clear water from water discharge hose 108 and water inlet port 111 inside power jet log 110. The convergence forms a mixture of sand and water referred to herein as a “sand slurry.” In various embodiments, sand suction hose 114 is connected to power jet log 110 by a hose clamp fitting.

According to various embodiments, the power jet log 110 effectively provides an uninterrupted water supply and extra vacuum to the sand dredging and delivery system. In various embodiments, power jet log 110 provides the equivalent of an extra 10-15 inches of effective vacuum to sand suction hose 114. In embodiments, power jet log 110 provides an additional source of water, i.e., clear water from water pump 102 and water inlet port 111, and therefore less water must come in from sand suction hose 114. In various embodiments, about 20 - 60 percent of the water flowing through system 100 during operation is provided by water pump 102 through power jet log 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a power jet log 110 according to an embodiment of the present system. Power jet log 110 includes a body 201, an inlet 202 from the sand suction hose 114, an inlet port 204 for the source of clear water from the water discharge hose 108, an inlet port flange 206 for connection to the water discharge hose 108, and an outlet port 208 to a medial portion of the sand suction hose 120.

According to various embodiments of power jet log 110, inlet 202, inlet port flange 206, and outlet port 208 have diameters that provide connection to their respective hoses. In embodiments, inlet port 202 has a diameter in a range of about 3-6 in, or a diameter of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5 in; inlet port flange 206 has a diameter in a range of about 2-5 in, about 2.5-4 in, or a diameter of about 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 inches; and outlet port 208 has a diameter in a range of about 3-6 in, or a diameter of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5 in. In various embodiments, inlet port 204 connects with body 201 at an inlet angle in a range of about 15°-45°, about 15°-30°, or about 30°-45°.

According to various embodiments, the mixture of sand and water, or the sand slurry, exits power jet log 110 and travels through a medial portion of the sand suction hose 120 to slurry pump 112. In various embodiments, medial portion of the sand suction hose 120 is connected to power jet log 110, and to slurry pump 112, each by a hose clamp fitting.

The sand slurry then exits slurry pump 112 and travels through a slurry discharge hose 122. In some embodiments slurry discharge hose 122 further comprises a filling wand 123 at the distal end. In various embodiments, sand suction hose 120 is connected to slurry pump 112 by a hose clamp fitting. In embodiments, filling wand 123 is connected to the distal end of slurry discharge hose 122 by a hose clamp fitting.

According to various embodiments, sand suction hose 114 and medial portion of the sand suction hose 120 have a diameter matching that of the suction port diameter of slurry pump 112. Thus, embodiments of sand suction hose 114 and medial portion of the sand suction hose 120 have a diameter in a range of about 3-6 in, or a diameter of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5 in.

In various embodiments, slurry discharge hose 122 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of sand suction hose 114. Thus, embodiments of slurry discharge hose 122 have a diameter in a range of about 2-5 in, or about 2.5-4 in, or a diameter of about 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 in. In an embodiment, sand suction hose 114 has a diameter of about 4 in and slurry discharge hose 122 has a diameter of about 3 in.

In various embodiments, sand suction hose 114 has a larger diameter than the diameter of water suction hose 104. In an embodiment, sand suction hose 114 has a diameter of about 4 in and water suction hose 104 has a diameter of about 3 in.

According to various embodiments, one or more of the various hoses, i.e., water suction hose 104, water discharge hose 108, sand suction hose 114, medial portion of the sand suction hose 120, and/or slurry discharge hose 122, have at least a portion that is flexible, which provides maneuverability and easy positioning of the hose at a desired location. In some embodiments, one or more of the various hoses, i.e., water suction hose 104, water discharge hose 108, sand suction hose 114, medial portion of the sand suction hose 120, and/or slurry discharge hose 122 have at least a portion that is rigid, and in some embodiments, are rigid along all or substantially all of their entirety.

In various embodiments, filling wand 123 is rigid. In various embodiments, filling wand 123 includes a handle or other mechanism to assist an individual with moving and maneuvering filling wand 123 to specific locations where the sand is to be discharged. Embodiments of filling wand are configured to fit into a filling port of a geotextile containment device 124, such as a SUBMAT unit.

According to various embodiments, one or more of the various hoses, i.e., water suction hose 104, water discharge hose 108, sand suction hose 114, medial portion of the sand suction hose 120, and/or slurry discharge hose 122, comprise ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. In various embodiments, one or more of the various hoses are EPDM fiber reinforced suction/discharge hoses, such as double-ply EPDM, polyester fabric reinforced with a polyethylene helix, or the like. In embodiments, one or more of the various hoses are TIGERFLEX suction and/or discharge hose (Kuriyama of America, Inc.), or the like. Embodiments of EPDM hose are lightweight, have a rigid helix design and convoluted outer cover, have flexibility, and handle the suction and discharge pressures provided by the system.

According to various embodiments, one or more of the various hoses, i.e., water suction hose 104, water discharge hose 108, sand suction hose 114, medial portion of the sand suction hose 120, and/or slurry discharge hose 122, comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In embodiments, one or more of the various hoses is a PVC suction hose, such as TIGERFLEX® suction hose (Kuriyama of America, Inc.). Embodiments of PVC hose have a rigid PVC helix, have flexibility, and handle the suction and discharge pressures provided by the system.

According to various embodiments of system 100, water suction hose 104 has a length spanning from it proximal end at water source 106 to water pump 102 in a range of about 20-500 ft, about 40-400 ft, about 50-250 ft, about 50-100 ft, or about 60-80 ft. In embodiments, the length of water suction hose is determined and/or limited by factors such as, for example, hose diameter, suction power of water pump 102, and elevation gain/loss between water source 106 and water pump 102.

According to various embodiments, sand suction hose 114 has a length spanning from its proximal end at sand source 116 to power jet log 110 in a range of about 5-400 ft, about 10-200 ft, about 20-100 ft, or about 20-40 ft. In various embodiments, medial portion of sand section hose 120 spanning from power jet log 110 to slurry pump 112 is in a range of about 2-40 ft, about 5-30 ft, about 8-20 ft, or about 8-12 ft. In embodiments, the length of sand suction hose 114 and medial portion of sand section hose 120 is determined and/or limited by factors such as, for example, hose diameter, suction power of slurry pump 112. elevation gain/loss between sand source 106 and slurry pump 112, type of indigenous fill material being pumped, and by suction forces generated in the system through use of jet power log 110.

According to various embodiments, slurry discharge hose 122 has a length spanning from slurry pump 112 to its distal end at the slurry discharge location in a range of about 20-500 ft, about 40-400 ft, about 50-250 ft, about 75-150 ft, or about 80-120 ft. In embodiments, the length of slurry discharge hose 122 is determined and/or limited by factors such as, for example, hose diameter, suction power generated in the system, and elevation gain/loss between slurry pump 112 and the slurry discharge location.

According to various embodiments, filling wand 123 comprises PVC or chlorinated PVC (CPVC) and has a length in a range of about 2-12 ft, about 5-10 ft, or about 8 ft.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a dredge nozzle 118, according to an embodiment of the present system. In embodiments, dredge nozzle 118 is provided at the proximal end of sand suction hose 114, where the sand is being suctioned from sand source 116. Dredge nozzle has an inlet port 302, an outlet port 304 that connects with suction hose 114, and a handle 306 that is either fixed or movable. Embodiments of dredge nozzle 118 assist an individual with moving and maneuvering sand suction hose 114 to various locations in sand source 116 where the sand is to be suctioned.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for dredging and delivering sand. According to various embodiments, the method is used for filling a geotextile sediment containment device, such as a SUBMAT unit.

According to various embodiments, a sand dredging and delivery system as disclosed herein is provided. Various embodiments of the method are disclosed with reference to FIG. 1.

In various embodiments, the proximal end of water suction hose 104 is positioned in place to intake clear water from water source 106, the proximal end of sand suction hose 114 is positioned in place to intake sand from sand source 116, and the distal end of discharge hose 122 is positioned at a location for discharging the sand. In various embodiments, the positioning of these elements occurs in any sequence or occur simultaneously or concurrently.

In various embodiments, power is provided to water pump 102 and to slurry pump 112. In embodiments, power is provided by starting the gasoline or diesel fuel powered motor that powers the pumps. When the system is in place, and water pump 102 and slurry pump 112 are powered, clear water is suctioned from water source 106 with intake of clear water through water suction hose 104, and sand is suctioned from sand source 116 with intake of sand through sand suction hose 114.

In various embodiments, the clear water and sand converge inside power jet log 110 and forms a sand slurry of a mixture of sand and water. The sand slurry is then discharged from power jet log 110, through medial portion of suction hose 120, and out through discharge hose 122.

In various embodiments of the method, sand suction hose 114 includes dredge nozzle 118 at the proximal end of suction hose 114 to help the user control the sand dredging and suctioning. In various embodiments, water suction hose 104 includes a strainer 105 at the proximal end to help strain out larger particulate material from entering water suction hose 104. In various embodiments, discharge hose 122 includes a filler wand 123 at the distal end to help move and maneuver discharge hose 122 to specific locations where the sand is to be discharged.

According to various embodiments, the method delivers sand through and out the discharge hose 122 at a rate in a range of about 1-10 cubic ft per min, about 2-7 cubic ft per min, about 3-5 cubic ft per minute, or about 3.5-4.6 cubic ft per min.

According to various embodiments, the present sand dredging and delivery system and/or method for dredging and delivering sand is used to fill a geotextile sediment containment device 124. In various embodiments, geotextile sediment containment device 124 is a SUBMAT unit. According to various embodiments, discharge hose 122 and/or filling wand 123 is configured to fit to a fill port of the geotextile sediment containment device 124.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a SUBMAT unit 400. Embodiments of the present sand dredging and delivery system and method are configured to fill SUBMAT unit 400. In this embodiment, SUBMAT unit 400 includes a rectangular textile mattress 401 having a top 403 and a bottom (not shown in this plan view). Mattress 401 includes six interior tube or tubular sections 402 extending in a longitudinal direction and is about 100 ft long and about 18 ft wide. In various embodiments, interior baffles 406 separate mattress 401 into interior tube sections 402 and separate each interior tube section 402 from one another. Each interior tube section 402 is about 3 ft wide, and when “inflated,” i.e. filled with fill material, is about 9-12 inches in height.

SUBMAT unit 400 also includes two outer scour tubular or tube sections 404. Each interior tube section 402 and scour tube section 404 has an interior filling space that is separably fillable with sand or other indigenous material. According to various embodiments, scour tubes 404 are taller (i.e., larger diameter), when filled, than interior tube sections 402. When filled, scour tubes 404 prevent scour under interior tube sections 402. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, scour tubes 404 are about 74 ft long and have a diameter of about 18 inches.

In various embodiments, interior tube sections 402 are tapered at each end 408. Tapered ends 408 facilitate overlapping of SUBMAT units 400 to create a roadway system. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, tapered ends 408 are about 13 ft long.

According to various embodiments, SUBMAT unit 400 has a plurality of openings which serve as fill points 410 spaced at intervals along each interior tube 402 and scour tube 404. Fill points 410 enable the addition of sand at different locations along the length of each of interior tubes 402 and scour tubes 404. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, fill points 410 are spaced at intervals of about 12 ft apart along each interior tube 402 and about 24 ft apart in each scour tube 404. According to various embodiments, fill point 410 is self-sealing, so when the filling apparatus is removed fill point 410 closes.

According to various embodiments, the present method is implemented to fill a geotextile sediment containment device, such as a SUBMAT unit. In various embodiments, the method is implemented at a littoral zone. In various embodiments, the method provides a plurality of sand dredging and delivery systems as disclosed herein to fill a plurality of geotextile sediment containment devices. In some embodiments, the method provides a plurality of sand dredging and delivery systems as disclosed herein, and two or more of the systems are utilized simultaneously to fill one geotextile sediment containment devices.

While inventive concepts have been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain embodiments, various changes and further modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.