Terra has developed particular expertise in the area of sediment removal and remediation on major river projects. Specific solutions include:
Terra’s patented Sed-Vac® (U.S. Patent No. 7,526,884) technology is a unique system for removing sediment and oil from water utilizing industrial cleaning technology; most notably, industrial vacuum loaders capable of pulling 5,300 cubic feet per minute at up to 28 inches of vacuum. The benefits in using Terra’s Sed-Vac® process include:
The use of an industrial vacuum loader allows sediment to be pulled from the affected area with little or no re-suspension of contaminated sediments. Similar to asbestos abatement whereas operations are conducted under negative air, the vacuum removal process pulls surrounding materials, sediment and water toward the vacuum pipe without creating a turbid environment. Soft sediments are easily removed, and as harder substances are encountered, the use of high pressure water blasting technology is incorporated into the process. High pressure water, up to 20,000 PSI, is conveyed to the suction end of the vacuum pipe through flexible hose. The suction pipe is outfitted with high pressure nozzles that are angled towards the removal area. Hardened sediments are broken loose with the high pressure water and immediately vacuumed from the affected area. A critical component of the process includes the use of vacuum boxes within the vacuum pipeline. As the sediments are pulled into the vacuum boxes, the heavier solids drop out. With the sediments and water being vacuumed at a speed of 60 miles per hour, the sediments in the vacuum boxes de-water by the hydraulic force being placed on them. Suspended solids and water are simultaneously pumped from the industrial vacuum loader while sediment removal operations continue. Materials can then be pumped to an on-site treatment system, geo-tubes or hauled off in tankers. The Sed-Vac® technology is a patented process only offered by Terra. It’s an effective tool used to complement our other services for the remediation of contaminated sediment sites.