Regular maintenance of dams and reservoirs is critical to ensuring their long-term functionality and water storage capacity. Over time silt accumulates in reservoirs, significantly reducing their capacity and posing both operational inefficiencies and environmental risks. Ruaan Venter, Business Development Manager at IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) spoke to Construction World emphasising the importance of addressing this issue.
“If silt is allowed to build up unchecked, it can lead to serious consequences, from reducing water storage during droughts to causing structural damage to the dam itself. That’s why regular desilting is so important,” he explains.
IPR, part of Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division within the Power Technique Business Area, provides an effective solution to this problem with its locally manufactured SlurrySucker Dredging System. This innovative technology efficiently desilts dams and reservoirs, ensuring they maintain their full capacity.
“The SlurrySucker allows us to remove silt quickly and without causing disruption to the dam’s infrastructure,” says Venter. “It is engineered to be adaptable, making it suitable for different types of projects, whether for quarrying operations or large municipal reservoirs.”
Silt accumulation isn’t just an operational concern; it poses environmental risks as well particularly in the quarrying sector where contaminants are often present in the silt. If not properly managed, these contaminants can seep into surrounding groundwater or travel downstream, causing widespread harm. Importantly, according to Venter, the IPR SlurrySucker system is designed to remove sediment without damaging dam liners or disturbing the environment. This helps mitigate the risks of contamination in a responsible and sustainable way.”
Maintaining the structural integrity of dams is another critical aspect of regular desilting. Over time, the weight and pressure from silt buildup can compromise the structure, leading to cracks, leaks or even failure. “Desilting relieves that added stress on the dam’s infrastructure,” Venter points out. “By using the SlurrySucker, we ensure that the dam can function properly without additional pressure from sediment buildup.”
The impact of silt on water storage capacity is particularly concerning during drought conditions. As silt accumulates, it takes up valuable space in the reservoir that could otherwise be used for storing water. In regions prone to drought, maintaining maximum water storage capacity is essential. Regular desilting restores reservoirs to their full capacity, ensuring that water resources are available when needed most.
One of the key advantages of the SlurrySucker is its efficiency compared to traditional desilting methods, which often require stopping downstream operations or using non-customisable equipment. “The SlurrySucker is tailored to each project’s needs,” Venter says. “This makes it particularly effective, especially in challenging environments where specific conditions and flow requirements must be met.”
The frequency of desilting depends on the rate of silt accumulation, but regular assessments are vital for ensuring the dam remains in optimal condition.
Desilting large dams presents several challenges including the time required to complete the process and the logistical complexities involved in moving equipment. However, IPR’s experience in handling these challenges ensures smooth operations.
“We engineered the SlurrySucker to overcome these obstacles,” he says. “Its compact yet powerful design allows for easy transportation and deployment, and when necessary, we can scale up the equipment to speed up the desilting process.”
Significantly, the SlurrySucker is mobile and can be deployed without interrupting ongoing operations. In some cases, it can even be installed as a permanent solution, continually managing silt buildup much like a pool cleaner
In addition to its operational efficiency, the SlurrySucker is designed to be environmentally sustainable. By preventing damage to dam liners and avoiding disruptions to downstream processes, it ensures that desilting operations are conducted with minimal environmental impact.
“The cost of regular desilting is significantly lower than the potential costs of neglect, such as dam failure or reduced water supply, and neglecting desilting can lead to expensive repairs or water shortages, both of which can have serious financial implications,” warns Venter. “By investing in regular maintenance, operators can avoid these costly disruptions and maintain continuity in their operations.”
For water management authorities and operators, planning long-term maintenance strategies is crucial. Incorporating regular desilting into these plans is essential for ensuring the longevity and functionality of dams and reservoirs.
“At IPR, we are always ready to provide consultations and support to help authorities execute these critical tasks effectively,” Venter concludes.
