University of Bologna developed an innovative automatic plant (TRL-8) for sediment management in water bodies. The core of the system is a submersible device, called “the ejectors”, able to suck and convey into a pipeline a sediment-water slurry working on Venturi nozzle principle with a near-zero environmental impact. The ejector has no moving part or electric wiring. Fixed in a certain position, it guarantees water depth over the time, since it continuously remove the sediment settling in the surrounding area. Ejectors operation (area of influence and energy consumption) is affected by sediment characteristics and discharge length. The system has been previously tested to guarantee navigability in harbours and waterways, but can be adapted to avoid sedimentation also in water storage systems.
The system can be manufactured and installed by Italian company or, if needed, a local partner (i.e. electromechanical company) can be found, supported by University of Bologna.
