Idreco, (International Dredger Constructions), from the Netherlands, has designed, built and installed its second dredger, an ISD 600 with a digging depth of 30 m, at the Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The dam is operated by Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL). The dredger has a mixture production and solids production of approximately of 5,000m3/hr and 1,500m3/hr using an Idreco designed IDP 600 pump.
The Inga dam is the largest hydro-dam in Africa and generates approximately 1,775 megawatts of electricity.
Like many hydro and water reservoir dams in the world that are over 30 years old, sedimentation build up has reduced the electrical generation capacity of the hydro-dams by reducing water flow through the turbines.
In reservoirs, sedimentation build up has reduced the water capacity of the dams, which affects supply for drinking water, irrigation, fish population, as well as increasing the potential of toxic algae blooms.
By removing the sediment deposit with this high volume dredging technology, SNEL, after 2-3 years, will resolve their reduced electrical generation problem and depending on the dredging production hours the remainder of the dam area can be cleaned together with the existing Idreco dredger type ISD 550, with a 20 meter digging depth.
“ By using the electricity of the hydro-dam, the energy costs stay very low, are very effective and environmentally friendly ,” said Wim Snippe, Managing Director of Idreco.
IDRECO’s deep digging dredges provide solutions for the removal of sediment, so the hydro-dams and reservoirs productive life can be extended for an additional 30 years or more.
“ We are not just delivering ‘modern dredging solutions’ for dredging in mining and hydro-dam areas ,” said Snippe. “ We are working as partners with our customers, to maximize production at the lowest cost per m3 in the most efficient way.”
ISD-600 Specs
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