The maintenance of mountain water basins is a crucial activity to prevent silting and ensure the proper reservoir capacity of dams. In Val di Vizze, in the heart of Trentino Alto Adige, Aquageo supported a significant dredging operation at the dam on the Vizze river, which forms the Lago di Novale. The intervention focused on the removal of debris accumulated over time, using high-performance hydraulic technologies.
The challenge: removing 35,000 m³ of sediments in confined spaces
The Vizze river dam, dating back to 1927, is subject to a constant influx of natural debris carried by the watercourse. This phenomenon has caused progressive sedimentation at the base of the structure, reducing the basin's capacity.
The client's main needs were:
-
remove approximately 35,000 cubic meters of deposited material;
-
operate in an environment characterized by limited dimensions and shallow depth;
-
identify a simple, effective dredging system capable of transferring the material over a distance.
The Aquageo solution: HY85/160 HC hydraulic pump on mechanical arm
Given the configuration of the dam and Lago di Novale, Aquageo proposed the use of the HY85/160 HC hydraulic pump, a versatile and powerful solution for handling abrasive and solid-laden mixtures.
To optimize the intervention, the pump was installed with a specific configuration:
-
mounted on a mechanical arm: the pump was attached to an arm positioned directly on the dam structure. This choice allowed precise movement of the pump across the entire affected surface, reaching the points of greatest accumulation.
-
remote discharge system: the removed material was conveyed through a discharge pipe to a deposit tank located 400 meters away, avoiding mechanical movement of debris by land vehicles.
Operational efficiency and basin control
The use of the HY85/160 HC pump transformed a complex operation into a smooth and controlled process. The pump's ability to handle high concentrations of solids ensured constant sediment removal, restoring the necessary reservoir volumes for the safety and functionality of the dam.
Benefits for the client
The dredging intervention coordinated by Aquageo ensured:
-
effectiveness in debris removal: systematic removal of the 35,000 m³ of material accumulated at the base of the dam.
-
logistical optimization: the positioning of the pump on a mechanical arm solved space issues, while the hydraulic transport of material eliminated the need for heavy rubber-tire transport.
-
simplified maintenance: the use of a robust hydraulic pump reduced intervention times and ensured constant operation.
-
restoration of basin capacity: improved water management of Lago di Novale and protection of the dam structure.
