Sapropel extraction

Sapropel is a unique natural substance well known to every Ukrainian farmer. Its value as a fertilizer can hardly be overestimated. Sapropel consists of centuries-old bottom deposits of rivers and lakes formed from decomposed remains of plants and fauna. That is why the material is so rich in phosphorus, sodium, potassium and other salts, microorganisms and substances. It goes without saying how much in demand sapropel extraction services are today.

Dredgers of Ukraine offers clients and partners in all cities of the country sapropel extraction from the bottom of water bodies using dredgers of various classes. Extensive experience, a well-coordinated team of highly qualified professionals, high quality standards and advanced equipment allow us to carry out projects of any complexity regardless of site conditions.

Sapropel extraction with dredgers in different configurations

Today sapropel is extracted using several methods at once. This valuable substance is recovered from under water by the following methods:

hydromechanical;
hydraulic;
excavator and grab;
auger and pneumatic auger;
suction and scraper-suction;
point vacuum.

It is worth noting that dredgers can be fitted with a fairly wide range of equipment for sapropel extraction. Therefore every customer will find a convenient and cost-effective solution for their specific goals and tasks. Grab or excavator methods can be considered budget options, while hydraulic and hydromechanical methods make it possible to obtain large volumes of raw material on an industrial scale. Let us look at them in more detail.

Sapropel extraction by hydraulic and hydromechanical methods

The hydraulic extraction method consists of eroding soil deposits with a powerful water jet while simultaneously sucking up the suspensions (slurry) rising from the bottom and then transporting them ashore through a floating discharge pipeline. This method offers high productivity but may require considerable costs. On the whole, this method of sapropel extraction is considered harmful to the ecology of water bodies, so it is generally used for extracting small volumes of raw material.

The hydromechanical method of sapropel extraction involves loosening the bottom soil with a mechanical cutter head. The loosened sapropel deposits are mixed with water and sucked to the surface by powerful pumps. Today this is the most widespread method throughout Ukraine. Its advantages include low environmental impact and high productivity. Sapropel extracted this way is suitable not only as an agricultural fertilizer but also as a useful feed additive in livestock farming.

Sapropel extraction by the grab method

This method involves lifting material from the bottom of a water body with a special grab mounted on a floating platform. The method is characterized by relatively low productivity and extraction rate, so it makes sense only for small agricultural enterprises. Its advantages include no need to prepare large areas for storing and processing the raw material.

Sapropel extraction by the excavator method

The excavator method is mechanically similar to the grab method, with one difference: floating excavators are used. This method is most often used for extracting sapropel from drained water bodies. Its application is limited by the capabilities of the equipment, so it is gradually giving way to other, more efficient technologies. Nevertheless, for extracting sapropel in small quantities the excavator method fully justifies itself.

Sapropel extraction by the auger method

The auger method involves extracting the substance from the bottom using special auger-type pumping equipment, some versions of which can also inject air into the extracted soil to thin it and simplify excavation. From a technological and financial point of view, auger extraction of sapropel can be called the most efficient solution. First of all, this method does not require expensive equipment, is highly economical and allows sapropel to be extracted at its natural moisture content, which eliminates the need for settling ponds and dewatering of the raw material.

The other methods of sapropel extraction are not particularly efficient or productive, their scope of application is extremely limited, and therefore they are very rarely used in practice.

It is also worth noting that in recent years major European manufacturers have brought to market high-performance, extremely reliable compact self-priming pumps capable of pumping fairly viscous substances. This technological breakthrough has made this extraction method highly efficient. The prospects and economic feasibility of such equipment can be considered outstanding, and for this very reason it will be the most sought-after on the market in the future.