8-Inch Subdredge – Remote Operated Submersible Dredge (ROV)
U.S. Army Corps MRSD Review and Military Applications
The MRSD plays a critical role in Logistics Over-the-Shore (LOTS) operations, where rapid and precise dredging is essential to maintain navigable channels for military transport. Its compact, remote-operated design allows for deployment in confined or hazardous areas, enabling safe and efficient sediment removal without exposing personnel to dangerous environments.
Key Features
- Safety-First Operation – Remote operated, ideal for hazardous or restricted-access areas.
- High Solids Handling – Pump up to 40–70% solids by volume.
- Versatile Head Options – Available with cutterhead or non-clog head configurations.
- Precision Dredging – Ideal for liner-safe dredging on clay, poly, or concrete surfaces.
- Rubber Tracks – Prevents liner damage and reduces ground pressure (4.2 PSI).
- Remote Capability – Operates up to 1,000 ft from operator with optional internet control for global operation.
- Multiple Power Options – Hydraulic or electric power configurations available.
8-Inch Subdredge – Remote Operated Submersible Dredge in
real world applications
Technical Specifications
Performance Specifications
- Flow Capacity: 800 – 4,000 GPM
- Head Range: Up to 200 ft
- Material Throughput: 250–300 cubic yards per hour
- Solids Handling: Up to 7-inch solids
- Percent Solids: 40–70% by volume
- Maximum Speed: 1,800 RPM
Physical Specifications
- Discharge Size: 8 inches
- Suction Size: 10 inches
- Ground Pressure: 4.2 PSI
- Depth Capability: Up to 40 ft (via GPS buoy tension system)
Included Sensors
- Pressure hull water intrusion sensor with topside audible and visual alarm
- Depth, hydraulic press, tank line press, and swing angle sensor
- Vessel orientation sensor with magnetic heading (pitch, roll, heading, temp)
- Two low-light camera views and dual LED lighting
- Floating buoy for GPS positioning with constant tension (allows up to 40 ft depth)
Controls
- Handheld wireless controller with a live redundant controller and a ruggedized laptop
- Application-specific software for easy operation
- Pneumatic lift bags for emergency retrieval
Required Equipment
- Pump Circuit: 130–150 GPM @ 5,000 PSI (500cc motor) from excavator auxiliary power or HPU.
- Cutterhead Circuit: 12–20 GPM @ 5,000 PSI from excavator auxiliary power or HPU.
Recommended Accessories
- Acoustic imaging display for high turbidity water
- Additional LED lighting and cameras
- Magnetometer-type flow meter for production monitoring
- RTK GPS with USBL acoustic positioning
- Rotating cutterhead for compacted materials
Pump Curve
The pump curve for the 8-Inch Subdredge illustrates stable, high-efficiency performance across demanding dredging conditions, delivering flow rates from 800 to 4,000 GPM at heads up to 200 feet. It maintains consistent output with high solids concentrations, allowing operators to match production precisely to material density, discharge distance, and elevation requirements for optimized dredging efficiency.
Technical Drawings & Resources
Operating Levels
| MIN FLOW | 800 GPM |
| MAX FLOW | 4000 GPM |
| HEAD RANGE | Up to 200 ft |
| DISCHARGE SIZE | 8 inch |
| SUCTION SIZE | 10 inch |
| SOLIDS HANDLING | Solids up to 7 inches |
| MAX SPEED | 1800 RPM |
| PERCENT SOLIDS | Up to 40-70% Solids |
| CU YD MATERIAL HR | 250-300 |
| GROUND PRESSURE | 4.2 PSI |
Subdredge Model Comparison
| Specification | 8-Inch Subdredge | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min Flow (GPM) | 250 | 450 | 800 | 1600 | 2600 |
| Max Flow (GPM) | 1200 | 2500 | 4000 | 5000 | 7300 |
| Max Head (ft) | 160 | 200 | 200 | 240 | 180 |
| Discharge Size | 4 in | 6 in | 8 in | 10 in | 12 in |
| Suction Size | 6 in | 8 in | 10 in | 12 in | 14 in |
| Max Solids Handling | 3 in | 5 in | 7 in | 9 in | 11 in |
| Max Speed (RPM) | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | 1200 | 900 |
| Solids by Volume | 40–70% | 40–70% | 40–70% | 40–70% | 40–70% |
| Production Rate (yd³/hr) | 75–150 | 150–200 | 250–300 | 300–350 | 500–600 |
| Max Horsepower (HP) | 125 | 250 | 500 | 500 | 1000 |
| Pump Circuit Requirements | 32–35 GPM @ 5000 PSI (80cc) | 75 GPM @ 4000 PSI (180cc) | 130–150 GPM @ 5000 PSI (500cc) | 120–160 GPM @ 5000 PSI (500cc) | 160–200 GPM @ 5000 PSI (750cc) |
| Cutterhead Circuit Requirements | 12–15 GPM @ 5000 PSI | 12–20 GPM @ 5000 PSI | 12–20 GPM @ 5000 PSI | 12–20 GPM @ 5000 PSI | 12–20 GPM @ 5000 PSI |
Industries Served
Mining
Marine Construction
Oil & Gas
Environmental Remediation
Municipal & Industrial
Case Study
Mine Tailings Pond Dredging – Remote Mining Location
Challenge
A mining operation faced severe accumulation of dense tailings in a lined containment pond. The site’s depth, abrasive material, and fragile liner ruled out conventional dredging methods. Safety regulations also prohibited direct diver involvement due to hazardous material content.
Solution
The 8-Inch subdredge ROV was deployed with a rotating cutterhead and hydraulic power unit. Operating entirely via remote control, the unit navigated on rubber tracks to avoid liner damage. Integrated cameras and GPS buoy positioning ensured precision in material removal despite zero underwater visibility.
Results
- Removed over 250 cubic yards per hour of high-density slurry.
- Maintained liner integrity throughout the project.
- Eliminated human exposure to hazardous materials.
- Completed the operation ahead of schedule with minimal downtime.
Call for sales or support
If you need assistance with pump selection, sales or engineering support, call 619-404-1916.
Gold Mining Sub Dredge Featured on Bering Sea Gold, Discovery Channel
The Subdredge gained international attention when it was showcased on the Discovery Channel’s hit show Bering Sea Gold in Nome, Alaska. Referred to on the show as the Golden Sea Horse Dredge, it demonstrated unmatched capabilities, operating under 5 feet of ice at depths over 125 feet, far beyond the limits of diver-operated systems.
Equipped with cameras, lights, and acoustical positioning, the Subdredge allowed operators to control dredging from the surface with precision and safely. Its unique pump design handled dense, gold-rich slurries efficiently, proving to be a game-changer for subsea gold mining.
After four weeks of continuous operation, the Subdredge not only impressed mining crews but also captivated millions of viewers, cementing its place as the future of underwater gold mining.
We are one of the few companies who manufactures both our pumps and dredging equipment to ensure optimal support.
FAQs
What is the 8-Inch Subdredge designed for?
The remote-operated submersible dredge is engineered for high-solids, precision dredging in environments where traditional dredging methods are unsafe or impractical. It’s ideal for deepwater projects, lined ponds, hazardous locations, and dredging under structures or vessels. Its remote-operated design removes the need for onboard operators, ensuring maximum safety and control.
How much material can it move per hour?
The 8-inch remote-operated submersible dredge can achieve production rates of 250–300 cubic yards per hour, depending on material density and operating conditions. With a flow rate of up to 4000 GPM and solids handling of up to 7 inches, it’s built for heavy-duty material transport.
What types of material can it handle?
The ROV dredge 8-inch is designed to pump sludge, slurry, sand mixtures, and mine tailings, as well as other abrasive, high-solids content materials. The dredge can process material with 40–70% solids by volume without clogging, even in dense and abrasive environments.
Can it be used for liner-safe dredging?
Yes. The submersible dredge pump 8 inch is equipped with rubber tracks and low ground pressure (4.2 PSI) to prevent damage to liners made of clay, poly, or concrete. This makes it a preferred choice for tailings ponds, industrial lagoons, and lined containment areas.
How is it powered?
The 8-inch subdredge can be powered hydraulically or electrically, depending on project requirements. Hydraulic operation is common for remote, high-power applications, while electric versions are ideal for sites with environmental restrictions or onshore power availability.
What are the depth and remote operation capabilities?
The 8-Inch Subdredge can operate at depths of up to 40 feet using its GPS buoy tension system. With a standard umbilical length, it can be operated up to 1,000 feet from the operator’s station. With internet connectivity, it can even be monitored and controlled from anywhere in the world.
What kind of visibility and positioning systems are available?
The 8-inch remote-operated submersible dredge comes standard with two low-light cameras, dual LED lighting, and a floating GPS buoy for constant position tracking. Optional acoustic imaging systems, RTK GPS, and USBL positioning can be added for high-precision dredging in low-visibility or high-turbidity conditions.
What is the maximum solids size it can handle?
The ROV dredge 8-inch can pass solids up to 7 inches in diameter without clogging, making it highly effective for dredging projects involving rocks, debris, or other large particulate matter.
Is special training required to operate the Subdredge?
While the remote-operated submersible dredge features application-specific software for ease of use, operator training is recommended to maximize efficiency and safety. EDDY Pump provides training during commissioning and can offer remote operational support as needed.
What industries commonly use the 8-inch remote-operated submersible dredge?
It’s widely used in mining for tailings removal, marine construction for harbor and dock clearance, oil & gas for offshore sediment removal, environmental remediation for contaminated sediment cleanup, and municipal/industrial operations for sludge and grit removal from treatment facilities.
HD (Heavy Duty) Slurry Pumps / Dredge Equipment
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