Autonomous Dredge – Remote Operated
The EDDY Pump Autonomous Dredge is a remote-operated, unmanned dredging system engineered for high solids pumping in demanding environments. Powered by 4 to 12-inch EDDY Pumps, the system delivers flow rates up to 7300 GPM and head reaching 240 ft while handling up to 70% solids with minimal clogging. Designed with a compact footprint and cable-driven positioning, it dredges depths up to 100 ft without an onboard crew. Integrated controls regulate winch movement, pump depth, and RPM, enabling precise, repeatable dredging across large areas with reduced downtime and consistent production.
Advantages of EDDY Pump’s Autonomous Dredges
- Handles high solids slurries up to 70% by weight without clogging, reducing downtime in abrasive applications.
- Remote and autonomous operation eliminates the need for onboard crew, improving safety in hazardous or confined environments.
- Precise dredging control using cable positioning and integrated controls for repeatable, accurate material removal.
- Wide performance range with multiple pump sizes (4-inch to 12-inch) to match varying flow and production requirements.
- High production rates with continuous operation capability for large-scale dredging projects.
- Ability to pump large solids with an open-tolerance design, minimizing blockages and maintenance interruptions.
- Flexible power options, including electric and diesel configurations to suit site conditions.
- Compact floating platform design allows deployment in shallow, narrow, or restricted access areas.
- Reduced mobilization and setup time compared to traditional dredging systems.
- Compatible with advanced monitoring systems like GPS and flow meters for real-time performance tracking.
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Autonomous Dredge – Remote Operated
Technical Specifications
Performance Specifications
- Min Flow: 250 – 2600 GPM
- Max Flow: 1200 – 7300 GPM
- Head Range: 160 ft – 240 ft
- Solids Handling: Up to 11 inches
- Percent Solids by Weight: Up to 70%
- Production Rate: 75 – 600 yd³/hr
- Motor Speed: 900 – 1800 RPM
Physical Specifications
- Discharge Size: 4 to 12 inches
- Suction Size: 6 – 14 inches
Included Equipment
- 4 – 12 inches High Chrome EDDY Pump | 125 – 700 hp electric motor or diesel engine
- 75 – 100 hp HPU (Hydraulic Power Unit)
- Floating Dredge
- Cutterhead or Auger
- Shore-Mounted Pilot House with Controls
Required Equipment to Operate
- 4 – 12 inches DAE slurry hose and floats
- External generator or site power supply required for electric-drive configurations
Optional Equipment to Enhance the Operation of the Dredge
- Wireless Doppler Flow Meter
- RTK/GPS System for Precision Real-Time Dredging
*The specifications mentioned above show the range. Specifications vary model to model. See the comparison table below.
Self-Priming Pump Comparison Table
| Specification | AD-4000 (4") | AD-6000 (6") | AD-8000 (8") | AD-10000 (10") | AD-12000 (12") |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump Size | 4 inch | 6 inch | 8 inch | 10 inch | 12 inch |
| Motor Power | 125 HP | 250 HP | 500 HP | 500 HP | 700 HP |
| HPU Power | 75 HP | 75 HP | 75 HP | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Min Flow | 250 GPM | 450 GPM | 1400 GPM | 1600 GPM | 2600 GPM |
| Max Flow | 1200 GPM | 2500 GPM | 3600 GPM | 5000 GPM | 7300 GPM |
| Head Range | Up to 160 ft | Up to 200 ft | Up to 230 ft | Up to 240 ft | Up to 180 ft |
| Discharge Size | 4 inch | 6 inch | 8 inch | 10 inch | 12 inch |
| Suction Size | 6 inch | 8 inch | 10 inch | 12 inch | 14 inch |
| Solids Handling | Up to 3 inches | Up to 5 inches | Up to 7 inches | Up to 9 inches | Up to 11 inches |
| Max Speed | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM | 1200 RPM | 1200 RPM | 900 RPM |
| Percent Solids | Up to 70% | Up to 70% | Up to 70% | Up to 70% | Up to 70% |
| Production Rate | 75–150 yd³/hr | 150–200 yd³/hr | 250–300 yd³/hr | 300–350 yd³/hr | 500–600 yd³/hr |
Applications Across Industries
Mining (Mineral Recovery)
Autonomous dredges are used to recover tailings, fines, and valuable minerals from settling ponds and slurry pits. The ability to handle high-density slurries and large solids allows continuous material extraction without clogging, improving recovery rates while reducing manual intervention in hazardous mining environments.
Lagoon and Pond Dredging
In industrial and municipal lagoons, these systems remove accumulated sludge, sediment, and organic material. Remote operation allows consistent dredging across large areas while maintaining controlled depths, helping restore capacity and improve treatment efficiency without draining the lagoon.
Sand and Aggregate Extraction
Autonomous dredges support the excavation and transfer of sand, gravel, and aggregate from underwater deposits. High flow rates and solids handling capabilities enable efficient material transport over long distances, reducing reliance on mechanical excavation methods.
Industrial Sludge and Waste Removal
Facilities handling heavy sludge, fly ash, or industrial byproducts use autonomous dredges to remove settled material from basins and containment areas. The system minimizes operator exposure while maintaining continuous removal of abrasive and viscous materials.
Power Generation (Ash Pond Management)
In coal and thermal power plants, autonomous dredges manage fly ash and bottom ash ponds. They maintain pond capacity, support ash recycling, and ensure consistent slurry transfer, even in high-abrasion and high-solids conditions.
Environmental Remediation
For contaminated sediment removal, these dredges enable controlled excavation of pollutants from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Precision control helps minimize turbidity and environmental disturbance while safely handling hazardous materials.
Dams and Reservoir Maintenance
Sediment buildup in dams and reservoirs reduces storage capacity and affects water flow. Autonomous dredges provide a reliable solution for sediment removal at varying depths, helping maintain operational efficiency without interrupting water management systems.
Shallow Water and Confined Area Dredging
The compact floating design allows deployment in shallow channels, narrow waterways, and restricted access sites. This makes the system ideal for projects where traditional dredging equipment cannot operate efficiently due to space or depth limitations.
Continuous Lagoon Cleanout in a Food Processing Facility
Case Study
The Problem
A large food processing plant operated a 10-acre wastewater lagoon that had accumulated high volumes of organic sludge over time. Solids concentrations reached 50–60%, forming dense, sticky deposits that reduced effective treatment capacity by nearly 25%. Traditional cleanout required draining the lagoon, stopping inflow, and mobilizing excavation equipment, leading to 2–3 weeks of operational downtime and significant production losses. Odor complaints from nearby areas were also increasing due to sludge buildup and poor circulation.
The Solution
The facility deployed an EDDY Pump Autonomous Dredge (AD-4000) to remove sludge while keeping the lagoon fully operational. The system was set up with a shore-mounted control station and operated remotely to dredge targeted zones in a programmed sequence. Running at flow rates between 800 and 1,100 GPM, the dredge continuously pumped high-viscosity organic sludge without clogging. The floating platform allowed access to shallow and soft-bottom areas that were previously unreachable. Discharge lines transferred the slurry directly to dewatering equipment for further processing.
The Result
Over 8,500 cubic yards of organic sludge were removed in 12 days without interrupting plant operations. Lagoon treatment efficiency improved by 22%, restoring proper retention time and flow balance. Odor levels dropped by 40% within the first month due to improved circulation and reduced sludge accumulation. The facility avoided an estimated 18 days of downtime, resulting in cost savings exceeding $150,000 in lost production and cleanup expenses.
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If you need assistance with pump selection, sales or engineering support, call 619-404-1916.
Questions? Talk to an Engineer
Frequently Asked Questions
What size autonomous dredge system is right for my project?
Selection depends on required flow rate, total dynamic head, solids size, and production targets. Smaller systems like 4–6 inch units suit lagoon and light industrial work, while 8–12 inch systems are used for high-volume dredging, mining, and large sediment removal projects.
How much solids can the system handle?
EDDY Pump autonomous dredges are designed to handle up to 70% solids by weight. The open-tolerance pump design allows passage of large solids ranging from 3 inches up to 11 inches, depending on the model.
Can the dredge operate without stopping plant operations?
Yes. These systems are designed for continuous operation in active environments such as lagoons, ash ponds, and industrial basins. Remote operation allows dredging without draining or shutting down the system.
What is the maximum dredging depth?
Typical operating depths can reach up to 100 feet, depending on the configuration, cable setup, and pump capacity. Depth capability also depends on site conditions and slurry characteristics.
How is the dredge controlled and positioned?
The system uses a shore-mounted control station with cable-driven positioning. Optional GPS or RTK systems can be integrated for precise, repeatable dredging paths and automated coverage.
What power options are available?
Autonomous dredges can be configured with electric motors or diesel engines. Electric setups require an external power source or generator, while diesel systems are suitable for remote or off-grid locations.
How does this compare to traditional cutter suction dredges?
Autonomous dredges offer lower manpower requirements, reduced mobilization, and safer operation in hazardous areas. They are more compact and easier to deploy, especially in confined or shallow environments.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Maintenance is focused on wear components such as pump internals, seals, and hoses. The non-clog design reduces blockages, but regular inspection is required in high-abrasion applications to maintain performance.
Can the system handle abrasive or corrosive materials?
Yes. High chrome components and material options allow the system to operate in abrasive slurries such as sand, ash, and tailings. Material selection can be adjusted based on chemical compatibility requirements.
What additional equipment is needed for operation?
Typical requirements include slurry hoses, floats, a power source for electric configurations, and discharge infrastructure. Optional equipment like flow meters, GPS systems, and pressure gauges can enhance monitoring and control.
HD (Heavy Duty) Slurry Pumps / Dredge Equipment
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