Small Radio Controlled Dredge Nikolaus Sires ET-493 Spring 2015 Instructor: Dr. Cris Koutsougeras Advisor: Dr. Rana Mitra Concentration: Engineering Technology/Mechanical

Problem 1 The site of this senior project is a pond of approximately three acres. I desire to remove one foot of loose sediment from the bottom. This amount of sediment would be approximately 5,000 cubic yards. (A percentage of this will be water)

Problem 2 The site is surrounded by trees, and I desire to minimize the environmental impact to the location. Typical remote controlled dredging systems are large and cumbersome.

Solution I propose the construction of a small, partially radio controlled dredging system. Propulsion could be achieved through the use of a trolling motor/motors. Dredging could be done through the use of a small trash pump mounted to a floating platform, or an electric pump powered by a small generator.

Steering & Throttle servos

Displacement: When calculating how the dredge would sit in the water, several calculations were made. A total weight of 709 lbs. was calculated based on manufacturer specifications for each component Total Capacity of the barrels was used to find the percentage of the barrels submerged based on total weight of the dredge and the density of water at 70 degrees Fahrenheit Once the percentage was calculated, the surface area of one barrel’s end was used to determine the height of the circle segment above the water. This value was 6.44”

Trolling Motor: When selecting a suitable trolling motor for any watercraft, consideration must be given to hull type and total weight of the craft The intended design of this craft is a pontoon configuration The estimated total weight of this craft is 709 lbs. TrollingMotors.Net recommends at least 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of weight I have selected a Minn Kota Endura C2 with a thrust rating of 50 lbs.

Trolling Motor Selection:

Other considerations How to catch the sediment removed How much of one hour can be devoted to actual dredging, and not relocation of the dredge system

Preliminary numbers Typical small trash pump capable of moving up to 16,000 gallons per hours At 50% efficiency and 50% of the material being sediment and not water, this equates to 20 cubic yards per hour with dredge working the entire hour. It took about 8 hours for me to move 1 cubic yard of material (with the pond drained)

Deliverables Examine the pros/cons of a pump centered system vs. a generator based system Take sediment samples from various locations in the pond and determine average pond depth Make selection of system type based upon soil sample findings Draw design plans to allow ease of system access based on findings of average pond depth Complete cost analysis of dredging system costs Study methods to efficiently collect dredged pond sediment Begin purchasing materials and assembly of dredging system

Timeline System type study 3/05/2015 - 3/19/2015 Take sediment samples 3/16/2015 - 3/23/2015 Choose system type 3/24/2015 - 3/26/2015 Design plans 3/21/2015 - 4/04/2015 Cost analysis 3/21/2015 - 4/04/2015 Collection methods 4/04/2015 - 4/11/2015 Component Research/Purchases 5/11/2015 - 7/04/2015 Begin assembly/Testing 5/18/2015 - 8/25/2015

Sediment Sample Collection

Two samples were taken from four locations. (North, South, East, and West sections of pond)

The samples were allowed to settle for a few weeks. It was found that all areas, other than the West side, were primarily sediment (approximately 85%).

Parts List/Cost Analysis: 4 – 30 gallon drums / $256.00 2 – High Torque Servos / $200.00 2 – 12v Batteries / $150.00 1 – 2” Trash Pump / $300.00 2 – Electric Winches / $150.00 66’ – 2 ½” x 2 ½” x 3/16” Steel Angle / $300.00 1 – Trolling Motor (50 lbs. thrust) / $150.00 1 – Radio Control System / $300.00 Miscellaneous Parts / $200.00 TOTAL COST = $1,956.00 + applicable sales taxes