DOER Tools
Basic Dredge Laws

Law I

Production varies as flow times average percent solids.

Law II

Average percent solids equals maximum percent solids times dredge efficiency.

Law III

Maximum percent solids varies with: (a) velocity in the suction line; (b) the type of solids being dredged; and (c) inversely as the square root of the diameter of the suction pipe.

Law IV

The maximum output of a dredge varies as the area of the suction pipe.

Law V

The optimum suction line velocity varies with the digging depth.

Law VI

Line length varies as pump horsepower.

Law VII

Production is limited by: (a) suction conditions (barometric head); (b) pump hp (discharge head requirement); and (c) slurry velocity (transport capability).

Additional Information: Dr. Jack E. Davis

Reference: Thomas M. Turner, Fundamentals of Hydraulic Dredging, 1984.

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Webdate October 24, 2001