Zero environmental impact plant for seabed maintenance

The paper shows designing, prototyping and testing carried out since 2002 on an innovative plant for seabed maintenance, characterized by zero environmental impact and planned especially for harbour areas. The core of the technology is made up by a jetpump device called "ejector". The ejector has been sized through both laboratory experiments and fluid-dynamic simulations. In 2005 the first full-scale experimental plant was designed and carried out in the port of Riccione (Italy). The results of the experimental campaigns demonstrated the functionality of the system itself, the cost-effectiveness and low environmental impact if compared to the use of the dredge. Finally, in 2011 the first industrial plant has been realized in the Portoverde Marina (Italy). This plant is characterized by better performances in automation and control higher than the first experimental plant. By these features it is possible to increase plant reliability and ensure a further reduction of the management costs.