The San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District (SCIDD) in Coolidge, Arizona, recently purchased an electric powered Barracuda Class dredge from DSC Dredge, LLC to remove sediment from the bottom of the Florence-Casa Grande Canal settling basin.
This hydraulic dredge was chosen not only because SCIDD felt it offered the best value for the money, but also because DSC Dredge offers the knowledge base, training, and after-sale support they desired.
The Gila River is a very important source of irrigation water for the area and for the Gila River Indian Community, but it carries quite a bit of sediment, which can cause blockage and separation. To address the sediment problem, the river water is redirected through the 1,800-foot long, 100-foot-wide Florence-Casa Grande Canal where the sediment is trapped in a 15-foot-deep settling basin and removed by the dredge. The sediment-free water then spills over the end of the basin and is channeled back into the river.
“ The Barracuda Class electric dredge is a crucial piece of the San Carlos Irrigation Project and is far better for the local environment than diesel power, ” stated Charlie Johnson, Director of Sales at DSC Dredge . The irrigation project includes delivery canals that carry irrigation water from the Gila River and central Arizona to agricultural lands in the SCIDD and Gila River Indian Community. Removing the sediment from the settling basins is critical to the program’s success.
Standard features include a 12-inch suction tube, a user-friendly control panel with a PLC-based operating system, a power-up/down spud system with API-rated winch drums for proper cable storage, and a rear-kicking spud for dredge positioning and advancement. Optional spud traveling carriages or two stern-kicker spuds are available upon request. In addition, the Barracuda Class dredge is highly transportable and offers the option of two front-swing winches. The dredge easily converts from a swinging ladder design featuring side-to-side ladder movement to a conventional dredge, without losing any of its portability. It is available in either diesel or electric power and offers discharge sizes ranging from 10 to 18 inches (250 mm to 450 mm).
DSC Dredge will customize each model to fit its customers’ exact applications and requirements. Customizations include larger or smaller dredge sizes, extended digging depths, production instrumentation, and GPS dredging systems. Intensive and professional onsite commissioning and operational training are provided by the company, as well as automation skills, experienced service capabilities, and parts availability.
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Press Release, May 28, 2013