Sustainable siphon installation for sand extraction project on the Waal

Sand extraction with siphon technique

For a sand extraction project, Van Heck realized a sustainable siphon installation that almost energy-neutrally returns water to the sand extraction pit.

During the project, a small dredger transports a mixture of sand and water to a nearby pool within the summer dike of the Waal. This gradually raises the water level in the pool.

4,000 m³ of water per hour by means of gravity

Due to the height difference created between the pool and the river, we can use the siphon principle. This returns approximately 4,000 m³ of water per hour to the lake where the dredger is located. If the dredger stops pumping water and sand, the siphon also stops siphoning. When the dredging starts again, the siphon starts running on its own again. All this with an energy consumption that is lower than that of a household vacuum cleaner.

The result is an extremely efficient and sustainable solution where natural forces are maximally utilized and energy consumption is kept to a minimum.

Project manager Eric:
"It is a smart, efficient, and sustainable solution that uses natural forces to keep energy consumption minimal."

With projects like these, Van Heck demonstrates how innovative water management solutions contribute to more sustainable dredging and hydraulic engineering projects.