Ferrostaal Sediments

Solutions for the de-sedimentation of reservoirs

Ferrostaal Sediments GmbH is a joint venture of DB Sediments GmbH, German technology experts in de-sedimentation of reservoirs , and leading German industrial service provider Ferrostaal GmbH. The joint venture provides cost-efficient, sustainable solutions to sustainably achieve maximum performance for hydroelectric, potable and non-potable water reservoirs.

  • Innovative technology - transfers sediment without interruption of power generation and water extraction
  • Cost-efficient - avoidance of enormous dump costs and power generation losses
  • Sustainable - usage of reservoir at full potential for an endless life time of the dam and recovery of natural river morphology
  • Highest ecological standards - fulfills EU WDF (Water Framework Directive)

Boost power generation with innovative technology and reliable services

Sediment technology

  • De-sedimentation solutions especially for dammed water bodies but also for downstream river stretches suffering from erosion due to sediment deficits
  • Patented unique ConSedTrans process for a siltation problems in artificial reservoirs
  • Providing measuring equipment
  • Innovation Award Deutsche Wirtschaft (2015) and Platts Global Energy Awards (2013)

Project management services

  • Consulting on best solution for your reservoir
  • Provision of structured concepts for credit-insured export finance solutions
  • Outstanding project management ensures on site project execution in time and budget
  • Providing Maintenance Services by our local organization

The natural flow process

Every body of water carries sediment as an important natural part of its flow. Deposits form on the bed and are eroded once more depending on the current.

The retaining structure

Reservoirs are used to store energy and water. If there is excess water then river water backs up which is used by a power station to generate electricity if there is an increased demand for energy. The erection of a retaining structure changes the balance of the sedimentation. The majority of the sediment then settles in the reservoir and only a small amount is carried away. This results in sedimentation in the reservoir, possibly to the point of silting up, and in erosion downstream due to the lack of sediment.

The technology

The process developed by DB Sediments imitates the natural transport processes. Floating platforms loosen the deposited sediment, pump it through a pipeline system and deposit it again upstream of the outfall. The loosened sediment is eroded again by the current upstream of the outfall, routed through the turbines and returned to the watercourse again downstream in natural quantities.