Method and apparatus for cleaning percolation basins

摘要

A method and apparatus for cleaning accumulated silt from the floor of a percolation basin are provided. An underwater terrain vehicle (UTV) moves along the basin floor and carries a series of blades that cut and lift the accumulated silt. An eductor driven vacuum head also carried by the UTV vacuums fragmented silt and transports the entrained fragmented silt through a vacuum hose into a location where the silt particles are separated from the water in which they are entrained. The UTV carries a first sonar for continuously scanning the basin floor and which is utilized to guide the UTV. A second sonar is placed in the basin in a known location and continuously scans and continuously monitors the location of the UTV on the basin floor. An operator remotely guides the UTV from an onshore location.