Submerged cutting of rocks with diamond wire (Dredging)

UMISAN developed and patented the method of submerged cutting of rocks with diamond wire (dredging), eliminating the need for explosives and/or expansive capsules, methods currently used worldwide.

The method consists of using diamond wire circling the rock to generate abrasiveness, promoting wear by friction and, consequently, cutting. With the rock cut and detached, the block is lifted and disposed of in a licensed disposal area.

This method can be used to deepen waterways, whether in seas, rivers, lakes, lagoons and estuaries, as well as other situations that require the submerged cutting of rocks.

We carried out the first project in the world with this methodology for Porto Sudeste (Joint Venture of the companies Trafigura and Mubadala), aiming to deepen the Main Access Channel to the Port of Itaguai – RJ (Brazil) and allow the entry of ships with greater draft, increasing operational efficiency and competitiveness of the region’s terminals.

The project was a success, we concluded the activity and reached the quota defined by the client.

Differentials:

• Activity classified as low impact, simplifying the authorization processes in the Port, Maritime and Environmental Authorities, as well as reducing the time to obtain licenses;
• It does not involve explosives, dispensing with the regulation of explosives and fire operations by the Armed Forces;
• Environmentally safe method, generating less impact on the environment;
• Eliminates the need for a series of environmental monitoring equipment, such as seismographs, air bubble curtains, among others normally applied when explosives and expansive capsules are used;
• It does not generate seismic shock, eliminating tremors and impacts to civil structures;
• Eliminates risk of death from accidental explosion.