In Kufstein, Tyrol, Smals has been maintaining the gravel traps in the fast-flowing River Inn for many years.
These traps, which are part of the local hydropower infrastructure, are regularly cleared of sediment to prevent gravel and silt from passing through the turbines, where they would cause excessive wear.
Using sand dredgers and cutter suction dredgers, supported by boosters, pipelines and a sand wheel, the sediment is carefully removed and separated. The usable coarse fraction is reused by local construction companies, enabling circular use of materials while maximising transport and processing efficiency.
Maintenance is carried out on a regular basis or on demand, ensuring that the hydropower plants continue to operate optimally and the river can flow freely.
Waar
Kufstein, Tyrol, Austria
Equipment
Sand dredgers
Cutter suction dredgers
Boosters
Social / economic value
