Half a Century of Changing the Design of a Dredger: Market Pull or Technology Push?
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XX: "The Art of Dredging" - 2013, Brussels, Belgium
Authors:
de Bruijn A, de Graaff PC, de Groot JW, Verkaik CJ
Abstract: In 1963 the Beaver Dredgers were introduced as the first standard demountable series cutter suction dredgers from stock. It was introduced with dredgers with illustrious names such as the Cub, Master, Prince and King. Now 50 years later the basic functional design of a cutter dredger has hardly changed. The dredger still works on the basic principles of cutting, swinging, stepping and pumping. Though series have changed multiple times introducing new techniques and improving on feedback of the numerous dredgers in operation.
One of the mayor changes over the past half a century in society is the introduction of the computer and PLC in the mid 80’s, which enabled more automation and control of the dredging process. The arrival of the internet in the end of 90’s made it even possible to create an online connection with your dredger enabling the owner to follow and support the dredger where ever it is.
An everlasting need for a lower cost price per cubic meter required techniques to increase both efficiency and uptime. Examples are the usage of “white iron” wear parts, introduction of new engines and high efficient pumps. In the 90’s the pivoting gearbox was introduced to the Beaver Series attached to direct driven submerged pump, which enabled the dredger to extend its operating area to coastal water with greater depths. Here wind and waves often limits the dredgers workability, to withstand these conditions a flexible spud carrier was developed using new simulation techniques. Over last 50 years also the focus on the Health and Safety of the crew onboard has changed tremendously. Now on all dredgers the cabin are placed on dampers, and have an ergonomic design. The awareness of Environment Impact required lowering the emissions, but also creating less noise, turbidity spill of friendly lubrication.
Keywords: cutter suction dredger, dredge pump, cutter, market pull, technology push