Dredge Control and Automation
Dredge Control and Automation
VOSTA LMG designs and delivers all levels of control and automation for your dredger. Ranging from simple manual controls and analogue dredge monitoring, up to the highest level of automation only controlled via touch screens. The automatic functions, sequences and supervisory tools tune every CSD and TSHD for peak performance.
Automatic Dredge Operation
Fully automatic control of the dredge operation, or parts of it, is the last station in achieving the lowest possible cost price per cubic meter dredged soil. Virtually all important processes can be controlled fully-automatic and are for example: side winch control, constant depth dredging, constant production dredging, profile dredging, start-up sequences and many more.
Density Meter
The mixture density is measured by a device clamped to the dredge pump discharge line or as combined unit with the flow meter. Based on the absorption of nuclear radiation, the density meter measurement is done by using a radioactive source such as Cobalt. The required measuring range and pipe diameter determine the type of source to be used.
Dredge Production Monitoring
Optimizing production starts with accurate and continuous measurement of the dredged material. A combination of sensors such as, but not limited to density & velocity meters will acquire the necessary data continuously during operation of the dredge. The data can be logged and will be visualized either analogue or digitally. The acquired data forms the input for automatic dredge control if desired.
Dredge Profile and Position Monitoring
Knowing exactly where your dredger and main excavating equipment are compared to the environment is a pre condition to successfully execute the highly-challenging dredging contracts. Inclino,-, draft-, heel, list- trim-and angle transmitters together with Gyro, DGPS collect the necessary data to dredge within narrow tolerances. The actual dredging profile compared to the survey data is displayed on monitors in the control room.
Dredge Systems Monitoring
For cost-effective dredging, status monitoring of all dredging systems is necessary to reduce downtime and unnecessary wear and tear. All the important status parameters are collected, displayed and can be controlled in the operator cabine. Status monitoring of dredge pumps, valves, jetwater, engines, and bottom doors are only a few examples of the possibilities we offer.
Velocity Meter
Mixture velocity is measured by means of magnetic inductive flow meter installed in a unit with the same internal diameter as the mixture pipe. This velocity meter is equipped with wear liners made of urethane or natural rubber, optionally with wear detection. In combination with the density meter, dredge production can be calculated.
