DredgeMasters International, Inc. recently delivered a new heavy-duty 16-inch portable dredge Model HPC-16LP-105 dredge to a sand and gravel mining operation. DMI designed this dredge with many cutting-edge features to meet specifications for a high-powered, efficient dredge able to accommodate an automated control and production monitoring system.
The 200 ton (dry weight) dredge has a 105 foot ladder with an underwater, ladder mounted DMI HydraMaster HDM 42-18x16 dredge pump that is powered by an electronic controlled Caterpillar 3512 DITA SCAC marine auxiliary engine rated 1478 BHP @ 1200 RPM through a highly efficient mechanical drive. The dredge is capable of dredging at ladder angles of up to 60 degrees. A Caterpillar 3306 DITA engine rated 275 BHP @1800rpm provides power for the cutter drive and all winches, and for a 20 kW AC electric generator.
	All hydraulic systems feature independent proportional electronic controls for precise operation of all winches and the cutter drive. Both diesel engines are electronically controlled. The dredge has an extensive number of pressure, temperature, and fluid level sensors that monitor the hydraulic systems and all major pump drive and auxiliary drive components. A slurry density meter monitors the dredge production.
The dredge features an automation system that has been developed to improve operator efficiency and to increase production. DMI's standard joystick controls, electronic gauges, and alarm system were replaced with a touch screen PC-based operator interface for the dredge's Allen-Bradley SLC 5/05 PLC controller. Kruse Controls, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland developed the operator interface and PLC control system to communicate with all machinery components on the dredge. The user-friendly touch screen control interface incorporates operator controls and gauges for all systems on the dredge along with an extensive alarm monitoring system, and numerous trend graphs that maintain a history of dredge performance. The control system developed by Kruse Controls provides complete automated control of all dredging systems including positioning, swing control, ladder depth control, and cutter drive control. The control system uses slurry density, discharge line speed, and dredge pump vacuum and discharge pressure to control the dredge and maintain the production level specified by the operator. Kruse Controls has interfaced the dredge control system with GPS and DREDGEPACK® dredge management software that maps the dredge position, dredging depth, and dredged areas. GPS is also utilized to set swing headings at both ends of the dredging cut.
	In addition to its automation system, the dredge has a number of other features that set it apart from most portable dredges. A special noise control package, which includes critical grade mufflers and acoustic insulation of the machinery house, was added to the dredge. The machinery house also features high temperature exhaust insulation, spill containment dams, and slip resistant rubber matting in walkways. The dredge operator control cabin has air conditioning and heating, two consoles that house the computer and GPS equipment, an adjustable operators chair, carpeting, insulation, and tinted windows that allow 360° visibility. Noise levels inside the control cabin measured a quiet 65 dB(A) during dredging operations. A separate 12 kW gen-set with an programmable start timer is used to power the main engine coolant heaters so that the main engine is at a suitable starting temperature as soon as dredge operators arrive in the morning. The 12 kW generator also provides ample electrical power for service work without having to start the auxiliary engine to power the main generator.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

DredgeMasters International, Inc.,
200 Center Point Road South
Hendersonville, TN 37075 USA
Phone (615) 822-3500
Fax (615) 822-0002
email: dmidredge@aol.com

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