Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh

Assignment on “Solution of NAOE 1st Batch Semester Final Questions”

Date of Submission:3rd June,2024

Course code – NAOE 4241

Course title – Dredger and Dredging Technology

Submitted by –
Group -6
Rakin Islam Shah, ID- 19411019
Tasmim Hossain Samyo , ID – 19411023
Azim Anwar Oli, ID- 19411030
Sporso Gupta, ID- 19411033
Year-4th year, Semester-2nd
Session-2019-20
Department of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering.
Batch-3rd
Submitted to –
Cdre Md Munir Hassan, (E), BN (retd.)
Professor & Distinguished Expert
Department of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering.
BSMRMU.
1. (a) Define dredger and production. Write down the purpose of dredging.

Answer:

Dredger:
A dredger is a specialized vessel or machine designed to remove sediment and debris from the
bottom of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, harbors, and oceans. It essentially acts like a giant
underwater vacuum cleaner, sucking up or scooping out accumulated material. There are various
types of dredgers, each suited for different depths, sediment types, and project requirements. Here
are some of the most common:
1. Suction dredgers.
2. Bucket dredgers
3. Cutter suction dredgers

Production:
Production refers to the process of creating or making something, often on a large scale. It
encompasses the transformation of raw materials or resources into finished goods or services. This
can involve various activities, including:
1. Extracting raw materials
2. Processing and refining
3. Assembly and manufacturing
4. Distribution and delivery

Purpose of Dredging:
Dredging serves several crucial purposes in maintaining waterways, protecting coastlines, and
supporting various economic activities:

Maintaining Navigability: Dredging is essential to maintain the depth and width of waterways,
especially in ports and harbors, ensuring safe passage for large ships and preventing sedimentation
from making them less navigable.

Land Reclamation: Dredged material can be used to create new land, extending coastlines or
creating islands, benefiting areas facing land scarcity or needing to expand port facilities. By
strategically depositing dredged material, land can be reclaimed for housing, infrastructure
development, or recreational areas.

Coastal Protection: Dredging can deepen coastal areas, allowing for natural sediment deposition
and reducing the risk of coastal erosion, thus protecting coastal communities and ecosystems.

Environmental Restoration: Dredging removes contaminated sediments from waterways,

improving water quality and protecting aquatic life from pollutants.

Beach Nourishment: Dredged material can be used to replenish eroded beaches, helping to
maintain their size and protect coastal areas. However, dredging can have environmental impacts,
so careful planning and mitigation strategies are crucial to minimize these effects.

1.(b) Categorize Mechanical and Hydraulic dredgers.

Answer:

Categorization of Dredgers: Mechanical vs. Hydraulic

Dredgers can be broadly categorized into two main types based on their operating principle:

Mechanical Dredgers:
Function: These dredgers use physical means to remove sediment from the waterbed. They
employ heavy machinery like:
1. Bucket dredgers
2. Grab dredgers
3. Backhoe dredgers

Applications: Mechanical dredgers are best suited for:

1. Removing large, hard material
2. Precise dredging
3. Shallow water operations.

Limitations:
1. Environmental impact
 2. Limited production rate

Hydraulic Dredgers:

Function: These dredgers use powerful pumps to create suction and draw up sediment and water
through a pipeline. The resulting mixture is called a slurry.

Applications: Hydraulic dredgers are ideal for:

1. Removing fine-grained materials

2. Deepwater operations
3. Environmentally sensitive projects

Limitations:
1. Not suitable for large or hard materials

1.(c) Briefly discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of Mechanical and
Hydraulic dredgers.

Answer:

Advantages of Mechanical Dredgers:

1. Mechanical dredgers are versatile and can work in various types of soil and underwater
conditions.
2. They offer precise control over the dredging process, allowing for accurate depth and
volume measurements.
3. Mechanical dredgers are generally easier to maintain compared to hydraulic dredgers, as
they have fewer complex components.
4. They are more suitable for dredging harder materials like rocks and clay.

Disadvantages of Mechanical Dredgers:

1. They may have limited reach compared to hydraulic dredgers, especially in deeper waters.
2. Mechanical dredgers typically consume more energy compared to hydraulic dredgers,
leading to higher operating costs.
3. They can cause more disturbance to the surrounding environment due to the mechanical
action involved in dredging.
 4. Mechanical dredgers may have slower operation rates compared to hydraulic dredgers,
particularly in softer sediments.

Advantages of Hydraulic Dredgers:

1. Hydraulic dredgers are highly efficient, especially in dredging soft sediments like sand and
silt.
2. They can reach greater distances and depths compared to mechanical dredgers, making
them suitable for large-scale projects.
3. Hydraulic dredgers often have lower operating costs due to their higher efficiency and
lower energy consumption.
4. They cause less disturbance to the surrounding environment compared to mechanical
dredgers, especially in sensitive ecosystems.

Disadvantages of Hydraulic Dredgers:

1. Hydraulic dredgers have complex systems, which can make maintenance more challenging
and costly.
2. They may not be as effective for dredging harder materials like rocks and clay compared
to mechanical dredgers.
3. Hydraulic dredgers may offer less precise control over the dredging process compared to
mechanical dredgers, particularly in terms of depth and volume measurements.

2. (a) Briefly discuss about the working method of the bucket ladder dredger.
How is it positioned on 6 wires? Show a suitable figure.

Answer:

Bucket Ladder Dredger Working Method:

1. The dredger is transported to the dredging site or navigated to the desired location. Once
positioned correctly, the dredging process begins.
2. The central component of the bucket ladder dredger is the ladder itself, equipped with a
series of buckets. The ladder is gradually lowered into the water until it reaches the seabed.
 3. As the ladder descends, the buckets attached to it scoop up sediment, debris, or other
materials from the seabed. These buckets are typically made of durable materials like steel
and are designed to withstand abrasion.

4. The buckets carry the excavated material to the top of the ladder, where it is then transferred
onto a conveyor belt or chute.

5. The conveyor belt transports the material along the length of the dredger to a collection
point or processing facility. This continuous operation ensures a steady flow of material
for processing or disposal.

6. The ladder is often connected to a rotating mechanism, allowing it to swing horizontally.

This rotation enables the dredger to cover a larger area during excavation, maximizing
efficiency.

Positioning on Six Wires:

1. Before dredging operations commence, the bucket ladder dredger needs to be anchored
securely in place to maintain stability. This is achieved by attaching wires to anchor points
on the seabed surrounding the dredging area.

2. Six wires are commonly used for positioning the dredger. These wires are attached to
winches located on the dredger's platform.

3. The six wires are strategically spaced around the dredger to distribute the tension evenly.
This balanced support helps to stabilize the dredger and prevent it from drifting during
operation.

4. Each wire is connected to a winch, allowing for individual tension adjustment. By adjusting
the tension on each wire, the dredger can be precisely positioned and maintained in place.
5. As environmental conditions or dredging requirements change, the tension on the wires
may need to be adjusted accordingly. Dynamic positioning systems may be employed to
automatically regulate wire tension and vessel position.

6. Advanced bucket ladder dredgers may be equipped with monitoring and control systems
that provide real-time feedback on wire tension, vessel position, and environmental
conditions. This allows operators to make informed adjustments and ensure safe and
efficient dredging operations.

Fig: Bucket Ladder Dredger

2.(b) Write down different equipment/components fitted on a CSD.

Answer:

Here's a list of different equipment and components typically fitted on a Cutter Suction Dredger
(CSD):
1. Cutter Head: Rotating assembly with blades or teeth to loosen material.
2. Suction Pipe: Draws loosened material into the dredger.
3. Dredge Pump: Creates suction to transport material through the suction pipe.
4. Swing Winches: Controls movement of spuds or anchors for positioning.
5. Spuds: Vertical poles or beams to stabilize the dredger.
6. Anchor Winches: Deploy and retrieve anchors for anchoring the dredger.
7. Control Cabin: Houses operator controls, navigation, and communication systems.
8. Discharge Pipeline: Transports dredged material to a disposal area or processing facility.
9. Power System: Engines or motors for propulsion and operating dredging equipment.
10. Hydraulic System: Controls cutter head, suction pipe, spuds, and winches.
11. Hull: Vessel structure for buoyancy and stability.
12. Pump Room: Houses dredge pumps and related equipment.
13. Deck Crane: Lifts and moves heavy equipment and components.
14. Deck Space: Area for storing equipment, spare parts, and supplies.
15. Control System: Manages and monitors dredging operations.
16. Navigation Equipment: GPS, radar, and other systems for vessel navigation.
17. Safety Equipment: Life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other safety gear.
18. Ballast System: Adjusts vessel trim and stability.
19. Fenders: Protects vessel during docking and mooring.
20. Anchors: Secures dredger in place during operation.
21. Dredge Cutter Teeth: Replaceable parts on the cutter head for cutting through material.
22. Dredge Discharge Equipment: Equipment for managing and disposing of dredged material.
23. Fuel Tanks: Stores fuel for the dredger's engines.
24. Water Pump: Pump for dewatering the dredger's hull or for other purposes.
25. Lighting: Illuminates working areas for night operations or low visibility conditions.
These are essential components found on most Cutter Suction Dredgers, though specific
configurations and additional features may vary depending on the dredger's size, capacity, and
intended use.

3.(a) What do you understand by CSD 500 and 26" CSD? Write down in
chronological order of actions need to take for the operation of a CSD starting
from positioning in dredging location.

Answer:

CSD 500 and 26" CSD refer to types of Cutter Suction Dredgers (CSD), used for dredging
operations. Here's what each term signifies:

CSD 500: This refers to a Cutter Suction Dredger with a cutter power of approximately 500 kW.
The number usually indicates the cutter's power, and these dredgers are typically used for medium
to large-scale dredging operations.

26" CSD: This indicates a Cutter Suction Dredger with a suction pipe diameter of 26 inches.
The pipe diameter is crucial as it determines the volume of material the dredger can handle,
with larger diameters suitable for more extensive dredging projects.

The chronological order of actions need to take for the operation of a CSD starting from positioning
in dredging location-

• Dredger is positioned in dredge area by side anchor and working spud. Anchor the dredger
securely using spud poles and anchor wires to ensure stability during the operation.
• Conduct a hydrographic survey of the dredging area to determine the seabed profile and
identify the dredging depth required.
• Deploy the spud poles (long, vertical poles used to anchor the dredger to the seabed) to
hold the dredger in position.
• Set up anchor wires and anchors at specific points around the dredging area to allow for
controlled movement and repositioning of the dredger.
• Attach the cutter head to the dredger’s boom, ensuring it is securely fitted.
• Connect the suction pipe to the dredger, ensuring all connections are tight and secure to
prevent leaks.
• Perform a series of checks to ensure all systems are operational, including the cutter head,
suction pipe, pumps, and discharge system.
• Test the dredging equipment at low power to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
• Ladder of the cutter suction dredger lowered under water,
• Dredge pump(s) started and the cutter head set in motion.
• Ladder is then moved down until it touches the bottom, or until it reaches the maximum
depth.
• The movement of the dredger round the spud pole is initiated by slacking the starboard
anchor cable and pulling in the port side anchor cable or reverse.
• These anchor cables are connected via sheaves close to the cutter head to winches (dredging
side winches) on deck. The pulling winch is called the hauling winch.
• The paying out winch ensures the correct tension in both cables, this being particularly
important when dredging in hard rock.
• Continuously monitor the dredging process, including the depth of dredging, the amount
of material being moved, and the position of the dredger.
• Make real-time adjustments to the cutter head, suction pipe, and positioning anchors to
maintain efficiency and accuracy.
• Transport the dredged material to the designated disposal site via pipelines or barges.
• Once a section of the dredging area is complete, reposition the dredger by adjusting the
spud poles and anchors to a new location.
• Repeat the dredging process in the new location.
• Conduct a final survey of the dredged area to ensure the desired depth and profile have
been achieved.
• Demobilize the dredger, retracting spud poles and anchors, and prepare the vessel for
transport if needed.
 • Compile and submit reports detailing the dredging operation, including volumes dredged,
areas covered, and any environmental monitoring data.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements and project specifications have been met.

By following these steps in chronological order, the operation of a Cutter Suction Dredger can be
conducted efficiently and safely, ensuring the successful completion of the dredging project.

3.(b) Define Under cutting and over cutting mode, step and cut thickness with
suitable sketch.

Answer:
In the operation of a CSD, the modes of cutting—under and over cutting—refer to the positional
relationship between the cutter head and the dredged material.

Undercutting mode - The cutter head operates below the level of the dredged material in under
cutting mode. This means the cutter head is positioned beneath the material that is being cut . This
approach helps in loosening the material from the bottom up, reducing resistance and facilitating
easier extraction. It is especially effective for compact or cohesive sediments.

Over cutting mode - In over cutting mode, the cutter head operates above the level of the dredged
material. This means the cutter head is positioned above the material that is being cut, working
downwards into it. This method involves cutting from the top down, which can be useful for loose
or non-cohesive sediments. It typically involves less precision and can lead to increased turbidity.
Step: It is the distance moved by cutter after completion of one cut after one complete swing.
Depends on cutter head size. Before stepping, the cutter moves to the centre line of the cut.

Cut thickness: Thickness of the layer that can be removed by one swing is called cut thickness. It
depends on both the diameter of the cutter head and the type of soil. When the required dredging
depth has not been reached at the end of a swing, the ladder is set more deeply and the ship will
move in the opposite direction.
4.(a) What are the six basic design criteria of a Cutter Suction Dredger? Discuss
about dredging depth and its effect on Dredger design.

Answer:
Here are the six basic Design criteria of a cutter suction dredger (CSD):

1. Production capacity
2. Dredging depth
3. Working conditions which affect the size of the dredger.
4. Type of soil
5. Transport distance.
6. Access to the side

Dredging Depth: Dredging depth is an important parameter for the designing of a dredger. Here
are the effects and significances of dredging depth:

1. Maximum and the minimum dredging depths must be taken into consideration (both
influence the usability of the dredger)

2. Greater dredging depth leads to a pontoon with deeper draught and thus to a reduction in
the minimum dredging depth.

3. The usability of the dredger increases with increasing dredging depth, while on the other
hand it decreases as a result of the related smaller minimum dredging depth.

4. The market demand plays a role in the best choice.

5. With increasing dredging depth, dredger should be larger and broader (for stability), it
must also have a heavier construction.

6. dredging depth has a great influence on the design of the ladder construction and thus on
the pontoon.
4.(b) Name different types of winches and auxiliary equipment used in CSDs.
Answer:
The winches can be divided into Ladder winch & Side Winch. All these winches may be found in
either electric or hydraulic form.

Here are different types of winches used in a Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD):

1. Ladder winches 7. Bow Winch

2. Side Winches 8. Towing Winch

3. Anchor Winches 9. Suction Winch

4. Buoy line Winches 10. Swing Winch

5. Spud Winches 11. Cutterhead Winch

6. Stern Winches

Cutter suction dredgers require the following auxiliary equipment:

• A flatboat to move the dredger. By this it is understood the towing of the dredger from dredging
point to dredging point.

• A work barge with a crane to carry supplies to the dredger. This can also be used to move anchors
if there are no anchor booms and to set out or move parts of a floating pipeline. It may also be used
to change the cutter head.

• Some cutter suction dredgers even have a special cutter head pontoon. The cutter head rests on
this support. The pontoon sails under the raised ladder. (There are also special cutter suction
dredgers equipped with cutter manipulators with which the cutter can be removed from the shaft
in an easy way and placed on deck, after which a new cutter head can be fitted.)

Here are different types of auxiliary equipment used in a Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD):

1. Flatboat 8. Mooring systems

2. A work barge with crane. 9. Cutter head

3. Jet water pump. 10. Spud poles

4. Floodlights 11. Floating hoses

5. Navigation Systems. 12. Anchors

6. Booster Pump 13. Slurry pump

7. Drag heads 14. Cutter ladder

4.(c) The following information are given for a CSD:

i) distance between the working spud and the cutter ladder hinge 1Sm,
ii) distance between the cutter ladder hinge to cutter tip and load water line
is10m and 0.588m respectively,
iii) diamcter of the cutter 1 m,
iv) angle of inclination of the cutter ladder, when it is lowered on the minimum
and maximum allowable depth of dredging is 15° and 45° respectively.
v) swing angle 40°
Find out the followings:
i) cutting width of the dredger
ii) maximum dredging width depending on side winch efficiency
iii) Minimum and maximum allowable dredging depth.

Answer:
Distance between the spud and the cutter ladder hinge, S = 15m
Length of the cutter ladder, T = 10m,
𝜃 = 15𝑜 , 𝛼= 40𝑜
D = 1m
L= S + T Cos 𝜃 = 15 + 10 Cos 15 = 24.66m

(i) Cutting Width of the dredger, B = 2L Sin𝛼 +D

 = 2 x 24.66 x Sin40𝑜 + 1
= 32.7 m
(ii) Maximum dredging Width: (𝛼= 45𝑜 )
B = 2L Sin𝛼 + D = 2 x 24.66 x Sin45𝑜 + 1
= 35.9 m
(iii) Minimum draft = T x sin15 - 0.588 = 10 x sin15 - 0.588 = 2m
Maximum dredging depth = T x sin45 - 0.588
= 10 x sin45 - 0.588 = 6.48m

5.A deep dredge has a centrifugal pump on board. The heart of the pump is on
the (10) Same geodetic height as the water level. The suction and the discharge
pipes are mounted to the pump at the pump-heart level. The suction pipe of the
dredger is vertical and the discharge pipe is horizontal. Both pipes have a
diameter 500 mm. The dredge pump pumps the 0.2mm sand from the bottom
of the water way that is 7 meters below the water level. The density of a pumped
sand-water mixture is 1400 kg/m3. The discharge pipe is 750 meter long. The
pump-pipeline installation is supposed to keep the production at 700 cubic
meter of sand per hour. The pump working spced is 400 rpm. The friction
coefficient of the = suction/discharge pipe is 𝝀 = 0.011,sum of minor losses
coefficients of all fittings, 𝚺𝝃 = 1.9.p 1000kg/m3, 𝝆f = 1000kg/m3
𝝆s = 2650kg /m, 𝝆m = 1400kg/ m' Symbols have their usual meaning.
Determine the followings:
a) Mean velocity of mixture
b) Manometric presure that the pump must deliver to ensure the
required production of the sand for mixture of the density 1400 kg/m3
c)The maximum speed with which an engine can provide the pump is 4S0
rpm. What would be the flow rate and the manometric pressure if the
maximum speed would be installed?

Answer:
(a)
Mean velocity of mixure in pipeline,

𝜌𝑚 −𝜌𝑓 1400−1000
Cvd= = = 0.242
𝜌𝑠 −𝜌𝑓 2650−1000

𝑄𝑆 0.194
Qm= = = 0.8 m3/s
𝐶𝑣𝑑 0.242
4𝑄𝑚
Vm = = 4.085 m/s
𝜋𝐷2

(b)

We know,
Pinlet – Poutlet = ∆𝑃𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 + ∆𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑚 − 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛 = ∆ℎ𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝜌𝑚 − 𝜌𝑓 )𝑔 + ∆𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑚
𝑉𝑚2
∆𝑃𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟,𝑚 = Σ𝜉 𝜌
2 𝑚
 4.0852
= 1.9 × × 1400
2

= 1400 𝐾𝑃𝑎

By Darcy- Weisbach equation,

∆ℎ𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ 𝑉𝑚2
∆𝑃𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡 = 𝜆𝑓 × × 𝜌𝑓
𝐷 2
7 4.0852
= 0.011 × × × 1000
0.5 2

= 12.9 𝐾𝑃𝑎
∆𝑃𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡,𝑚 = 𝑃𝑣𝑒𝑟,𝑓 × 𝜌𝑚
= 12880 × 1400
= 18 𝐾𝑃𝑎

By Wilson equation,
𝑆𝑠 − 1 0.45
𝑉50 ≈ 3.93 (𝑑50 )0.35 ( )
1.65
= 3.93 × 0.20.35 × 1 = 2.24 𝑚/𝑠
𝐼𝑚 − 𝐼𝑓 𝑉𝑚
= 0.22( )−1.7 = 0.08
𝐶𝑣𝑑 (𝑆𝑠 − 1) 𝑉50
Here, Lhor = 750 m

𝐿ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝑚2
∆𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑟,𝑓 = 𝜆𝑓 𝜌
𝐷 2 𝑓

= 138 𝐾𝑃𝑎
∆𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑟,𝑚 = 0.08 × 𝐶𝑣𝑑 (𝑆𝑠 − 1)𝑔𝜌𝑓 𝐿ℎ𝑜𝑟 + ∆𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑟,𝑓
= 230 KPa
∆𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑚 = ∆𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑟,𝑚 + ∆𝑃𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡,𝑚 + ∆𝑃𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟,𝑚
= 230 + 18 + 22.2 = 270 𝐾𝑃𝑎
𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒏 = ∆𝒉𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉 (𝝆𝒎 − 𝝆𝒇 )𝒈 + ∆𝑷𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔,𝒎
= 297 𝐾𝑃𝑎
≈ 3 𝑏𝑎𝑟
For flow rate 0.8bm3/s manometric pressure is 3 bar.(approx..)
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑚
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑓 = 𝜌
𝑚
× [1 − 𝐶𝑣𝑑 (0.8 + 0.6𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑑50 ]
𝜌𝑓
= 234 𝐾𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝑚 = 0.8 𝑚3 /𝑠, 𝑎𝑡 400 𝑟𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

(c)
The affinity law,
𝑄𝑚,𝑛1 𝑛1 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑛1 𝑛1
= = ( )2
𝑄𝑚,𝑛2 𝑛2 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑛2 𝑛2

Working point at 450 rpm,

0.8 400
=
𝑄𝑚,450 450
𝑄𝑚,450 = 0.9 𝑚3 /𝑆

Now,

234 400 2
=( )
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑓,𝑛2 450
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑓,450 = 296 𝐾𝑃𝑎
𝜌𝑚
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑚,450 = 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑓,450 [1 − 𝐶𝑣𝑑 (0.8 + 0.6𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑑50 )]
𝜌𝑓
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑛,𝑚 = 376 𝐾𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝑚 = 0.9 𝑚3 /𝑠, 𝑎𝑡 450 𝑟𝑝𝑚.
6.(a)Name different dredging parts including force and power need to consider
for the design of the dredging equipment?

Answer:
Different dredging parts including force and power need to consider for the design of the dredging
equipment are given below-
• The cutter head
• The bow side-winch power
• The axial cutting force
• The vertical cutting force
• The ladder winch power
• The drives
• The dredge pump
• The sand pump drive
• The water pump
• The spud system

6.(b)What are the different spud systems used in cutter suction dredgers?
Briefly discuss the spud carriage system.

Answer:
The different spud systems used in cutter suction dredgers are-
• The Spud Carriage System - The spud carriage system involves a spud (a large steel pole)
mounted on a carriage that can move longitudinally along the dredger. This system allows
the dredger to move forward without needing to reposition the spud, offering continuous
operation.
 • The Fixed Spud System - A fixed spud system features a spud that is anchored to a fixed
position on the dredger. The spud provides a stable pivot point around which the dredger
can swing.
• The Spud Door System - The spud door system includes a mechanism to open and close
a door at the bottom of the dredger, through which the spud is deployed. This system can
enhance spud positioning and protect the spud during non-operational times.
• The Walking Spud System - The walking spud system involves spuds that can alternately
lift and reposition, enabling the dredger to "walk" forward or backward. This system
provides enhanced mobility and can be used to move the dredger incrementally.
• The Rotor Spud System - The rotor spud system features a spud that can rotate around its
axis, providing additional maneuverability and stability. This system can enhance the
dredger's ability to operate in confined spaces or complex environments.
• The Christmas Tree System - There are situations in which anchoring by means of spuds
is not possible. Such a situation arises when working at sea if the forces that waves or swell
can exert on the spuds are too large. In this case strategy of the Dredge Contractor is
Christmas Tree.

The Spud Carriage System-

With the help of a hydraulic cylinder, the work spud may move across several meters (4–6 m) in
a longitudinal direction in a well at the dredger's stern . With four wheels on rails for vertical forces
and guide rollers or bearing strips for lateral forces, the carriage is often positioned in the center
of the dredger. The hydraulic ram in the cylinder is double acting.

The pontoon's stern is equipped with an additional spud known as the auxiliary spud, which is used
to return the carriage to its starting position.

The initiation of a new cut is obtained by moving the spud carriage one step forwards. After
stepping, the cutter head describes concentric circles until the spud carriage reaches the end of the
stroke of the hydraulic cylinder.
The return of the carriage usually takes place in the middle of a cut in the following sequence of
actions. The auxiliary spud is lowered and the work spud is lifted, the carriage is moved back and
then the spuds again changed.

After each single swing the dredge master is “ free either to step forwards or to lower the ladder
till the final is reached.

In addition to the spud carriage in the stern well of the main pontoon of the dredger, it is also
possible to have a separate spud carriage pontoon. This pontoon is fixed to the cutter suction
dredger by a stiff link, usually by making use of the existing auxiliary spud carriage . This is done
to change the existing, less efficient spud system or to make a wider swing . It is also necessary to
move the pivoting bend on the stern of the dredger to the rear of the spud pontoon.

Fig: The Spud Carriage System

6.(c) What are different drives used in a cutter suction dredger? Discuss about
cutter drive.

Answer:

Different drives used in a cutter suction dredger are-

• Cutter Head Drive

• Cutter Head Drive at Near to Ladder Hinge
• Cutter Head Drive at Near to Cutter
• Electric Drive
• Hydraulic Drive
• Side Winch Drive
• Ladder Drive
• Pump Drive

Cutter Drive:

A cutter drive is a critical component of a cutter suction dredger (CSD), responsible for powering
and controlling the cutter head, which is the rotating mechanical part used to break up and loosen
sediment on the seabed. The cutter head drive is mounted on the ladder either near the hinge side
or close to the cutter head.

Cutter Head Drive may be of Hydraulic Driven or Electric Driven. Criteria to select the Type of
Drive is “expected relation between the average load and the peak load.”

a. Cutter Head Drive at Near to Ladder Hinge :

The CHD is mounted near the hinge the shaft must be both long and heavy because of the high
torque. This long shaft needs several ladder bearings.

b. Cutter Head Drive at Near to Cutter:

When CHD is mounted close to the cutter head there is more freedom to adapt the direction of the
cutter head axle to the required angle, especially when dredging in shallow water.
7.(a) Define TSHD. Briefly discuss on the equipment fitted with a TSHD.

Answer:

TSHD- It refers to Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger. It is a self-propelled sea-going or inland

waterway vessel equipped with a hold (hopper) and a dredging installation to load and unload
itself.

In a standard design the trailing suction hopper dredger is equipped with:

• One or more suction pipes with suction mouths, called drag heads that are dragged over
the seabed while dredging.

• One or more dredge pumps to suck up the loosened soil by the drag heads.

• A hold (hopper) in which the material sucked up is dumped.

• An overflow system to discharge the redundant water.

• Closable doors or valves in the hold to unload the cargo.

• Suction pipe gantries to hoist the suction pipes on board.

• An installation, called the swell compensator, to compensate for the vertical movement
of the ship in relation with the sea-bed.

• Service crane • Bow coupling for pumping ashore

• Propulsion • Onboard pump
• Engine room • Submerged pump
• Suction pipe • Onboard hose
• Drag head • Floating hose
• Loading chutes • Onboard pipeline
• Hopper • Dredge valve
• Wheelhouse • Bottom door
• Rain bowing jet-nozzle
 Fig: Equipment fitted with a TSHD.

7.(b) Categorize Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger depending on hopper

capacity.

Answer:

Depending on hopper capacity TSHD can be categorize into five classes:

Classes Deadweight Capacity

Small hoppers ±5000 𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
Medium Size hoppers 5000-10000 ton mass
Large hoppers 10000-15000 ton mass
Jumbo hoppers 15000-25000 ton mass
Mega hoppers Above 25000 ton mass
7.(c) Write down the main characteristics of TSHD.

Answer:

The main characteristics of TSHD are-

1. Free sailing

2. Relatively insensitive for waves

3. All “non-rock type” soils

4. Not vulnerable for shipping

5. Self-propelled

6. Self-loading when trailing

7. Self-unloading or -discharging

8. Seagoing or inland waterway vessel

8.(a) A dredger is designed for a payload of 20000 ton and a hopper volume of
12500 m3 and an average loading time in sand with a d50 of 200 𝝁m of 120
minutes. Density of the soil in the hopper is 1900 kg/m3. The cumulative
overflow losses of 20% are to be expected. Given that 𝝆water 1025 kg/m3

and 𝝆sand is 2650 kg/m3. Calculate the followings:

(i) hopper density (ii) volume of sand, when the hopper is loaded iii) average
load rate of sand (iv) average rate of sand should excavate by drag head (v)
Water in the pores contains by every m3 of sand. (vi) Production of sand mass

Answer:
Given,
Payload = 20000 ton
Hopper volume = 12500 m3
 Density of the soil in the hopper, ρsoil = 1900 kg/m3
Average loading time = 120 minutes
ρwater = 1025 kg/m3
ρsand = 2650 kg/m3
ρmixture = 1900 kg/m3
overflow loss = 20%

Payload 20000×1000 ton

(i) Hopper Density = = = 𝟏𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑
Hopper volume 12500 m3

20000×1000
(ii) The volume of sand when the hopper is loaded = = 𝟏𝟎𝟓𝟐𝟕 𝐦𝟑
1900

Required Hopper volume 10527m3

iii) The average load rate of sand = = = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟔 𝐦𝟑 /𝐬
Loading time 120×60

1.46m3 /s
(iv) Average rate of sand should excavate by dragheads = = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟓 𝐦𝟑 /𝐬
(1−0.20)

ρ𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − ρ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
(v) Water in the pores contains by every m3 of sand = 1 −
ρ𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 − ρ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
1900 − 1025
=1−
2650 − 1025

= 𝟎. 𝟒𝟔𝟏𝟓 𝒎𝟑
(vi) Sand = 1 − 0.4615 = 0.5385m3
 Production of sand mass = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟐𝟓 × 𝟎. 𝟓𝟑𝟖𝟓 × 𝟐𝟔𝟓𝟎 = 𝟐𝟔𝟎𝟓 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
8.(b) Write short note on the followings: CVS and dredging cycle .

Answer:

Constant Volume System (CVS) : If the trailing suction hopper dredger is equipped with a fixed
overflow (not adjustable) then the ship is loaded until it reaches its dredge mark (a fixed allowed
draught) after which the suction is stopped.

This case is said that the ship is designed as a Constant Volume System (CVS).

Dredging cycle: Here is the dredging cycle for a Trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) :

1. Loading at the dredging or borrow area.

2. Sailing to the unloading area (loaded)
3. Unloading (bottom opening or pumping)
4. Sailing to the dredging (empty)
8.(c) Mention few of the power which is installed in a trailing suction hopper
dredger.

Answer:

There are various types of power which is installed in a Trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD).
Here are some of them:

1. The bow thruster power

2. The dredge-pump power
3. The jet-pump power
4. The propulsion power.
5. The power for the electrical circuit on board
6. The suction pipes lowering and raising.
7. The valves and other auxiliary equipment to operate, etc.