Marine aggregate dredging profitability is determined by low cost and high reliability, to ensure the supply of large volumes of high-quality material. Maintenance & wear parts are a significant cost driver in this market, while value of the loaded mixture is defined by material quality and grain size distribution. To further increase efficiency of the dredging cycle, the hopper is to be fully loaded each trip.
To fulfil the request for more maintenance-friendly, efficient and quality loading operations, Vuyk Engineering developed a strongly improved screening tower design. This was done in close cooperation with Cemex UK, an experienced operator of marine aggregate dredging vessels.
Modular screening tower design
The philosophy is a modular screening tower, which allows for safer & easier maintenance or exchange of wear sensitive parts such as the delivery pipe, boiling box and screen deck. The delivery pipe is mounted vertically to minimize wear due to bends, and to allow for vertical removal. Furthermore, the folding chute allows for accurately directing the dredge flow into the hopper without blind spots, resulting in optimal loading of the hopper. Screen deck inclination can be adjusted for optimal sieving of the loaded material, while its elongated design further improves screening quality. The silt hatch in the boiling box can be actuated to redirect unwanted materials towards the reject chute for over boarding. The passage of material in the slewing ring is designed to ensure a watertight seal and easy inspection. All components requiring regular inspection or maintenance can be safely accessed from platforms.
Screening Tower Design features:
- Modular system;
- Easy exchange of wear parts;
- Vertical delivery pipe;
- Folding chute allows for equal loading of hopper (no blind spots);
- Elongated screen deck for increased screening quality;
- Silt hatch;
- Improved and safe inspection facilities
