Configuring Dredge Segments

In Hydromagic Dredging, dredging equipment is configured by adding dredge segments. A dredge segment is any moving part of the dredger, for instance:

• Cutter Dredger: Ladder and cutter head;
• Trailing Suction Dredger: Trunnion, ladder and dredge head;
• Excavator: Base, cabin, boom, stick, quick attachment, dog-bones and bucket;

This configuration method allows you to compose almost any dredger configuration by just adding segments. Each set of segments is called dredging equipment. You can have multiple dredging equipment items configured in Hydromagic Dredging. Dredging equipment can be connected to a vessel using an attachment point.

Adding a segment

When adding a new segment, the "Configure Dredge Segment" dialog will be displayed. In this dialog you select the type of segment to be added, the shape file used to visualize the segment on the screen and the data source which controls the movement of this segment (inclino sensor, bubble sensor, rotation sensor, etc...).

Adding a new segment to the dredge equipment definition.

Selecting the segment type

First you have to define the type of segment to be added. The different segment types are explained in detail below:

Base

The base of an excavator, the part where the wheels are attached to. This type can only be used when configuring an excavator. When the excavator is attached directly to the vessel (i.e. a backhoe dredger), skip this segment and start with the 'Cabin'. Hydromagic assumes the base is always at a fixed position on the vessel, which means you only have to define a shape for the base.

Cabin

The cabin of an excavator, which is where the operator controls it. This segment type can be used for an excavator or backhoe dredger. If the cabin can rotate relative to the 'base', and it does not have its own GNSS positioning system with heading, you have to define a rotational sensor in the data source settings. Please note that the rotation of the cabin will not be displayed in 2-dimensional side views.

Boom

The 'boom' of an excavator is the first vertically moving segment attached to the cabin of the excavator or backhoe dredger. This segment should be equipped with an inclino sensor to report the vertical angle of the segment.

Stick

The 'stick' of an excavator is the second vertically moving segment which is placed between the 'boom' and 'bucket'. This segment should be equipped with an inclino sensor to report the vertical angle of the segment.

Bucket

The bucket can be attached to the stick directly or via a 'quick attachment. When a quick attachment is used, configure this segment before adding the bucket to the segment list. When the inclino sensor is mounted on one of the dog bone segments rather then on the bucket directly, click the "Settings..." button to enter the dimensions of the dog bone segments.

Trunnion

When a suction tube or ladder is connected to the side of the vessel, it is connect via a part called the 'trunnion'. This parts adds a additional horizontal offset to the dredge position. When configuring a hopper dredger, add the trunnion segment first.

Ladder

A ladder can be a vertically (and sometimes horizontally) moving segment where the cutter head or dredge head is connected to. Some trailing suction hopper dredges, with a greater depth range, might have two or even three ladder segments between the vessel and the dredge head.

Dredge Head

Configure a dredge head to enter the dimensions of the dredge head. It is important to enter the correct width for the dredge head so the matrix can be updated accordingly. When the dredge head shape is in the ladder shape file, just set the length of this segment to zero, and enter the head dimensions only by clicking the "Settings..." button.

Cutter Head

Configure a cutter head to enter the dimensions of the cutter head. It is important to enter the correct width for the dredge head so the matrix can be updated accordingly. When the cutter head shape is in the ladder shape file, just set the length of this segment to zero, and enter the head dimensions only by clicking the "Settings..." button.

Segment Shape File

The segment shape file is a collection of lines that represent one of the dredger segments. This file is used to present the user with a top or side view of the dredger. For each moving segment you have to specify a shape file. Hydromagic is shipped with a collection of files for different dredge segment types. Using the 'Vessel Editor' tool, you can draw your own shapes, or import shapes created in AutoCAD.

Using 3D Shapes

Since Hydromagic Dredging version 9.2, the software has 3D dredging display functionality. To modify the 3D Shape settings for this segment, click the "3D Shape Config..." button. More information on how to use the 3D dredging display, please have a look at the ... document.

Segment Length

Use this field to enter the length of the ladder, tube, excavator boom, stick or bucket. Measure from the center of the trunnion or joint to the next joint, or the part which touches the bottom (for instance the teeth of the bucket). Make sure you enter this distance in the units used in the currently loaded project. When no Hydromagic project has been loaded yet, enter the distance in meters.

Data Sources