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Alewijnse Suction Tube System (ASTS)
The Alewijnse suction tube system (ASTS) is an automated system for measuring, calculating and monitoring a hopper dredger’s suction tube position.
A uniquely reliable and precise system, it uses two independent processes to measure the suction tube position simultaneously.
Using robust, waterproof sensors, the ASTS measures several critical variables:
- Paid-out wire length from the winches
- Horizontal & vertical angles
- Gantry positions
- Swell compensator position
Based on these measurements, the ASTS calculates and visualises a number of important outputs, enabling maximum production efficiency and safety with the lowest possible environmental impact. These are:
- Sction tube angles
- Drag head position
- Tide correction
- Anti-collision (distance from suction tube to hull)
To enable further loading and backfill production optimisation, the capabilities of the ASTS can be extended using an advanced control function; the automatic suction tube controller (ASTC). This regulates:
- Depth Control
- Swell Compensator Control
- Intermediate Angle Control
- Ground Angle Control
- Lateral Control
- Silt Control
Downloads.
Alewijnse brochure Automation Solutions Dredging
(pdf, 2 MB)
