Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/891178
AGGREGATES MANAGER / November 2017 17 Repeatedly sample after startup Design the dredge for the job Train employees at all levels Producers should continually sample material as it is being produced when dredging material in a new area of an existing location or a new site. It will help obtain adequate information to characterize the qual- ity of the material in the project area. If the product remains consistent in the fi rst few days of continuous sampling, the material no longer needs to be sam- pled every few hours. Initially, consistent sampling initially is extremely important because material can vary the deeper a dredge mines. In deepwater dredging applications, the equipment is not one size fi ts all. A dredge needs to be designed to accommodate specifi c depths. Components such as underwater pumps and ladders must be confi gured to accommodate outside pressure to which they will be subjected. Improper pump selection could cause its bearing houses to fail, which could potentially allow oil to leak into the water and pollute it. Process conditions, such as how far the dredged material will be pumped, also must be taken into account when determining the right equipment for the job. Dredging deeper requires a completely different knowledge base and skills than at traditional depths. Dredge operators, from seasoned employees to those newer to the job, need to be trained specifi cally on how the dredge and its components work in a differ- ent environment and to understand safety protocol. Producers should work with the dredge manufacturer or distributor for this training before starting produc- tion. A follow-up from the manufacturer/distributor a month or two after should also be done to ensure employees understand how to check and operate the equipment and do not develop bad habits. 2 3 4