IHC Merwede and Belgian contractor DEME (Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering) are engaged in the joint development of a unique model for forecasting the condition of dredging equipment on board dredgers.
The model will generate maintenance information as support for decisions about predictive maintenance. It is therefore a major step forward in terms of enhancing the availability of equipment.
The project is unique, as it combines DEME’s operational and technological knowledge with IHC Merwede’s knowledge and worldwide experience as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The aim is to develop a unique, customised forecasting model that will optimise the availability of the equipment throughout the DEME fleet.
Challenge
The challenge is how to determine and monitor the wear process in the mixture-transporting equipment. It is known that wear is highly dependent on the type of soil and the specific dredging approach, and that this variation normally precludes predictions. So the challenge is clear.
The Project
The project will start in a single DEME dredger before the results are rolled out to the entire fleet. For IHC Merwede, participation in this long-term research project involves technical specialists from different units, such as IHC Technical Service, IHC Systems and MTI Holland. The project also includes the delivery of a computerised Condition-Based Maintenance System. This system collects measurement data, and exchanges them with data from operational administrative systems and with the integrated monitoring and control system. It also contains the models that have already been set up, but that will be moving into the joint development process. It regulates online data exchanges between the ship and a remote office, allowing for rapid responses and online remote upgrading of the models.
Photograph: Mr. J. Hylkema (IHC Merwede) and Mr. T. van de Kerckhove (DEME) sign the contract for cooperation of the development of a forecasting model.
