Dutch Dredging Simulators

Training

Dutch Dredging Simulators is providing E-learning modules about cutter suction dredgers (CSD). The E-learning is web-based and the modules can be done on the students own computer and in his/her own environment.
The CSD E-learning course can be done for different levels of experience and knowledge:

  • Basic course
  • Advanced course
  • Professional course

A test can be done after studying of the course material. In case sufficient points are earned, a certificate is obtained.

Course

Basic

The basic course covers dredging in general, the cutter suction dredger in particular, and contains the following subjects: Basic course

  • Different types of dredging equipment and methods (trailing suction hopper dredger, cutter suction dredger, plain suction dredger, etc.).
  • Types of cutter suction dredgers.
  • Various components and parts of the CSD (such as cutter head, spud carriage, anchor booms, pump, pipeline, etc.).

Course

Advanced

The advanced course covers the operation of the CSD and the relevant site conditions in respect to the dredging process:

  • CSD operation; swinging, working on spuds (fixed spuds, spud carriage), positioning of anchors, cutting plan, discharge area.
  • Soil types and the relevant properties for dredging.
  • Sea state.
  • The effect of the soil on the gathering process, cutting process, pumping process.
  • The centrifugal pump; pump curves, pipeline characteristics.

Course

Professional

The professional course goes deeper into the dredging processes and focusses on optimization of the output of the CSD.
All the knowledge from the previous levels is applied to enable maximization of the production. Practical situations are explained with the theory. Finally a connection is made with readings of the instruments and control consoles of the CSD simulator, and actions to be taken to improve the production

Dutch quality

Quick response

Reliable

Sustainable

Value for money

On location

Hands-on CSD simulator training

Since the CSD simulator is a mobile set-up, training can also be provided at a location chosen by the customer with assistance of an experienced dredge master and/or trainer. The trainee is able to execise the operation of the CSD with different lay-outs of the controls (controls in desks, or controls integrated in joysticks), different soils, and assisted by a trainer and/or dredge master.

Training

Agenda example

Wondering what our training days are like? We have listed below for each day what you can approximately expect.

Day 1

09.00 – 12.00

  • Pumping process, dredge pump drive systems, dredge pump characteristics and limitations:”• Reviewing the centrifugal pump and optimizing the pumping process by different factors (drive characteristics, speed of the dredgepump, differences diesel/electric drives on pump performance, etc.).
  • Vacuum limitations and how this can be influenced.
  • Observing cavitation and influence on pump performance.
  • Practical examples – what will be visible in reality and on the CSD simulator (such as caviting pump, engine effect, etc.) and how this can be affected.”

12.00-13.00
Lunch.

13.00-14.00
Simulator training.

  • Familiarize with controls.
  • Starting up.

14.00-16.00

  • Cutting process, estimating cutting productions, based on available cutter power, soil type and other conditions, such as available face, local conditions
  • Soil types and the relevant properties for cutting.
  • Local factors such as available face, swing angles, current, sea state.
  • Cutting patterns and how to optimize them, including optimal cutting speeds.
  • Practical examples – what will be visible in reality and on the CSD simulator (such cutting patterns, swinging in relation to face height and cutting force, etc.) and how this can be affected.
  • Estimating cutting productions, including estimates for spillage.

16.00-18.00
Free practice on simulator.

09.00 – 10.00
Continue and wrap-up of 2. The operation of the CSD.

10.00-12.00 Simulator training.

  • Starting a dredging project.
  • Start dredging in ‘standard’ conditions.
  • Every participant approx. 10 minutes of training. Feedback and advice.

12.00-13.00
Lunch.

13.00-15.00

  • Dredging processes and optimization of the output of the CSD.
  • All the knowledge from the earlier content is applied to enable maximization of the production. Practical situations are explained with the theory. Finally, a connection is made with readings of the instruments and control consoles of the CSD simulator, and actions to be taken to improve the production.

15.00-16.00

  • Simulator training.
  • Show different soil characteristics and consequences for the dredging process.

16.00-18.00
Free practice on simulator.

09.00 – 10.00
Continue and wrap-up of 3. The operation of the CSD.

10.00-11.00

  • Test of theoretical knowledge.
  • Pumping performance and limitations.
  • Cutting performance and production estimations.
  • Operation of the CSD
  • Dredging process and optimization of the output of the CSD.

11.00-12.00

  • Simulator training.
  • Show different circumstances and consequences for the dredging process.

12.00-13.00
Lunch.

13.00-17.00

  • Practical aspects of dredging and introduction of the business case.
  • How to offer and execute a CSD project in practice.

17.00-18.00
Free practice on simulator.

09.00 – 10.00
Wrap-up and explanation of CSD operator competition.

10.00-15.30

  • Business case and CSD Operator Competition (offering and execution of a project).
  • Select the required equipment for a dredging job.
  • Make a planning, cost calculation, etc.
  • Provide the most attractive offer in the tender process.
  • Incl. operation of the CSD – every participant to dredge 30 minutes (maximize production).”
  • Lunch during competition.

15.30-16.00
Graduation ceremony for successful participants, incl. price for winner of the CSD operator competition.