PLM Cranes to Build New Bucket Wheel Unloader for IHC Dredger

PLM Cranes BV, a Dutch company specializing in designing and manufacturing custom cranes for dredging, stevedoring, bulk handling, heavy lift and offshore applications, has won a contract to build new bucket wheel unloader (BWU).

Under the agreement, this new BWU, with an unloading capacity of 2500m³ per hour, will be mounted on a custom built rail undercarriage on an IHC dredger.

This piece of equipment is an essential component in the efficient operation of the dredger, as it allows to unload the entire hopper to shore in only two hours, ensuring short port stays, the company said in its announcement.

The entire hopper is free of obstructions and shaped to accommodate the ten-meter wide bucket wheel, which is moved fore-aft on a trolley over rails and then lowered a bit after each fore-aft pass. The bucket wheel discharges onto a conveyor system, which consists of several conveyor belts, the last of which is mounted on a 60 meter long crane.

This allows discharging either over the side or over the bow, to the shore reception facilities.

The PLM BWU 2500 unit will be operational during the beginning of 2018, PLM said.

Facts about the BWU 2500:

• Unloading capacity: 2500m³/hour;
• Material: sand and gravel;
• Bucket wheel diameter: 10.6m;
• Construction weight: approx. 300t;
• Mounted on PLM rail undercarriage;
• Electric hydraulic driven.

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