Dredging partnership picks up good vibrations

The programme is based on eight measurement technologies, including vibration measurements. Vibration measurements are conducted with special equipment that is used on the main rotating parts on board, such as pumps and gearboxes. This makes it possible to detect anomalies in the tight tolerances of the high grade rotating parts at an early stage and then to analyse them. Using the analysis, the best time to replace particular parts can be forecast or a decision taken as to whether repairs are needed. To develop the vibration measurements component further, IHC Merwede is combining its expertise in the area of the design, production and maintenance of ships with Pruftechnik’s knowledge in the area of condition and vibration measurements.

‘We are picking up more and more signs from the dredging market that prevention is better than cure, said J. Hylkema, the Divisional Director of Technology & Services at IHC Merwede. ‘The basic thinking is that preventive maintenance can prevent most unplanned dredger shutdowns. We supply the IHC Condition Monitoring Programme as part of the IHC Life Cycle Support concept’.

Pruftechnik has an established reputation in the area of the development and production of instrumentation for laser alignment and condition monitoring. An important component of its expertise relates to vibration analysis and rotating equipment. Both IHC Merwede and Pruftechnik have an extensive network that they use to provide global service. Bringing their specific specializations together will allow the two companies to establish a unique expertise combination that will safeguard top flight services for vibration measurements as part of IHC Life Cycle Support.