Dredging ‘test circuit’ commissioned in Nijkerk

The slurry test circuit is a part of the DDE innovation program, taking the search for better dredging components to the next level.

The sediment transport test circuit simulates the harsh conditions of a dredging project. Various types of equipment can be tested here to establish their durability. The test circuit includes a dredge pump, the dredge piping and the sediment storage unit, all assembled on a 40’ flatbed container frame. Due to the Ø 250mm dredge piping, the circuit is one of the biggest test loops in the Netherlands. The standard test circuit length is 8m, but additional piping or flexibles can be mounted when the space is available

The Ø 250mm dredge piping bears a resemblance to the Damen product range, hence only minor scale effects occur. As more suppliers to the dredging industry need to investigate the durability and wear pattern of their components, the mobile unit can be shipped anywhere. The test circuit can also be shipped to a dredge site for production and wear estimations on specific challenging projects.

Members of the Dutch Civil Engineering Society (Vereniging van Waterbouwers) visited DDE’s Nijkerk yard, where the festive commissioning of the circuit took place.