Dredge simulators: an exciting tool for dredging training

• Introduction
• The basic training simulator
• The Dynamic Positioning/Dynamic Tracking system (DP/DT)
• Tunnel boring machines
• Hopper simulator for Jan De Nul
• An integrated simulator in Zeebrugge
• A cutter simulator for DEME
• A cutter simulator for Jan De Nul
• TID’s Beaver cutter suction dredger simulator

Introduction
Until some 20 years ago, the job of dredging operator was learned almost entirely on the job. The knowledge of how to operate dredging equipment was passed on from generation to generation, and operators learning the trade normally gained their experience by trial and error, on real dredgers and under real operating conditions. However, with both dredgers and dredging projects becoming rapidly more complex, the awareness grew that there was a need for another kind of training facility.
Furthermore, with it becoming increasingly financially important to have the dredging equipment efficiently operated at all times, the room for trial errors on real dredging projects was reduced to almost zero. It was soon recognised that the alternative would be training in a virtual environment, using simulators, a technology that was made possible by the development of computer systems,
during this period.

Read the whole article? Click the download link below.