STPM (Suction Tube Position Monitor)

Back to overview monitoring and control system.

The Suction Tube Position Monitor STPM enables the dredging master to verify and control the position of the suction tube in the vertical and horizontal plane, related to waterline and the ship’s hull. The system can be equipped with optionals for automatically maintaining dredging depth, communication with survey equipment and for geographical positioning.

Suction Tube Automatic Winch Controller

The Suction Tube Automatic Winch Controller is in fact an addition to the STPM and automates the control of the intermediate- and draghead winch with the following functions:

• Monitoring and control of the swell compensator’s position.
• Keeping the suction head at a desired dredging depth, either obtained from keyboard-setting or from a survey system.
• Maintaining the angle of the cardan joint within set limits.
• Lifting the suction head, when the lateral position of the suction tube will surpass adjustable limits.
• Variation of the depth setpoint on the basis of vacuum and density signals. This feature facilitates efficient silt dredging. The system can be extended for control from survey equipment and/or geographic positioning.