Components and systems laboratory
Due to the size and cost of modern dredging equipment, testing new technologies on full-scale models is financially unattractive. Therefore, dredge operators generally use scale models to ascertain the possibilities of current systems and for the development of new ones. This approach to innovation also applies to new pump designs.
The component and systems test laboratory has extensive facilities. These include a 300mm-pump test circuit with the necessary storage bunkers, valves and measuring instruments for pump tests and pipeline resistance tests. The test circuit can be operated with water or mixtures of soil and water. For test data acquisition and processing, up-to-date hardware and software is used.
The laboratory also offers the possibility to design and construct other test installations, such as scale tests for cutters and mineral processing plants or impact tests on liner materials.