Marine Link
Friday, March 29, 2024

New Cutter Suction Dredge: Modern and Efficient

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

September 2, 2015

  • Image: Ellicott Dredges
  • Image: Ellicott Dredges
  • Image: Ellicott Dredges
  • Image: Ellicott Dredges Image: Ellicott Dredges
  • Image: Ellicott Dredges Image: Ellicott Dredges
  • Image: Ellicott Dredges Image: Ellicott Dredges
Ellicott Dredges, LLC has debuted a new design 20” (500 mm) cutter suction dredge, the Series 2070 Dragon dredge. 
 
Aiming to take advantage of modern, up-to-date technology and advanced design techniques, the new dredger unit will eventually replace the Series 1870 Dragon as Ellicott’s standard and in-stock 20” dredge.
 
“This is a truly modern and efficient design without any sacrifice of the versatility, long life and high production rates that owners of the 1870 have come to expect,” said Paul Quinn, Vice President of Sales for Ellicott. “With over 18 months in development, this is the most thoroughly researched and developed design that Ellicott has ever had.”
 
Like the 1870, the 2070 Dragon supplies ample power to the pump using a dedicated engine rated at 1,300 HP (970 kW) and has a separate 440 HP (328 kW) engine dedicated to the hydraulic system, Ellicot said. This dual-engine system allows for full hydraulic power to the cutter and winches, even when reduced RPMs on the pump are called for – something single-engine dredges cannot do.
 
All engines are from Caterpillar and meet all current air quality standards.
 
The new hull was designed to meet BV Rules for Sheltered Waters. The new design criteria allows for increased portability and easier construction in the field, Ellicott said, adding it accomplished these goals by reducing the number of side pontoons from four to two. In addition, the dredge uses a new, simplified bow gantry design.
 
Another improvement is the hydraulic system, which is now based on variable displacement pumps. This approach allows for lower HP input and thus less fuel usage to get the same hydraulic power to the devices. The 2070 is also equipped with a modern electric over hydraulic control system using Parker IQAN controllers for increased reliability.
 
Options such as anchor booms, spud carriage or swivel elbow discharge can be added.
 
With its design to BV Sheltered Water rules, 20” (500 mm) discharge, 50’ (15 m) digging depth, and improved portability, the Series 2070 Dragon is suitable for a variety of applications, including harbor, river and waterway dredging, land reclamation projects, sand mining, and mining and tailing pond assignments.
 
2070 Dragon Dredger
Total Installed HP/KW: 1,740 HP (1,297 kW)
Main Engine: CAT C32 Diesel Engine, 1,300 HP (969 kW)
Auxiliary Engine:  CAT C15 Diesel Engine, 440 HP (328 kW)
Cutter Power: 250 HP (186 kW)
Pump Power: 1,200 SHP
Overall length: 111 ft (34 m)
Digging Depth: 50 ft (15 m)
Suction Pipe Diameter: 20 inch (508 mm)
Discharge Diameter:  20 inch (508 mm)
 

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week