Field Tested & Approved:
|
|
Since the inception of the Starwheel technology, IMS has
rigorously field-tested the system to work out any mechanical flaws or
potential problems the customer might face during a project. Today,
the system is error-free and has been proven by customers around the globe
in a wide range of materials and difficult applications. IMS customers
will attest to the functionality and efficiency of the STARWHEEL Drive
self-propulsion system.
|
|
|
Functionality:
|
| First, it is important to understand what the STARWHEEL
Drive system is and how it functions. The system consists of two
independently-driven Starwheels that articulate separately from each
other. Each unit has an inner and outer star-arm mounted to the
floats on pivot pins and united with a rear cross member. Mounted to
each cross member is a hydraulic motor, gearbox and a Starwheel.
Each individual unit is raised and lowered separately via a winch and
cable system. The hydraulic lines run from the valve bank, to the
pressure gauges, and then streamline down the star-arms to the crossover
relief values, and into the Brevini motors. The motors turn the
gearboxes, and the gearboxes turn the Starwheels. The Starwheel system
operates within a range of 750-2,500 psi with relief pressure set around
2,600 psi. |
| |
Operating on the Surface:
|
| On the surface, the Starwheels act as paddlewheels, moving
the dredge as a boat. This works well while dredging in floating
materials, sludge, and soft material bottoms. |
| |
Operating on the Bottom:
|
| By putting the wheel on the bottom, they act as a positive
traction drive system using the edges of the Starwheel paddles to grab the
bottom and propel the dredge. This allows the operator to use the
dredge in mild currents (4 knots or less) and wind (20 mpg or less). With
the Starwheels on the bottom, you are also able to make deeper cuts in
harder materials like sand, clay, thick mud, etc. as there is greater
pushing force available. With the ability to easily, independently
raise and lower each Starwheel unit, you can easily maneuver the dredge
over uneven bottoms. |
| |
The STARWHEEL Advantage:
|
| As you can see from the above, STARWHEEL Drive technology
is a very versatile propulsion system. Also, the STARWHEEL Drive
system is more cost-efficient by reducing required man-hours for setup and
operation, allowing location changes to occur much faster results in
increased production. The STARWHEEL Drive system also allows you to
easily work areas not readily accessible by spud and cable dredges, like marinas.
For example, a swampy area with a soft bottom: A cable-driven dredge
would not have a place to anchor its cables, and a spud dredge might have
difficulty anchoring itself or maneuvering around various obstacles like
vegetation. Another example would be a marina. The cable
dredge would require blocking off part of the marina and moving boats
around, as well as frequent relocation of the cables. A spud dredge
would require dismantling the slops to get to those areas. Both of
these options would drastically increase man-hours required to complete
the job versus the man-hours required utilizing an IMS dredge with the
patented STARWHEEL Drive self-propulsion system. |
| |
Still not convinced?:
|
| So, is the Innovative Material Systems STARWHEEL Drive
self-propulsion system a revolutionary innovation in the dredging
industry, or is it a sales gimmick? Given the increased
maneuverability and flexibility over other types of dredges while maintaining
strong production rates, not to mention the cost savings, we feel that it
has revolutionized the way people dredge. If you want to see for
yourself, then call us today and make an appointment to test drive a self-propelled
VERSI-DREDGE. |
| |
