| January,
2004
IMS
Launches 2004 Versi-Dredge Products
SOMERSET,
USA – IMS, a Division of Liquid Waste Technology (LWT), LLC,
is pleased to announce the complete updated design of the
entire IMS Versi-Dredge product line (Models 4010, 5012, and 7012.).
The improvements were a joint effort between IMS engineers,
LWT engineers, the IMS field service division, and long time
IMS customers. The results are a more user-friendly and
durable Versi-Dredge product line.
Our
customers have been great to work with,” said Kurt Syverson,
mechanical engineer of IMS. “Although our customers had no major
complaints and expressed their satisfaction with the patented
Starwheel™ Drive system and the versatility of the
Versi-Dredge, they requested that we make the hydraulic system
less complex, expand the cab, improve the deck layout,
increase cutterhead torque, and make the dredge less
susceptible to corrosion. All of these improvements and more
have been made.”
IMS
now has a floating field test facility at its factory. IMS has
used this extensively in developing the new Versi-Dredge
models.
Note
the improved freeboard - best in the industry -
Versi-Dredge shown at IMS test facility
Multiple Versi-Dredges are tested at IMS test facility
IMS
simplified the hydraulic system greatly without compromising
hydraulic flow and pressure that move key components. The
dredge pump now has its own stand-alone hydraulic system. All
of the carbon steel hydraulic lines that ran down the dredge
ladder to the pump and cutterhead are now stainless steel.
The
patented Starwheel™ Drive self-propulsion system also
underwent positive changes with the development of a more
robust drive system for the paddle wheels, using new
components. The results verified at IMS's testing facility
were a more user-friendly and reliable system, better able to
run continuously at full throttle in challenging environments.
The
Versi-Dredge operator station has been expanded by almost two
feet in width, and the entire front panel is clear glass
allowing the operator to view the cutterhead and pump without
standing up in the cab. In addition, IMS split the control
panel into two easy-view display panels located at the front
corners of the cab giving the operator more leg room and
making the dredging experience more ergonomically friendly.
Versi-Dredge
Split
Control Panel
The
deck of the Versi-Dredge has been cleared of trip hazards and
is considered the most user-friendly layout in the
transportable dredge industry.
Versi-Dredge's
Clean Deck
The operator has access to both
port and starboard sides of the power unit, and the deck is
covered with 3M non-skid safety tape that is easier on the
knees than steel or fiberglass grating
when maintenance becomes an issue. In addition to deck
improvements, the new Versi-Dredge has better flotation to
improve stability in winds and currents but without
compromising its easy transportability.
Dual
motors have replaced the previous single motor configuration
boosting the torque on all Versi-Dredge cutterheads. The extra
torque allows the dredge to perform in more compact materials
than before and increases the slurry rate to the boom-mounted
submersible pump.
Versi-Dredge
Cutterhead
Corrosion
was a really important issue we wanted to address since our
customers were using their Versi-Dredges in a wide variety of
environments including hazardous waste sites and salt water
applications,” said Jim Pflueger, general manager of IMS's
parent LWT. “We decided the best route would be to reduce
the amount of bolts and connectors by simply welding the
frame, hull, and gantries together, switching from a sectional
hull to a one-piece hull, and then to coat all water level
components with a 15 mil. coal tar epoxy.”
In
addition to customer driven improvements the Versi-Dredge
product line is meeting the latest environmental requirements
with Tier 2 EPA-compliant Cummins diesel engines on all
models.
IMS
has sold updated models of all three sizes to customers around
the world. The last two deliveries have included a contractor
in Russia, and the City of Cape Coral. The next scheduled
delivery is an Asian government. IMS is building units of all
three sizes for inventory and for clients. IMS also intends to
make units available for short-term rentals.
FOR
MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ryan Horton
Marketing Director
(913) 642-5100
(785) 218-9898 - 24 hrs
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