SPI to deliver cutter head suction dredge for overseas mining operation

SPI/Mobile Pulley Works, Inc. (SPI), Mobile, Ala., has signed a contract to provide a portable cutter head suction dredge for an overseas mining operation.  The dredge platform is 248 ft long x 47 ft wide x 8 ft deep and comprised of seven independent pontoons bolted together to form the dredge.

The dredge is designed to ABS Rules for Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways.  The dredge platform is designed for the rugged service requirements of the remote mining operation and will be outfitted with a 30 inch suction pipe for the required service.

In addition to fabricating the dredge, SPI will use its 115 years of experience to manufacture castings and pump assemblies for the dredging industry.

The engineering package for the dredge design will be provided by naval architectural firm Downey Engineering Corp. (DEC) of Metairie, La.DEC worked closely with SPI in providing engineering support during the initial development of the dredge design.DEC will also provide all structural design, outfitting, mechanical and piping calculations and drawings.  DEC will be responsible for all equipment foundations including a full-vessel finite element analysis to resolve the stresses imposed on the deck and between the pontoons created by the operational loads.

February 9, 2011