New level of accuracy in dredging with DSC VISION

DSC Dredge, Teledyne Marine and Trimble have joined forces to create DSC VISION – an innovative, easy to operate 3D guidance and visualization system that allows operators to stop dredging in the dark.

This combination of DSC Dredge and Teledyne software, Trimble GNSS positioning and Teledyne Marine sonar technology delivers a package that allows operators to dredge with a new level of accuracy and efficiency – resulting in significantly reduced project cost and risk.

There are several components that control the precision of DSC Vision.

The level of corrections on the GNSS equipment is one of the most influential. The base GNSS system does not provide a precise cutter head or sonar location. There are two different levels of RTK and one RTX corrections that can bring horizontal and vertical precisions into the 2 to 3 centimeter range.

Additionally, an RTK base state provides even more precise accuracy. On the sonar side, the imaging multibeam sonar return is “evaluated” to produce bathymetric data. Available is a true 256 or 512 precision multibeam option that is as accurate as sonar technology permits.

Prior to DSC VISION, operators relied on dredging experience, machine feel and subjective instrumentation for ensuring real-time productivity and post dredging surveys for precise bathymetry or stockpile measurements and accurate mine planning.

The new system integrates geographical dredge cutter head position and heading, multi-beam sonar imaging and mapping, dredge navigation and instrumentation, remote connectivity and monitoring, and a user graphical display and software interface that correctly depicts the current dredge location, depth of the cutter head and topography of the bottom.

The inclusion of Teledyne’s acoustic sonar, provides critical real-time visual updates, leaving little to chance, as the operator can see the entire work area below the dredge, allowing them to react accordingly.

DSC said that this eliminates various concerns such as over dredging, under dredging and operator safety, which leads to higher production rates, lower energy consumption and reduced downtime.

All collected DSC VISION data is stored into a comprehensive map of the dredging area or mine site for computation, historical documentation and future planning.

The software allows for remote access to the operator’s screen, which enables on the fly training, system troubleshooting and support, and status updates from anywhere in the world. This feature reduces downtime and further increasing project efficiencies.  

DSC Dredge said that “the easy-to-use operator interface allows even new operators to quickly and easily understand and adapt to the technology; while more experienced operators work even more efficiently and with a higher degree of confidence.”

William J. Wetta, SVP of Product Development and Chief Technology Officer at DSC said: “By partnering with Teledyne and Trimble, both experts in their fields, we’re coming out of the gate with best-in-class, proven technologies that combine to deliver a powerful integrated solution. The DSC Vision package is going to move dredging into the twenty-first century. It’s going to allow customers to operate at a much higher rate and will ultimately benefit the entire industry.”

DSC VISION has two versions to support the wide spectrum of dredging applications: 

• DSC VISION – meant for aggregate and other basic dredging operations;

• DSC VISION Survey – used for larger projects the require “survey grade” sonar data.

The base system is easily upgradable by swapping out the sonar if project needs should change or evolve over time, said DSC.

This system can be installed on DSC’s full line of cutter head dredges right off the assembly line, or can also be retrofitted to existing DSC dredges or any other manufacturers’ dredge in the field.