DSC Dredge, Teledyne, Trimble Debut New 3D Guidance And Visualization System
DSC Dredge LLC, a dredge equipment manager based in Reserve, La., has partnered with Teledyne Marine and Trimble to bring to market DSC Vision, a new 3D guidance and visualization system for dredging companies.
DSC Vision combines software from DSC Dredge and Teledyne, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning from Trimble and Teledyne Marine sonar technology, allowing operators to dredge with a new level of accuracy, confidence and efficiency, resulting in significantly reduced project cost and risk.
Without the system, dredge operators have to rely on experience, machine feel and instrumentation to ensure real-time productivity and post-dredging surveys for precise bathymetry.
DSC Vision integrates geographical dredge cutter head position and heading with multi-beam sonar imaging and mapping, dredge navigation and instrumentation, remote connectivity and monitoring, and a user display and software interface to correctly depict real-time dredge location, depth of the cutter head and topography of the bottom. Teledyne’s acoustic sonar provides real-time visual updates, leaving little to chance and allowing the operator to see the entire work area below the dredge.
This livestream of information and visualization helps eliminate over and under dredging, enhances operator safety and leads to higher production rates, lower energy consumption and reduced downtime. Other software-based systems rely on modeled information, which can be inaccurate and result in the need to revisit the work site.
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 also allows for remote access to the operator’s screen for training, troubleshooting and support, and real-time status updates from anywhere in the world. This feature also reduces downtime. With an easy-to-use interface, new operators can quickly and easily learn the technology, while experienced operators will benefit from increased efficiency and a higher degree of confidence.
DSC Dredge says all these features combine to offer dredge service providers a significant competitive advantage when quoting and operating on site, resulting in a growing return on investment.
“DSC Vision is a revolutionary product,” said William Wetta, senior vice president of product development and chief technology officer for DSC Dredge. “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 21st century. It’s going to allow customers to operate at a much higher rate and will ultimately benefit the entire industry.”
“Teledyne Marine has a long legacy of solving difficult challenges for commercial customers and government agencies,” Teledyne Marine Vice President for Emerging Markets & Business Development Ted Germann said. “We’re very pleased to now be working alongside DSC Dredge and Trimble to apply our underwater imaging technology to this new and exciting application to provide operators with real-time eyes below the waterline.”
DSC Vision comes in two versions: a base model for aggregate and other basic dredging operations and DSC Vision Survey, designed for larger projects that require survey-grade sonar data. The system is easily upgradable by swapping out the sonar if project needs change over time.
DSC Vision can be installed on DSC’s cutter head dredges off the assembly line or retrofitted to any existing dredge, whether manufactured by DSC or another builder. Units are already at work in the field, with additional packages on order.
