Bottom discharge equipment

The key function of bottom discharge systems is to permit rapid and complete discharge of soil via the hopper bottom, offer reliable operation and a perfect bottom seal.

Bottom doors

There are broadly two variants; single and double, selected according to vessel configuration, discharge speed required and size of hopper. Both are of hinged, closed box-type construction and complete with necessary lifting eyes. They are operated by rods actuated by hydraulic cylinders generally mounted above the hopper. Surface smoothness ensures fast discharge and, if repairs are needed, they are relatively easy to remove from the ship.

Conical bottom valves

Conical bottom valves, available in aperture diameters from 1200 to 4500mm, consist of a valve assembly, a guide fin assembly, a valve seat built into the vessel bottom and an actuating mechanism. IHC Parts & Services conical bottom valves are also ideal when the bottom dumping function has to be added to a vessel after construction. Conical bottom valves mean discharge is particularly smooth, sealing is outstanding and discharge in shallow water is simple and convenient.

Self-suction channel doors

Self-suction channel doors are long narrow doors installed above the bottom doors forming the top side of the suction channel and hydraulically controlled generally by a chain mechanism from above the hopper.

Predumping doors

When a vessel must discharge hopper contents in waters that are too shallow to allow the bottom doors to open safely, pre-dumping doors can be used. These allow partial discharge to reduce the draft of the vessel prior to full discharge through the bottom doors. The actuating mechanism is generally through the bulkhead and placed in the void spaces. Alternatively a gate valve in the overflow support pipe can serve a similar function.

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