Bottom Discharge Equipment

Speed and simplicity

Bottom discharge systems permit rapid and complete discharge of soil via the hopper bottom. The two main types are bottom doors and conical bottom valves. They are an integral part of hopper design, normally installed when a vessel is built but also as retrofit. Besides these two main types, pre-dumping doors and self-suction channel doors can also be installed in the hopper bottom.

• Bottom doors
• Conical bottom valves
• Pre-dumping doors
• Self-suction channel doors.

All doors and valves that are used in the hopper bottom are simple and robust designs. The materials of choicevary according to soil character and wear properties. Good sealing of the bottom doors prevents loss of cargo, which can also result in propeller damage. To ensure a long life, all of the vulnerable parts are kept above the waterline. The designs of bottom discharge systems are carefully balanced with the nozzles and jet pumps to ensure fast hopper discharge.