Title: Characterising dredgeability of aggregate deposits for clamshell dredge

Authors: Bismark Akwasi Osei; Kwame Awuah-Offei

Addresses: Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla), McNutt Hall, Rolla, MO 65409, USA. ' Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla), McNutt Hall, Rolla, MO 65409, USA

Abstract: The lack of metrics to assess clamshell formation dredgeability limits the ability of engineers to predict the dredgeability of compact material and increases the risks associated with clamshell selection. Work done and motor energy are possible dredgeability metrics that can be estimated using micro-processor based machine monitoring. The objective of this work was to test the hypotheses that work done by the pistons during dredging, by a hydraulically actuated dredge, is a better predictor of clamshell dredgeability than motor energy. The research hypothesis was tested by comparing the measure of uncertainty surrounding mean estimates and the coefficient of variation. From this work, it can be concluded that work done is a better predictor of formation dredgeability than motor energy.

Keywords: dredgeability; clamshell dredging; aggregates; sand; gravel; compact material; machine monitoring; work done; pistons; hydraulically actuated dredges.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2011.045473

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2011 Vol.3 No.4, pp.316 - 328

Published online: 17 Feb 2012 *

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