Manson completed a major retrofit of the cutter suction dredge H.R. MORRIS this year, replacing its main pump and drive motor system with a newer system that will boost efficiency and reduce emissions during dredging operations.
“The company recognized the demand for increased efficiency and jumped at the opportunity to upgrade the pump system,” says Brad Martin, Manson Vice President for Equipment. “The latest models of electric motor, motor drives, and pump systems offer higher output, lower operating costs, and shrink carbon footprint.”
Spearheaded by West Coast Equipment Manager Daric Latham, the effort kicked off with months of planning to coordinate regional personnel from Manson’s Equipment Department, Production Engineering Group, the crew of the H.R. MORRIS, and the Seattle yard crew—all ready to assist from both the operations and technical sides.
The advantage of early collaboration allowed the group to order the new pump, motors, and main electrical equipment in advance and gave additional time to consult with engineering experts Hagler Systems, Inc. and Affinity Power Systems to specify and finalize the size of the components.
In addition, the careful planning helped the collection of welders, mechanics, and electricians prepare for the physical aspect of the retrofit, while the Production Engineering Group used the extra time gathering their technical knowledge to refine the new system that will maximize the vessel’s efficiency.
The generator in the H.R. MORRIS engine room (left) and the new Phase Motion Controls magnet motors (right).
With technical support from Manson’s in-house engineering staff, crews spent several weeks removing multiple pieces of equipment from the dredge, including the main pump, wound-rotor motor, and liquid rheostat—a component used to adjust and control the amount of electrical current within the system.
Aside from the retrofit to the main pump, crews made other improvements throughout the dredge, including a remodel of the galley, office, and lever room; upgrades to the ladder and cutter motors, sensor, and antennas; and removing a structure for adequate operator visibility and better roof access.
“The remodel of several areas of the dredge will make our work easier and smoother—especially the lever room,” says H.R. MORRIS Leverman Tom Souza. “The lever room was completely gutted, and wiring in the ceiling was laid nicely, which improves access to the panels. Before the retrofit, we would have to cut out parts of the ceiling to make changes.”
The existing pump system was successfully removed in late July, with crews shifting and dedicating the next two months to the installation phase.
The new system includes two 3,000-hp A.C. permanent magnet motors from Phase Motion Controls, each equipped with state-of-the-art variable frequency drives that manage frequency and power. The systems operate a new GIW pump—U.S. brand of pumps engineered to handle liquids mixed with solid particles—that has a life expectancy of more than 25 years.
The upgrades will enhance the dredge’s performance capabilities on regional dredging projects, staying under the maximum emission allowances, which will allow the dredge to keep working while using less fuel—reducing emissions by more than 30% while powered by its onboard diesel generators.
With these updates and changes, the H.R. MORRIS maintains its place among a small group of electric-powered dredges capable of producing zero diesel emissions by plugging into shoreside power, bolstering green practices and sustainable energy.
“This project showcased the talent of Manson’s incredible regional crew and staff,” Daric says. “We have professionals here at the company that allow us to draw off of their experience, which helped the project come together nicely.”
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