Check the cutterhead system
Cutterhead wear or clogging: Prolonged use can lead to cutterhead wear or clogging by sediment, affecting cutting efficiency.
It is recommended to regularly inspect the condition of the cutterhead and replace it if wear is severe (e.g., cutter suction dredgers from Shandong Shanchuan Machinery Manufacturing feature customizable cutterheads adapted to various operating conditions).
Rotation speed adjustment: Excessively low cutterhead speed (e.g., below 1200 rpm) may result in insufficient cutting force; the speed should be adjusted to the 1500–1800 rpm range depending on the soil characteristics.
Issues with Slurry Pumps and Pipelines
Reduced slurry pump efficiency: Check if the sand pump's rotational speed meets specifications (e.g., the sand pumps on Qingzhou Zhonghong Environmental Protection's dredgers operate at 650–750 rpm); insufficient flow may indicate impeller wear or seal leakage.
Pipeline blockages or leaks: Inspect the discharge pipeline for blockages caused by large particles or for air leaks at joints (air leakage reduces suction power). Qingzhou Shabawang dredgers utilize pipelines made of 6mm-thick steel plate, ensuring pressure resistance and leak prevention.
Matching Slurry Concentration with Discharge Distance
Excessive concentration: If the slurry concentration exceeds 20% (e.g., the applicable range for Weifang Jieke equipment is 10–20%), dilution or increased pump power is required.
Excessive discharge distance: If the distance exceeds the design limit (e.g., the maximum discharge distance for Huakun Environmental's dredgers is 2,000 meters), a booster pump must be added or the transport distance shortened.
Operational and Environmental Factors
Improper underwater depth: Ensure the dredging depth is within the equipment's operational range (e.g., 8–10 meters for Shengcheng Shipbuilding's dredgers); excessive depth can result in insufficient suction.
Unstable anchoring/positioning: Hull drift affects cutter positioning; the anchoring system must be checked (e.g., Jinyutong dredgers utilize anchor boats to assist with positioning).