Dredging & Marine Pipelines
Offshore mining presents many challenges and the undersea hoisting of ore from the sea bed to mining vessels is crucial to such operations.
We have done extensive work on the design of offshore pumping systems using air lift pumps, remotely operated vehicles, pressure exchange systems, and conventional centrifugal pumping. The design of marine and subsea pipelines requires a thorough understanding of the material transport requirements and correct equipment selection for the harsh environment.
We have extensive experience in the design of coastal and inland dredging applications, sand bypass systems, beach replenishment pipelines, as well as inshore and deep-sea mining that include seabed pumping systems mounted on remotely operated vehicles, and pressure exchange systems designed for ultra deepwater mining applications.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Marine Pipeline Projects from around the world
This design makes use of dredger vessels which transfer reclaimed sand into a hopper for temporary storage, from where it is then pumped onwards to the Durban Beach Feeding Scheme. The project included a temporary system while the harbour entrance was widened, and thereafter a permanent system including the sand hopper and multiple pump stations. The scope of work included the detail design, engineering, specification, procurement, and construction assistance and commissioning of the system.
We were responsible for the commissioning of water pumps, jet pumps, sand transport pumps, and the pipeline, as well as modification of the control system for the Ngqura harbour. We provided further design and engineering services for system modifications, improvements, and maintenance issues. We also conducted a study for the expansion of the existing system.
We have worked extensively on sub-sea mining systems off the west coast of Southern Africa and evaluated a range of sub-sea mining options and pumping systems, as well as on-board process requirements of the mined material to discard reject materials.
We completed a detailed design for the replacement and upgrade of a deep-sea tailings placement system. The scope for this gravity-fed system included an upgraded seawater dilution pipeline, dilution water pumping station, control system, and a replacement ocean outfall pipeline.
