Safe and user-friendly hatch opening systems on feed Fleets

When Ulstein Betong casts feed silos and fleet for demanding maritime environments, the details surrounding operation and safety must also be in place. On a new raft for Marine Construction in Ulsteinvik, Servi has been responsible for delivering complete electrical and control hatch opening systems for eight feed silos – from design and programming to a fully tested solution.

The result is an electric, app-controlled system that makes everyday life easier and safer for the crew and suppliers – both up in the silos and down on deck.

The mechanical assembly of actuators and hatches is carried out by Marine Construction. Servi supplies the equipment and is responsible for the entire electrical and control installation.

 

What have we delivered on the fleet?

In the video below (In norwegian), service engineer Christian Cubian presents the delivery.

The delivery from Servi includes, among other things:

  1. Delivery of electrically controlled actuators for each hatch

  2. Sizing and design of the electrical solution
     
  3. Cable routing and termination to and in the control cabinet

  4. Programming and commissioning of the control system

  5. Testing and fine-tuning of the entire hatch opening system

  6. Local control from deck via control cabinet for the hatch opening systems

  7. Remote control from bridge via app with visualization and status

Marine Construction is responsible for:

•    Mechanical assembly of actuators on the hatches
•    Adaptation of mechanical components on the fleet

How the hatch opening system works

The hatch opening system is built around electrically controlled actuators that open and close the silo hatches with precise control.

  • Each hatch has its own dedicated actuator that provides controlled and predictable movement
  • The service control system handles open/close commands, position and status
  • The solution is adapted to maritime conditions and rough use

On the opposite side of the feed cannons, the feed boat will dock next to the fleet.

From the bridge, the crew can use an app to:

  • Select the correct hatch

  • Open the hatch with one touch when the feed hose is to be lowered

  • Monitor the status and visualization of the hatch position

    This provides simple and intuitive operation for the crew – without them having to move unnecessarily on deck when feeding is about to begin.

Safety in focus: Pinch monitoring 

The top of the silos is often cramped, and people should be able to move around safely even when the hatches are being operated. That is why pinch monitoring is built into the solution. 

Through programming, testing and fine-tuning, we ensure that: 

  • The system monitors the area between the hatch and the frame
  • The actuators behave in a controlled manner and return if something gets pinched
  • The risk of pinching injuries to hands and fingers is significantly reduced 

This is a good example of how the right combination of electrical, automation and mechanical design can be used to ensure safety – even if the mechanical assembly is carried out by the customer or their supplier.

Local and remote control – flexibility for the crew 

To provide the greatest possible flexibility for operation and maintenance, the hatch opening system can be controlled from several locations:

From the bridge: 

  • App control with open/close command
  • Status display and visualization
  • Ideal for touch-free deliveries during normal feeding, deliveries can take place without crew on the fleet.

 

From the deck: 

  • Local cabinets at the hatch opening systems
  • Option for manual operation during service and control
  • Practical during inspection and maintenance 

The combination of local and remote control makes the system both safe, efficient and easy to work with for those responsible for operation and service.

More information on control systems?

Servi offers a comprehensive range of electromechanical components and systems. We possess in-depth application knowledge, which enables us to deliver tailor-made solutions adapted to your specific needs.

From design to fully tested system

Servi has been responsible for the entire electrical and control side up to the finished hatch opening system:

  1. Design and solution design
    a) Selection of actuators and control components
    b) Dimensioning of electrical system and control solution

  2. Electrical installation
    a) Pulling and termination of cables
    b) Connection to control cabinet and control system



3. Programming 
a) Setup of control logic for open/close
b) Implementation of clamping ring monitoring
c) Adaptation to customer operating patterns

4. Testing and fine-tuning
a) Functional test of each hatch together with the mechanical assembly of Marine Construction
b) Interaction test against app and visualization
c) Fine-tuning to ensure smooth and safe operation



A technician from Servi is seen installing and fine-tuning an electrical and control system in an industrial setting, demonstrating precision and expertise. | © Øyvind Welle

Robust solution for demanding maritime use 

Feed barges are exposed to tough stresses – weather, wind, salt and continuous operation. Therefore, it is crucial that the hatch opening system: 

  • Is robust and reliable

  • Has simple and logical interfaces for the crew 

     

  • Is built with service and maintenance in mind 

By combining our experience in electrical, automation and mechanical solutions, we can deliver systems that are both environmentally friendly and easy to operate over time.

Want to know more?

Do you need safe and user-friendly hatch opening systems for feed silos, rafts or other maritime installations?

Contact one of our professionals at Servi!

Contact us

Joar Sundgot
VP Systems sales
Rune Sandvik
Head of sales - HPU and system
Joakim Orskaug
VP Sales and tender - System
Karl Petter Tømmerstøl
Sales Ship Technic