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As one of the first projects of 2019, Dredge Yard successfully delivered 50 heavy duty dredge ball joints to the Middle East for immediate use in the gulf region. These dredge ball joints are suitable for a thick pipe with internal diameter of 750mm at continuous pressure of at least 30 bar.

The ball joints are manufactured at Dredge Yard facilities in collaboration with our partners in the Republic of Turkey. The manufacturing process involves casting and heat treatment of all components, which is followed by machining to the finest tolerances. Some of our dredge ball joint benefits include:

Easy assembly and dis-assembly
Low maintenance required
Low friction between ball and gland due to grease grooves and polished ball and gland face
Replaceable liners made from wear resistant materials
Quick fix and release of locking

Dredge ball joint testing & quality control
To ensure high quality and durability, all of our ball joints undergo heavy testing and quality control. Dredge Yard team of engineers always supervise the manufacturing and testing process. Therefore, we can guarantee that all parts are delivered in accordance with Dredge Yard specifications and to customer’s satisfaction. Accordingly, each dredge ball joint component is tested both – separately, and in combination with the other parts. This ensures its functionality and interchangeability in the dredging field.

During delivery, dredge ball joints are tested at pressures, which exceed the maximum operating pressure on site. More specifically, several dredge ball joints are statically tested over 30 bar for a duration of one hour.

Additionally, one of the dredge ball joints is tested at a special facility in a so-called dynamic test. During the dynamic test, the dredge ball joint is fully pressurized up to 30 bar, while a movement of the ball joint is created by a hydraulic cylinder. We do this to simulate the forces encountered when in use, and ensure durability of the component under severe conditions.

Finally, dredge ball joints are used by welding the heavy-duty steel pipe to two parts of the ball joint. Thick heavy welds are applied in order to ensure that the complete system withstands the pressure of at least 30 bar and external forces such as currents, waves and wind.

Post purchase support
Following the thorough manufacturing and testing process, we delivered all ball joints to a customer in the Middle East. Ball joints were ordered for immediate use at a dredging project in the gulf region. Dredge Yard service team will follow up with the customer for continuous monitoring and support on the use of dredgers, as well as assist whenever needed.

Aside from dredge ball joints and other dredge components, Dredge Yard specializes in high quality, small to medium sized dredgers. We put special focus on high efficiency and innovative solutions in order to achieve lowest equipment prices, operational costs and impact on the environment.