TUG/BARGE COUPLER MODELS
Intercon ATB couplers are available in a range of sizes allowing efficient and safe matching of tugs and barges. Tug characteristics - displacement and length, in particular - are the primary data needed for connection load analysis, and coupler selection. The chart shown here displays the approximate application range of Intercon coupler systems.
INTERCON COUPLER NOMINAL DATA
| |
Model 24 |
Model 34 |
Model 50 |
Model 64 |
Model 72 |
| Specifications |
|
|
|
|
|
| Ram Diameter |
24 in. |
34 in. |
50 in. |
64 in. |
72 in. |
| Approximate Installed Weight* |
89,000 lbs. |
100,000 lbs. |
225,000 lbs. |
325,000 lbs. |
400,000 lbs. |
| Drive Options |
C-Drive |
C-Drive |
Standard Drive
or
C-Drive
|
Standard Drive
or
C-Drive
|
Standard Drive
or
C-Drive
|
| Interface Head Options |
Hex-Tooth |
Hex-Tooth |
Multi-Tooth
or
Tooth-Friction
or
Wave
|
Multi-Tooth
or
Tooth-Friction
or
Wave
|
Multi-Tooth
or
Tooth-Friction
or
Wave
|
| |
| Approximate Performance |
|
|
|
|
|
| Engaged Force Generated |
100,000 lbs. |
200,000 lbs. |
300,000 lbs. |
300,000 lbs. |
300,000 lbs. |
| Rate of Travel |
30 IPM |
46 IPM |
150 IPM |
118 IPM |
118 IPM |
| |
Minimum Installation Envelope (Tug)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Beam |
24 ft. |
27 ft. |
32 ft. |
36 ft. |
41 ft. |
| Height |
8 ft. |
8 ft. |
8 ft. |
8 ft. |
10 ft. |
| Bow to Stern |
8 ft. |
8 ft. |
12 ft. |
12 ft. |
12 ft. |
*A portion of the installed weight replaces side shell and bulkheads on the tug.
Interface Heads
Intercon couplers can be customized for various types of service. There are four basic styles of interface heads that mount to the ram and provide connection to a barge's ladder surfaces.
| Hex-Tooth |
Multi-Tooth |
Tooth-Friction |
Wave |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
- Hex-Tooth - Standard interface head for Model 24 and Model 34 couplers. The hex-tooth profile provides a fixed connection between the vessels. It is used where lightering is not required.
- Multi-Tooth - Standard interface head for Model 50 and higher couplers. The multi-tooth profile provides a fixed connection between the vessels. It is used where lightering is not required.
- Tooth-Friction - Provides the fixed tooth performance, but also allows for lightering by rotating the helmet 90 degrees in calm water and reconnecting utilizing a smooth friction interface. Sea state restrictions apply to the friction mode.
- Wave - Provides secure unrestricted service, while allowing lightering operations without complete disconnection from the barge. This connection style requires Intercon's C-Drive actuation.
Coupler Drives
Two types of coupler drives are offered. The Standard Drive (multi-motor) style incorporates a high speed motor for rapid ram travel, and a low speed motor to develop high engagement forces at a slower travel. The C-Drive style incorporates one electric motor for rapid travel which provides initial engagement. Hydraulic pressure then develops high engagement forces. Both types of drive provide mechanical engagement to keep the vessels connected even if power is lost.
Intercon welcomes your inquiry regarding the type of connection and drive that would best serve your ATB mission. Application analysis, coupler sizing, and model testing support, if needed, are provided by Intercon's Engineering Department.