Particle filtering for on-line estimation of overflow losses in a hopper dredger

A particle filter is applied to the estimation of overflow losses in a hopper dredger. The filter estimates online the overflow mixture density and flow-rate, based on the measurements of the total hopper volume, mass, incoming mixture density and flow-rate. These data are readily available on board of every modern hopper dredger. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that the particle filter uses straightforward nonlinear mass balance equations and does not rely on complex sedimentation models with uncertain parameters. The performance was evaluated in simulations as well as with real measurements and the results is encouraging. The filter can be used to improve parameter estimation in complex mechanistic models of the hopper sedimentation process and to facilitate decision making on board of the hopper dredger