RIS & Pavaman: the hybrid shrimp roller

Dutch shrimp are renowned worldwide. The rubber rollers for shrimp harvesting were due for an update. The collaboration between RIS and Pavaman led to the development of the hybrid shrimp roller – a significant improvement!

The famous Dutch shrimp are caught off our beautiful coast in the North Sea and Wadden Sea. For generations, shrimp trawling in the Netherlands has involved using a shrimp beam trawl on both sides of the trawler. A shrimp beam trawl is a drag net kept open by a beam and towed across the seabed.

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rubber bobbins

THE SHRIMP BEAM TRAWL IN PRACTICE

Attached to the rigging is a bobbin footrope fitted with rubber bobbins (rollers) that drag along the seabed. The benefit of these rubber bobbins lies in their minimal impact on the seabed, achieved through rolling rather than dragging. As the bobbins move, they create vibrations that startle the shrimp, causing them to jump up from the seabed into the net. These rollers also keep the net off the ground, reducing bycatch of seabed fauna and debris.

preventing wear

TIME FOR A REDESIGNED MODEL

Good wear resistance and durability are essential for these rollers. Internal research revealed that various types of wear occur during their use. The rapid wear of the axle hole and flange causes the roller’s performance to degrade over time. This issue is exacerbated by debris accumulating between the axle hole, flange and roller. As the roller’s movement is hindered, the tread wears down faster, ultimately shortening its lifespan.

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PU meets rubber

RIS x PAVAMAN: A PERFECT MATCH

Worn rollers have significant consequences, as the net begins dragging along the seabed, increasing resistance and causing the trawler to consume more fuel. Additionally, more debris and bycatch end up in the nets, which is undesirable. The solution to these issues is the new hybrid roller, jointly developed by RIS Rubber and Pavaman. RIS Rubber, a producer of moulded rubber products, has been manufacturing rubber rollers for the fishing industry for decades. Pavaman, a specialist in polyurethane products, contributes years of experience and expertise with this highly wear-resistant material. Pavaman’s polyurethane products are used in pulse fishing with great success.

smooth sailing

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE HYBRID SHRIMP ROLLER

By combining the unique properties and benefits of both materials, we successfully developed a hybrid roller that is cost-effective and offers significant advantages over the solid rubber variant. The body and tread of the roller are made of rubber, while the core and flange are constructed from wear-resistant polyurethane. This combination ensures that the roller maintains smooth movement, reducing wear and extending its lifespan. Because these rollers do not drag along the seabed, the trawler consumes less fuel, bycatch is reduced, and less debris gathers in the net.

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