Levelling Up Load-out Operations

Efficient load-out requires a holistic approach, where equipment works in concert to quickly position the loading spout, load the material, and capture and reintegrate dust into the material stream. This creates an optimised load-out solution that leads to improved performance and streamlined operations. This article explores the importance of integrated load-out system design, emphasising seamless coordination, minimising downtime, enhancing safety, and maximising profitability for bulk material handling operations.

Maximising load-out efficiency with integrated loading spouts

Below, a comparison of DCL’s enclosed vehicle and open vehicle loading spouts will identify which type best suits different job requirements and how integration within a load-out operation leads to greater efficiency.

Both open and enclosed loading spouts feature an internal stacking mechanism with product control flow cones made from urethane or abrasion-resistant steel. The diameter of the loading spout opening directly impacts the volume of material being loaded. A larger spout is required for barges, ships, or pile loading in order to handle higher product volumes. In contrast, a smaller diameter spout is more appropriate for truck and railcar loading, where lower flow rates are being transferred.

Open and enclosed loading spouts can connect to a freestanding dust collector or an inline filter module with a vent-through design, maintaining a clean loading environment, minimising additional product handling, and creating an integrated load-out system.

Load-out systems for trucks and railcars

Compact loading spouts are invaluable in height-restricted spaces, making them well suited for rail and truck loadouts where available space is limited. DCL’s loading spouts can be customised for both open and enclosed truck or train loading applications and are maintenance-friendly. With an average loading rate capacity of 500 tph, they can fill trucks in five minutes or less. The use of a three-cable machined pulley system enhances stability and minimises the risk of misalignment. This setup is often combined with an inline compact filter module (CFM) for dust control, as well as a single or dual-axis positioner. These positioners allow flexible spout positioning directly at any point needed, reducing the need for precise vehicle alignment and improving operational efficiency.

For truck and rail loading applications requiring minimal movement, single- and dual-direction loading positioners offer an efficient solution, allowing 2 – 6 ft of movement along either axis to support a wide range of load-out operations. However, when larger coverage is needed, articulating arm positioners (APA) offer the flexibility to span areas up to 20 ft x 60 ft. These positioners allow operators to move the spout horizontally across multiple locations, making them ideal for loading open trucks and railcars, as well as ships and barges.

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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/special-reports/13122024/levelling-up-load-out-operations/