In spring 2021, the material flow and intralogistics experts installed a comprehensive, technically advanced ship loading system for bag loading in the port of Gdansk.
Polish sugar producer Krajowa Spółka Cukrowa S.A., which supplies 40 percent of the sugar produced in Poland, was faced with the challenge of loading its goods in 2,400 bags per hour in Gdansk. The vessels to be loaded can have a stowage capacity of 4,000 DWT to 35,000 DWT. The northern German company SMB International GmbH specializes in loading systems, conveyor technology and material handling and has been developing individual ship loading and barge loading systems for more than 25 years. The successful test loading of the sugar sacks took place in February 2021.
SMB International implemented a ship loading system that can be moved on existing rails. It is guided by a steel cable and controlled by a winch drive. The sacks, which are automatically filled in the adjacent building, reach the roof one after the other - like pearls on a string - via conveyor belts. The sacks reach the top of the boom and thus the spiral chute via belt systems and chutes. In order to be able to accommodate all widths of vessels up to 35,000 DWT, this cleverly designed chute can be moved 10 m on the boom via a power take-off drive. A further increase in the outreach is made possible by the telescopic conveyor belts, which are attached to the lower end of the spiral chute, the so-called loading head, and can reach a size of up to 8.5 m. Another highlight is that the spiral chute can be extended in a 2.6 m spiral. And with the swivel capability of the loading head, the continuous conveyor is able to reach all storage locations in all directions (360°) of the storage area. A hydraulic cylinder ensures that the spiral chute always remains in a vertical position, so that gravity transport of the bags into the belly of the ship is ensured.
Cost efficiency, flexibility and safety
SMB ship loaders are always individually designed for their future requirements and tasks as well as for long-term operation. SMB meets the special material requirements of bulk goods transport by using high-quality components and sets the highest quality standards right from the production stage. The entire development and design process takes place at the Quickborn site and the experts are also on site to provide support during commissioning and maintenance. The result is high-performance conveyor solutions that are designed for smooth, long-term operation with minimal energy requirements. In addition to a control cabinet container, SMB's scope of delivery and installation also includes software for all movements that enable an automatic loading process at any time of day or night. This is supported by manual operation of a radio remote control - separately for each part of the structure.
SMB International: The material handling specialists for intralogistics and special machine construction
The SMB Group in Quickborn creates sophisticated system solutions for worldwide use. SMB International is a leader in the planning, development and manufacture of customized products: Filling systems, storage systems, palletizers, robotics, conveyor technology and ship loading systems. The company has deliberately opted for a high proportion of in-house production at its site in Quickborn near Hamburg. Customer requirements can thus be realized quickly, specifically and with consistently high quality. In-house design and production form the basis for the high level of vertical integration, which guarantees reliability in terms of quality and delivery times. Service teams work nationally and internationally on extensive projects. The global sales network ensures fast and targeted information and coordination.