Page 82 - HUB-4 Magazine Issue 86

Material Handlers
Already having a substantial electric supply powering the asphalt plant, the installation of a suitable service for the 865E, although costly, was not as difficult as starting from scratch. The T-shaped jetty on which the machine sits was fitted with several intermediate sockets allowing the 865E to travel to its final working point with ease. Once on the 150m long jetty, a fixed cable was fitted to the material handler’s self-adjusting cable reel allowing the Sennebogen to travel freely up and down the entire length of the structure.
The Sennebogen uses a dedicated 250kW electric motor to power the standard hydraulic system. Not only does this reduce any requirement for refuelling and the potential hazards this incurs, but it dramatically reduces the maintenance required on the machine as there are fewer moving parts to worry about. Even though the machine is based in an industrial area, prevailing winds can easily distribute engine noises down the river to nearby residential properties. The electric Sennebogen almost reduces noise levels to zero with just the traditional noise from the hydraulic system being heard from this model.
Sitting on a mechanically extendible undercarriage, the 865E sits snugly within the sturdy edge protection to the sides of the jetty. The large upper structure sits high enough to slew freely over the handrails to both sides of the jetty with ample walkways and handrails ensuring safe and simple access to the components situated within. The elevating Maxcab Industry is the medium sized cab available for the larger models and gives the multiple operators ample working space
and excellent vision from the seat. As part of the package a stick mounted camera gives an unimpeded view into the holds of the vessels ensuring every last bit of material is removed. This screen along with the machine’s 360° camera screen and Xwatch XW4 height and slew restrictor screen still allow for a relatively uncluttered cab.
The 865E has a choice of boom and stick options with FM Conway choosing a B24 Port set up giving a potential ground level reach of almost 26m. “This was the ideal set up for us and allows us to safely service the variety of vessels we handle on a daily basis.” Mark commented. “We have chosen to fit a 3m3 Exstel clamshell which is proving to be an excellent choice for its reliability and durability.”
At the time of our visit, the wharf team were busy unloading the smallest vessel they receive, a 1500t capacity barge which was loaded just along the coastline at Northfleet with the larger coasters ferrying material from Northern Ireland. “We can empty this vessel in around 6-8 hours depending on the tides.” Site operations team commented. “This will increase to between 13 and 16 hours for the larger vessels.” The material is deposited into a large hopper situated over the conveyor which can be remotely controlled to move up and down the line allowing the 865E to reach it with ease from any operating position. “We have managed to increase our hourly output to around 420 tonnes per hour which has given us an increase in over 100,000 tonnes per annum compared to our older machine.” Darren commented.
Jo Barker-Collins is FM Conway’s Marine and Rail Replenishment Manager and commented, “Working closely with our material providers we have built up a system which has allowed us to increase productivity whilst managing costs. Running vessels into the site, even from Northfleet and Tilbury has significantly improved operational efficiencies for supplying material to the site, reduced our overall carbon footprint and together with an increase in the use of recycled base and topping material, has allowed us to reduce the quantity of virgin material needed at the site.”
The arrival of the Sennebogen has not revolutionised the plant, but it has allowed it to maximise its potential of self-sustainability in which FM Conway is building its future on.
| p82 |
www.hub-4.com May/June - Issue 86