Bulkagram 21, Sep 9, 2023 :
EXPORT TERMINALS:
Having invested in an import terminal, most operators would like to build in flexibility to enable these terminals to be operated as an Export Terminal also. To operate a small Import Terminal as an Export Terminal is not difficult provided the equipment is properly selected. If you consider unloading equipment that has pneumatic suction and screw out-load, it is a simple matter to configure the equipment both for Import and Export operations.
First, we assume the export vessel will between 10000 to 15000 DWT
TYPICAL EQUIPMENT FOR BOTH IMPORT AND EXPORT TERMINALS :
LOADING
The loading equipment in a combined Import / Export terminal will include suitable ship loading equipment and equipment to move the export bulk material cargo from the silo terminals to the jetty or wharf to the loader.
Transferring material to the ship’s hold: The ideal ship loader should operate at relatively high capacity in a dust free environment. It should be noted that pneumatic loading has inherent problems of dusting at the loading point. The ideal loading system is a mechanical loading unit using covered belt conveyors with a shuttle boom ending in a vertical telescopic loading spout reaching down into the ship’s hold. In small terminals, such equipment should be modular, mobile and flexible. If the terminal is handling difficult to flow fine powders, suitable aeration systems must be installed to ensure troublefree silo discharge. If the terminal is to be only for cement or fly ash for example, matters are relatively easier since cement and fly ash are very good materials for handling both pneumatically and mechanically.
STORAGE: Storage equipment built dockside is used for both import and export.
For small terminals, the dockside storage would be about 15 – 20% more than the size of the incoming and outgoing vessels. Flat Storage suitable for one material may not suitable for others. Please consider professional opinion in cases where there are wide diversities in the flow and storage properties of the bulk material being handled in the terminals. Since storage would be one of the major requirements of any terminal small or big, the lowest cost storage method can be used depending on the product handled in the terminal.
- FLAT STORAGE: For cement, the lowest cost option would be the flat storage system for storage in the range of 5000 to 50000 MT. Till date, major deterrents for using flat storage has been the requirement of land. The other relative disadvantage would be the need to use fully enclosed and air conditioned front end loaders for reclaiming cement from the flat storage which is the conventional method of doing so.
- FLAT STORAGE: For cement, the lowest cost option would be the flat storage system for storage in the range of 5000 to 50000 MT. Till date, major deterrents for using flat storage has been the requirement of land. The other relative disadvantage would be the need to use fully enclosed and air conditioned front end loaders for reclaiming cement from the flat storage which is the conventional method of doing so.
- BOLTED SILOS: Bolted steel silos are modular silos consisting of bolted panels. The entire panel manufacturing cycle is automated and hence can be delivered faster and at low cost. Their high quality and strength are superior to fabricated welded silos at prices that are lower. Erection at site is quick and inexpensive and does not need heavy cranes and lifting equipment.
- BOLTED SILOS: Bolted steel silos are modular silos consisting of bolted panels. The entire panel manufacturing cycle is automated and hence can be delivered faster and at low cost. Their high quality and strength are superior to fabricated welded silos at prices that are lower. Erection at site is quick and inexpensive and does not need heavy cranes and lifting equipment.
- DOME STORAGE:For a variety of materials other than and including cement, the dome is another viable option. Domes are self supporting and do not take very long to install . Land requirement is about 25% of the land area required for flat storage. Apart from a ring beam and rebar for the diameter of the dome, there is hardly any civil work required.
Domes are economical for storage capacities beyond 30000 tonnes. The dome structure is created by pouring the cement grout over reinforcement steel which is formed in the shape of a dome. Inflatable fabric is used to support the re-bar as the grout is poured thus eliminating the need for expensive scaffolding.
- DOME STORAGE:For a variety of materials other than and including cement, the dome is another viable option. Domes are self supporting and do not take very long to install . Land requirement is about 25% of the land area required for flat storage. Apart from a ring beam and rebar for the diameter of the dome, there is hardly any civil work required.
- DUST FREE ECO HOPPERS: These hoppers can hold from 130m3 upward of material. They are fitted with Dust Caps to control dust and can be made mobile to park near the ship.
