Delft University of Technology
Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Transport Technology
D. van Vliet Ontwerp van een meervoudig toepasbare bulkseparatie. Masters thesis, Report 97.3.TT.4858, Transport Technology.
European Bulk Services is a stevedoring company active in the Port of Rotterdam. The main activity of the company is the transhipment of dry bulk solids of agricultural origin (agri bulk) and mineral origin. Frequently the holds of bulk carriers contain more than one type of product. In such cases the (different products are separated, using a separation, made of light weight plastic and other disposable materials. While removing the final layer of product on top of the separation, a large reduction of unloading capacity is experienced together with an increase in labour intensity. The decrease of unloading capacity is mainly due to the fact that all material on the separation has to be removed, with equipment developed for this purpose only, before the separation itself can be removed. To increase the capacity, a method has been suggested in which the separation is made of strong and reusable textile segments. The segment can than be used to remove the bulk residue by hoisting the separate segments with a grab crane.
The purpose of this project is to engineer such a separation. The main characteristics of the design process are, determining the loads on the
construction, the calculation of the structural strength of the materials used, and determining the method in which the separation is used. Loads have been measured during prototype testing. The structural strength has been calculated, using a finite element model of a detailed part of the construction. The research has led to a design that complies with the program of demands. The proposed segment has the dimensions 7.5x7.5 m and is fitted with an unloading opening underneath, for controlled unloading. The suspension consists of eight lifting loops sewn on the textile structure. Hoisting of the segments is achieved by using cables (length: 3.5 m), which are attached to the grab of a crane. The application of a material such as Geolon results in a cost price of a complete separation that does not form an obstacle for introduction. Furthermore, a well considered introduction is achieved by further testing of the segments followed by certification of the design. The introduction of the new method does not require supplementary investments and equipment.
Reports on Transport Engineering (in Dutch)
