Onderzoek naar de overslag van kolen en ertsen via BUKA 2 (summary)

Delft University of Technology

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Transport Technology

B. de Nekker Onderzoek naar de overslag van kolen en ertsen via BUKA 2 Masters thesis, Report 98.3.TT.4988, Transport Engineering and Logistics.

Since the moment that the first blast furnace was lighted on January 1924, the annual production of iron of Koninklijke Hoogovens N.V. has reached 5.800.000 ton in 1997. All of the iron ore and coal is imported by bulk carriers and unloaded at Buka 2 by three 40 tons grab unloaders. The total import of material in 1997 was 13.500.000 ton, which will grow to approximately 15.000.000 ton in 2010.

The existing grab cranes are in use for about 30 years, so their life is almost over. The purpose of this research is to give a clear vision of the future requirements for Buka 2. There will be looked at other unloading technology also, where the accent lies on the required capacity, environmental aspects and the occupancy of the future quay.

An analyses of the terminal occupancy is carried out, which results in the conclusion that the capacity of the existing unloading quay is insufficient for the future.

The evalution of the different unloading installations results in a continuous unloader with bucket wheel and pocket belt for coal as the best solution. For iron ore only the grab crane is an option. So the future of Buka 2 exists of two grab unloaders and one continuous unloader.

It is advisable to start further research to the berth occupancy by means of a computer simulation, in which the influence of different unloading capacities on the time in berth of the ships is searched out. It is also very important to carry out an examination of the quay structure.

It will also be of use to organise a brainstorm session for a more accurate review of the different unloading installations and the quay alternatives. It is also advisable to take a closer look at the possibilities of a separate conveyor route for coal form the quay to the coal stack. To reduce spillage and dust of a grab, it can be useful to investigate the possibilities of a clamshell grabs. Also semi-automatic grabs can be of great use. The last advice is to find out what is required adjustments tot the continuous unloader so that it can unload coal.

Reports on Transport Engineering and Logistics (in Dutch)