All-in-one mobile ship-loader from Superior

New TeleStacker conveyor combines truck unloading and ship-loading capabilities in a single unit

SUPERIOR Industries Inc. have recently completed the development of a new TeleStacker conveyor for the loading of dry bulk cargo ships. The multi-purpose, highly mobile conveyor incorporates both truck unloading and ship-loading capabilities in a single machine.

‘Since expanding our TeleStacker conveyor to marine-based applications in the early 2000s, we’ve collected hundreds of data points, design preferences and functional requirements from operators and engineers,’ said Scott Gulan, sales manager at Superior. ‘We gathered all of their feedback and combined it with the knowledge we’ve gained to produce an impressive, multi-functional ship-loading conveyor.’

According to Superior, mobility is one of the most important features of the new TeleStacker conveyor. All-wheel travel capability means moves are easy within confined quayside and terminal sites, including carousel, crab, parallel, in-line and radial movements. Adjusting wheel positions takes less than a minute, which means moving from hatch to hatch or from storage to operation is fast and easy. Many movements can take place during active material handling to maintain consistent feeding of the ship.

Another important feature is the conveyor’s integrated truck-unloading system, whereby the ramps, hopper and conveyor are all connected to the tail end of the TeleStacker conveyor, thereby eliminating costly double-handling and preserve material quality from truck bed to ship’s hold. ‘As the unloading and loading machines are one, they move and operate seamlessly and neatly,’ said Mr Gulan.’

Several environmentally friendly features are also incorporated within the design. These include fugitive material reduction and collection systems, such as fully sealed transfer points and load zones, enclosed belting, drip pans, spray bars and dust-collection systems. The mobile conveyors are also quiet, compact and finished with corrosion-resistant coatings and hardware.

According to Superior, the ship-loading TeleStacker conveyor is best suited to the loading of Panamax vessels and can be conveniently packed into containers for overseas shipping. Models include units for both rear truck unloading and compact side unloading. The 170ft (52m) long x 42in (1,0565mm) wide conveyor belt is capable of handling up to 1,360 tonnes/h.