Project Scope

Fully Automated, Self-contained Bulk Material Handling System Reduces Operator Interaction; Increases Process Capacity to 12,000 Pounds per Hour

This fully automated, self-contained, bulk material handling system completely manages material from the introduction stage, through discharge and conditioning, to downstream supply of finished material into manufacturing operations. Human interaction is limited to container loading and removal.

Project-Specific Engineering:

The NBE lift-and-seal carriage receives each 1,450-pound container and precisely aligns and seals it to the custom, stainless steel discharge hood using an automatic centering system. The 2,000-pound capacity lift carriage raises and rotates the container 180 degrees, ensuring complete material discharge. The 100 cubic-foot capacity, stainless steel receiving hopper with integrated agitator pre-conditions the material. A 9-inch diameter auger feeds pre-conditioned material to a high-capacity, dual-shaft size reduction crumbler for final conditioning of the material prior to pneumatic conveying to downstream process operations. High capacity, chain drive, live roller conveyors and 90-degree rotation turntables provide container indexing and accumulation. Electrogalvanized, zinc-coated, carbon steel conveyor rollers provide superior corrosion resistance and extended duty cycles in the harsh environment.

Project Performance:

Complete process automation engineering and integration, including controls, sensors, monitoring, and data reporting are all centralized to a single, menu-driven touch screen HMI, built by NBE. Legacy upstream and downstream equipment automation integrates with NBE automation to the facility's SCADA center.