Dust-free operations

Bruks Siwertell has completed the commissioning of a new Siwertell ST 640-M screw-type ship unloader in Houston, Texas.  Its undisclosed owners have switched from bagged to bulk deliveries of cement and building materials, and the totally enclosed, high-capacity ship unloader is supporting this transition.

“The operator was looking to expand its US operations,” explained Per Wahlström, contract manager at Bruks Siwertell. “For some time, it has imported bagged deliveries of cement, but bulk imports hold the potential for greater market impact.”

Continuous dust-free handling

Rail-mounted, the Siwertell unloader offers continuous dust-free cement handling at a rated capacity of 1,500t/h, with a peak capacity of 1,650t/h, discharging vessels up to 80,000 dwt. As it is totally enclosed, no dry bulk material is lost through spillage.

A new terminal has been constructed for the operator. The old quay had to be repaired, and to keep renovation costs as low as possible, the Siwertell unloading system had to be low in weight to minimise any reinforcement work from increased loads.

“The Siwertell unloader was an ideal choice for this terminal,” added Wahlström. “It was light enough to minimise these costs, but yet deliver the through-ship capacity that it required. Performance tests have gone to plan, and the operator is happy.”

Bruks Siwertell also supplied 1.6m-wide jetty conveyors, with a belt length of 192m.