Siwertell helps ABP Immingham unload

Manufactured and assembled in Italy, the type ST790-D screw type unloaders are equipped with slewable gantry tail conveyors. They will be used to discharge wood pellets and coal to supply the Drax power station. Both types of fuel will be unloaded at a rate of 1,200th.

ABP says it chose the Siwertell unloaders after observing a similar Siwertell unit in operation at Mersey Docks in Liverpool. “Our customer was impressed by the conveyor’s continuous high capacity, dust-free function and simple operation, even in wind speeds of up to 25m/s,” said Lars-Eric Lundgren, regional sales manager, Europe, Siwertell.

“One of ABP’s main stipulations was that the level of cargo degradation should not exceed accepted limits. We were able to offer firm assurances on this matter, supported by numerous successful tests carried out by independent surveyors, along with testimonials from satisfied customers,” he added.

This is the first Siwertell unloader delivery to the UK for combined coal/biomass handling and Siwertell says it could be the first of many similar orders as the government seeks to reduce the level of coal used in UK power plants.

“Pressure is building on UK companies to source more of their energy from renewable, low-carbon sources, and we anticipate a much greater demand for biomass used in combination with coal,” explained Mr Lundgren.

“Biomass in bulk handling has the potential for fire and explosion, so companies will be seeking to minimise those risks when selecting machinery to handle this mix of fuels. To ensure safe multi-fuel handling, Siwertell unloaders incorporate safety systems that were originally developed for sulphur handling. Furthermore, the economic benefits of investing in an unloader that can handle both coal and biomass without adjustment should not be underestimated,” he concluded