Innovative filter technology enables clean cement logistics – a practical example
Efficiency and environmental compatibility have been important factors in global bulk goods logistics for years. Dust emissions pose a particular challenge when handling environmentally harmful powders and granulates – not only for the environment but also for workplace safety. The container loading system developed by Siloadmaxx® provides a solution that enables a closed, dust-free loading process – and faster than conventional methods of sea container loading.
To achieve these values, the Siloadmaxx system conveys all bulk materials pneumatically. The right mixture of conveying pressure and conveying gas volume is crucial to ensure that even granular materials or pellets end up in the sea container with as few “fines particles” and dust as possible. At the heart of these processes is a specially developed filter unit that ensures effective dedusting of over 1,000m³ of conveying gas per hour. Because when 1,000m³ of conveying gas is conveyed into a container with a volume of 33m³ at 35m/s, a lot of dust is produced, depending on the material. In the case of cement, up to 750kg of material is separated from the filtered air and fed back into the conveying flow. The filtered exhaust air is discharged into the atmosphere at a safe outlet point. The operator has two options for the filtered material: The material can be collected and disposed of (e.g. when loading plastic pellets, where fines should be kept to a minimum) or fed back into the conveying circuit (e.g. for materials that are already dusty, such as cement). The filtered dust is fed back into the material flow via a screw and rotary valve without interrupting the conveying process. This technological innovation makes it possible to completely fill a 20-foot sea container with, for example, a new type of clinker-free cement in just 40 minutes – under completely dust-free conditions.
Functionality of the Siloadmaxx filter
In practice: clinker-free cement efficiently packaged
A recent practical example demonstrates the efficiency of the Siloadmaxx® system: when exporting “green” cement, the combination of closed container filling and efficient filter technology proved to be the key to complying with strict environmental and occupational safety regulations. At the same time, the customer was able to benefit from the other advantages of transporting bulk goods in sea containers with liner bags. Especially with a product such as the innovative green cement, it was important that the transportation was as environmentally friendly as possible. Loading bulk goods into a container liner not only saves process steps. The amount of plastic required to pack the bulk material is 50% less than with conventional big bags (or FIBCs). In the case of particularly light bulk goods, the optimized payload can even save entire transports. The process steps that have been saved not only benefit the environment but also the operator’s wallet. The liner bag only needs to be connected once compared to the separate loading of 20 big bags (FIBCs). The time required to fill the container is significantly reduced.
The same advantages also apply when unloading the material at the receiving location. Only one connection point is required for unloading. Depending on the complexity and flow behavior of the material, different machines are available for unloading. Here too, dust generation is a decisive aspect. For less dusty and free-flowing bulk material, the “Junior Cube” with attached cartridge filter is sufficient. For less free-flowing material, the CQF with an additional side filter would be used. The Siloadmaxx filter is also suitable for this, as it can also be used outside the loading machine as a stand-alone filter solution.
Container Unloading Equipment Options
In this project, however, the customer opted for the premium solution. The fully comprehensive CES container unloading station. There is no need to construct a new building because all process steps take place in the weather-protected space of the CES station. A technology container houses the peripheral equipment required for unloading. If required, this can even include the compressor for generating the conveying air. Of course, the modular filter can also be installed here. This means that the unloading process is also dedusted and meets the highest standards from start to finish.
Siloadmaxx and WWTec have been developing these solutions for over 20 years. The machines not only enable customers to utilize the advantages of liner bags in container transport, they also go one step further. With safety in mind, Siloadmaxx offers machines with various additional options such as inflatable seal connections, liner pressure monitoring, dust filter and deflection systems, oxygen monitoring and much more. When it comes to safety, Siloadmaxx also specializes in explosion protection and offers machines for bulk material handling with ATEX certification.