Morris Materials Handling Ltd has supplied an automated crane to replaced a manually-operated conveyor system at a UK cement factory.
The 1t capacity, 10m span double-girder crane moves fuel – in this case, tyre chips – from the tipping point to storage bins 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The crane system is more efficient and has more storage capacity than the conveyor belt, Morris claims.
The crane is automatically controlled by Morris-developed software. To cater for the demand of chipped tyre fuel required by the cement kiln, a remotely-operated communication control system sends operating instructions to the crane from the plant’s control room.
A laser scanning system is also incorporated within the crane’s design to analyse the profile of the tyre chips within the storage bins. Working in conjunction with grab positioning controls, this system enables the crane to automatically select and maintain optimum chip grabbing levels.
To protect the crane from its operating environment, Morris has fitted IP55 enclosures and full-length maintenance platforms along the girders. Morris has also installed a precautionary automated fault monitoring system to diagnose problems, aid maintenance and help maintain safe working conditions.
The crane computer system also operates two key-actuated lorry barriers. Working together with the crane’s automatic tyre level monitoring system, these barriers allow or restrict the access of lorries into the tipping pit areas.
