Belt conveyor system
A frequently-used solution for the transshipment of bulk
solid materials is a belt conveyor system. A schematic
view of such a system is shown in Figure 4.18. A truss
structure is used to position the end of a conveyor belt
directly above a vessel’s cargo hatches. The material
(drawn in blue) is fed from the platform and carried by
the conveyor belt to the end of the truss structure and is
discharged into the vessel.
Advantages
• A belt conveyor system is a continuous loading system,
which ensures a very stable and controllable transshipment
regime.
Disad vantages
• As can be seen in Figure 4.18, the range of this system
is limited by the supporting structure. The transport
vessel needs to be within the range of the belt conveyor
and, while within this range, it is vital that the
transport vessel and platform do not collide.
• The belt conveyor system is positioned above the
transport vessel. Therefore, to avoid potential
damage, it needs to be high enough so that it does not
make physical contact with the transport vessel due to
weather conditions presented in Chapter 2.