Bucket-wheel excavators for combined stacking and reclaiming are efficient in handling bulk materials such as pellets, fine ore, coal and coke. Although the diversity of the bulk material makes the automation very challenging, iSAM was successful in developing the first autonomous, driverless stacker/reclaimer for iron ore and coal handling in the late 1990s. This solution is based on a combination of 3D laser and GPS technology which has already proven itself over 15 years and is today in use also in iSAM autonomous ship loading and unloading systems.
The highlights of the iSAM solution
Real-time terrain model
of the whole stockyard
Output
at least comparable to values that can be achieved in manual mode
Operation
of all stacker/reclaimers from a central control station
Neat representation
of the overall stockyard with color-coding for stockpile heights; support for a simple terrain and job planning
The advantages of the system
Significant reduction in personnel costs: One operator in the central control station handles six stacker/reclaimers and two train loading stations
Increased productivity as additional scanning runs are no longer required
Automated 24/7 operation under virtually any weather conditions
No restrictions on storage capacity
Very uniform stockpile stacking with a smooth surface and a trapezoidal form
Less wear and tear because mechanical performance limits are respected in automated mode
Reduced environmental impact by a minimized distance between boom and stockpile
Improved working conditions
References
Implemented for:
Europees Massagoed-Overslagbedrijf (EMO) B.V.
(including fully automatic ship loading) the Netherlands
ArcelorMittal Bremen GmbH
Germany
Alabama State Port Authority
USA
Vale Malaysia Distribution Center
Malaysia
Corus Strip Products
The Netherlands
Hansaport Hafenbetriebsgesellschaft mbH
Germany
Westshore Terminals Limited Partnership
Canada
ILVA S.p.A.
Italy
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action