Rock Products

JUL 2017

Rock Products is the aggregates industry's leading source for market analysis and technology solutions, delivering critical content focusing on aggregates-processing equipment; operational efficiencies; management best practices; comprehensive market

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44 • ROCK products • July 2017 www.rockproducts.com EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY LOADOUT & DRONES Transloading, the process of utilizing different shipping methods to transport and deliver material, makes incredi- ble sense in the sand industry. In the case of sand suppliers, transloading offers distinct advantages. When shipping material longer distances suppliers are able to reduce freight costs by utilizing less expensive rail freight to deliver material to further away destinations and then utilize trucks for local delivery. It is a cost effective way to move and store material closer to the targeted destination. No longer is a supplier locked in to shipping material from a single point of origin to different locations. Transload storage locations can be set up to allow suppliers to address numerous potential markets. This allows suppli- ers to broaden their customer base as well as more effectively service larger customers. Opening up the option of supplying multiple points creates efficiencies. As new points are targeted and established, stepped expansions may be made at the mine to accommo- date the increased demand. Companies invest in transload facilities to satisfy product demand in a certain area and hopefully create a profit. To be profitable, the facility must offer not only a quality product, but also a quick loading time and address individual personal safety expected by the truck drivers that pick up material at the facility. These items become major considerations. For many reasons, the one piece of equipment that comes under the most scrutiny at the facility is the piece of equip- ment that deposits sand into the truck – the loading spout. Loading Spouts Telescoping, dustless loading spouts were created to address many factors involved in the loading process. First and fore- most, the telescoping ability of the spout allows placement directly into an open container. The telescoping ability addresses the fact that truck heights vary. Spouts are available with positioners that allow move- ment through a single or dual direction. This option further addresses the ability to position the spout directly into the truck container hatches without having to reposition the truck. Proper positioning establishes an optimal material flow pat- tern through the spout, minimizes wear, and improves spout life cycle costs. Additionally, the combination of the spouts telescoping and positioning ability creates labor savings costs in not having to hire employees to perform these tasks. In earlier days, sand was conveyed through an open spout or sock directly into the truck. Clouds of dust were formed in the loading bay as airborne contaminates created potential health hazards. Prolonged exposure to silica dust may cause silicosis, a dis- ease of the lungs associated with the inhalation of that dust. Silicosis is a primary health concern when working with sand. Additionally, airborne dust has the potential of accu- mulating on floors, walkways and ladder rungs. This may create safety issues. Because of these potential hazards, facility operators are required to maintain clean loading areas where exposure to silica dust may create issues for employees, contract workers or truck drivers who are present at the facility. An advantage of the loading spout is its ability to trap and remove dust particles before they escape and become airborne. Dustless Loading Spout Addresses Safety, Environmental Concerns By Kevin R. Peterson

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