Superior Industries Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and handling systems, recently completed development of a new model TeleStacker conveyor for loading dry bulk cargo ships. This multi-purpose, highly mobile conveyor incorporates truck unloading and ship loading capabilities into a single machine.

“Since expanding our TeleStacker conveyor to marine-based applications in the early 2000s, we’ve collected hundreds of data points, design preferences, and functional requirements from operators and engineers,” said Scott Gulan, sales manager at Superior. “We gathered all of their feedback and combined it with the knowledge we’ve gained to produce an impressive, multi-functional ship-loading conveyor.”

Mobility is one of the most important functions of the new ship-loading TeleStacker conveyor. All-wheel travel capability means moves are easy throughout confined quays and terminals including carousel, crab, parallel, inline, and radial movements. Adjusting wheel positions takes less than a minute, which means moving from hatch to hatch or from storage to operation is easier and faster than ever. Many movements can take place during active material handling to maintain consistent feeding of the ship.

Another important feature is the conveyor’s integrated truck-unloading system. That means the truck’s ramps, hopper, and conveyor are all connected to the tail end of the TeleStacker conveyor. Owners and operators will eliminate costly double handling and preserve material quality from bed of truck to hold of ship. The incorporated truck unloader is operated by the same power source, which lifts or lowers the undercarriage during transportation or adjustment of the truck target.

“Since the unloading and loading machines are one, they move and operate seamlessly and neatly,” said Gulan. “This greatly reduces all the time it takes for operators who historically managed the relocation of several pieces of gear.”

Several environmentally-friendly features are incorporated into the design. These include fugitive material reduction and collection systems like fully-sealed transfer points and load zones, enclosed belting, drip pans, spray bars, and dust collection systems. The mobile conveyors are quiet, compact, and finished with corrosion-resistant coatings and hardware.

Superior Industries Inc., Morris, MN 320-260-6733 www.superior-ind.com