CSL nails the problem
March 1st 2007 Looking to improve on efficiencies associated with moving individual 1 tonne pallet loads of boxed metal roofing nail plates by fork lift truck, transporting them from the manufacturing unit to the warehouse located separately some 100m away – Wolf Systems invited Conveyor Systems (CSL) to review procedures and to put forward handling proposals for improvements Energy/labour saving, reduced fork truck travel and security were carefully evaluated prior to making proposals that eventually won the contract for CSL. Due to the nature of the business, pallets were of 'one way' quality and could be of various sizes up to 1200 mm sq. and therefore the roller conveyor had to be designed to be robust and versatile in pitch. The solution was to locate 12 metres of heavy duty powered roller conveyor within the manufacturing despatch area, allowing for the accumulation of six pallets on the inside of the building and to singulate them through a high speed roller shutter door. A single pallet would be presented on a permanently fixed 3 metre external section of conveyor, which was zinc plated to protect it from the inclement weather. The structure is further re-inforced to protect it against fork lift trucks as they collect pallets, approaching at right angles to the conveyor. This conveyor section had also to be designed to take account of the difference in floor levels, from internal to external. Loading of the conveyor inside the building was also by fork lift trucks and therefore, heavy duty truck pallet stops were fitted to protect the conveyor system and its moving components. All of the pallet indexing was controlled by way of sensor rollers integrally mounted into the conveyor frames, providing accurate and reliable positioning of the pallets without the need for vulnerable photoelectric cells being mounted to the conveyor side frames. Throughout the project CSL liaised closely with the high speed roller shutter door manufacturer to ensure both project coordination and to ensure accurate interface with system controls. It was critical to ensure security of the premises and in order to achieve this, special steel plates were fitted around and underside of the conveyor – up to the height of the rollers, to form a complete weatherproof seal. Also a special locking mechanism fits across the conveyor and padlocks the door to the conveyor for optimum security during factory closure. CSL designed and installed the system, including all electricís and interfacing. When a fork lift truck external to the building approaches the door, an infra-red light it operated to activate the opening of the door, passing a signal to the conveyor system to index one pallet to the outside. Once outside, a signal is given to close the shutter door to provide security and reduce energy loss. Managing Director, Mr Leaney of Wolf Systems reported, "The new system is working excellently and there is now a controlled, orderly flow of pallets and a noticeable time saving on fork lift truck operations. The product and installation has been a big success for Wolf System and as for CSL, their attention to detail has resulted in us now confidently discussing a second materials handling project with them". More articles from Conveyor Systems Limited: | 
