To improve the operation
of coal unloaders at a
dockside terminal in
Liverpool and give better
overall control and
scheduling, E.ON UK
asked ABB Automation
Solution Provider, JMS
Automation & Drives of
Birkenhead, to deliver an enhanced
control system.

JMS upgraded two 40t ship
unloaders with ABB’s Crane
Management System. Using software
that takes account of the layout of
the ships’ holds and superstructure,
the system guides the grabs along an
optimum path to give a fast yet safe
unloading sequence that avoids
straining the ship’s hull. Special
control algorithms prevent the
motor overloading when high water
content is encountered at the bottom
of the hold.

JMS upgraded the
drives to a bus connected
260kW inverter with 14
motors and a DC
multidrive for the hoist.

JMS also updated the
data acquisition scheme
for coal stocks with an
ABB AC800 system that acquires
data and presents it on screens in a
control room. Specific screens show
the changing levels of coal stocks as
they are stacked and reclaimed, and
the amount of coal being conveyed.

The rate of coal movement by weight
is also displayed.