L-R Systems needed a problem solver for a customer’s rail unloading system. The customer is involved with plastic extrusion and injection molding. Their rail unload system (from one car to any of four different silos) was a nightmare. Employees wrestled heavy switching hoses as hook-ups had to be made individually to each silo. Errors were made in transferring material to the wrong silo. Safety issues, especially during winter months, were continually a concern.
A proposal was made to install a new rail unload system capable of unloading two cars simultaneously. Additionally, the system would be automated and able to convey material to any of eight different silos. A key component in the system was a Salina Vortex Multi-Port Diverter.
The Multi-Port Diverter was pre-assembled, pre-plumbed and pre-wired at the Salina Vortex factory. It was then shipped, to L-R’s warehouse. L-R incorporated the Multi-Port into the system, which was designed to interface directly with their customer’s PLC. An operator accesses and directs the switching/loading operation through a computer touch screen.
With the new system, employees hook up two rail cars to the inlet of the Multi-Port Diverter. Transfer of the material from either car to the correct silo is automated from an inside location. The customer calculates a quick pay back on the Multi-Port Diverter in terms of labor costs alone.
