Continuous unloader

industrialbulkship

Overview
The pneumatic barge unloader is a site-adapted tower solution for bulk unloading of cereals, fertilizers and similar granular materials. Each unit is engineered to match project constraints and operational requirements, combining an unloading tower with filter unit, VIGAN-type airlock, separate machine room and a tubular-lattice boom that supports the suction piping.

Design and operation
The tower provides full range of movement for efficient hatch access and material reach. Configurations can separate the machine room, integrate equipment into existing buildings and include specific acoustic insulation. The layout minimizes pressure drop and turbulence to ensure continuous heavy-duty operation and long service life.

Key features

• Customizable: Tailored to site specifications (space constraints, machine-room separation, building integration, noise mitigation).
• Simple, heavy-duty construction: Wear-resistant alloys for airlock and piping; optimized elbow geometry to reduce turbulence; engineered for millions of tonnes of throughput under standard conditions.
• Low dust emissions: Self-cleaning jet-pulse filter (filter areas typically 68–166 m²) designed for dust control in port and urban environments.
• Energy-efficient drive: Direct-drive turbo-blower with inverter control and multi-stage aeronautic design for high efficiency; optimized piping and VIGAN airlock for sealed product handling.
• Hydraulic boom: Maintenance-free hydraulic system for boom positioning; boom capable of lifting additional equipment for docking operations.
• Safe by design: ATEX study, risk analysis and CE documentation provided; safety is integrated at the design stage to limit reliance on complex electronic systems.
• Operator-friendly: Designed for straightforward operation and maintenance; typically operable by a single technician.

References / Typical installations

• Douala, Cameroon (2004): type 160 on wheels, 140 tph (cereals).
• Hautrage, Belgium (2008): NIV 320 on stationary gantry, 300 tph (urea).
• Sète, France (2011): 400 tph discharging to quay conveyors.
• Daka, Bangladesh (2011): NIV 250 on stationary gantry.
• Amirad, Iran (2013): 300 tph for wheat.
• Dieppedalle, France (2014): 400 tph / 320 kW on fixed gantry (cereals).
• Batangas, Philippines (2014): 250 tph / 160 kW on fixed gantry (cereals).
• Roeselare, Belgium (2016): 200 tph / 132 kW (cereals).

Technical specifications

• Typical tower series: NIV (examples: NIV 250, NIV 320).
• Observed capacities: 140 tph (type 160) up to 400 tph (tower installations).
• Filter: self-cleaning jet-pulse system, filter area 68–166 m².
• Materials: high wear-resistant alloys for airlock and piping systems.
• Blower: direct-drive turbo-blower with inverter control; multi-stage aeronautic design.
• Airlock: VIGAN-type airlock for sealed product discharge.
• Boom: hydraulic, maintenance-free; capable of lifting auxiliary equipment.
• Documentation: ATEX study, risk analysis and CE file included in design package.
• Intended use: bulk barge unloading for cereals, urea, wheat and similar products.