Joan C. Rijsenbrij

Simulation of a multiterminal system for container handling

A generic simulation model structure for the design and evaluation of multiterminal systems for container handling is proposed. A model is constructed by combining three basic functions: transport, transfer, and stacking. It can be used for further detailing of the subsystems in the terminal complex while preserving the container flow patterns in the system. The modeling approach has been applied to the complete set of existing and future terminals in the Rotterdam port area, using forecasts of containers flows, statistical data from existing terminals, expert opinions, and conceptual designs of the new port area called “second Maasvlakte”. Experimental results including the requirements for deep-sea quay lengths, storage capacities, and equipment for interterminal transport are shown. Further traffic flows on the terminal infrastructure are determined, and the consequences of applying security scanning of containers are evaluated.

A Methodology to Predict Power Savings of Troughed Belt Conveyors by Speed Control

Conventional troughed belt conveyors often receive material flows that are smaller than their conveying capacity. DIN 22101 indicates that reducing the belt speed, and thereby maximizing belt load, always results in a reduction of the required mechanical and electrical drive power. Predictions of the speed control savings by DIN22101, however, are inaccurate. Therefore power consumption savings can be truly validated only by physical measurements. Several measurements were carried out for validation purposes. With information on speed control savings an evaluation can be made whether the capital expenditures required for speed control conversion are economically feasible. This article provides a methodology to predict these savings with the use of DIN 22101.

Sustainable Container Terminals: A Design Approach

The future will bring increasing demands from society for a better quality of life and for more sustainable designs also in port handling facilities. Moreover, scarcity of land forces port authorities to realize higher area utilizations. Terminal operators have equal objectives, but on top of that they are looking for cost reductions through decreased life cycle cost (energy consumption, maintenance, life-time, etc.). Many of these topics have their impact on the design of terminal (stack) handling systems and for that reason both the terminal operators (in their systems specs and equipment specs) and the system (equipment) suppliers are in the process of installing more sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective handling systems. In this chapter the authors present a design approach and directives to be applied for stacking systems and connected transportation systems in container terminals. Covered topics are: performance issues stack configurations, strategies to realize more sustainable designs and measures to increase cost-efficiency and to reduce energy use and eco-impact. The chapter shows the challenge how to balance service requirements, costs and demands for sustainability.

New Developments in Airport Baggage Handling Systems

Abstract In this paper, new concepts for baggage transport to and from narrow-body aircraft are presented. Current baggage transport is labor intensive and bears the risk of damaging or losing bags. Moreover, it is time-critical because of tight flight schedules. An alternative transport and scheduling method, as well as the application of a prototype of a partly automated baggage loading and unloading vehicle (baggage truck) have been investigated using simulation, and this is reported in the first part of the paper. It appears that considerable savings are possible when using both the scheduling method and the new baggage vehicle. An increased security level is also to be expected. The prototype baggage truck has been further developed into a swap-body concept; this is presented in the second part of the paper.

Floating cranes for container handling

Floating cranes could be used to increase the berth capacity for the largest container vessels, making it possible to reduce the vessel berth time. By adding floating cranes on the waterside of a berthed container vessel, the berth productivity could be increased without disturbing the landside operations. Containers would be loaded directly into barges, which could transport the containers to an inland barge terminal. This would not only reduce the pressure on the deep sea terminals and connecting road infrastructure, but could possibly also reduce the total handling costs for containers to and from the hinterland. This paper presents the findings of a study focusing on the feasibility of such a floating crane concept. The paper discusses the conceptual design of the crane itself, as well as its integration in the current logistic processes and its potential market.

Effect of spillage on water quality during transshipment of dry bulk solids

During transshipment of dry bulk solids spillage from grabs regularly takes place due to several reasons. So far, the effect of this spillage on the water quality in ports is unknown. This research investigated the effect of commonly handled dry bulk materials (iron ore, steam coal, soybean meal, wheat, aluminum oxide) on water quality. A set of three toxic measurements was performed with organisms of different trophic levels (the crustacean Daphnia magna, the bacteria Vibrio fischeri, and the algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata). The results revealed that no acute toxic effect of steam coal, iron oxide, wood pellets, petroleum cokes, and fertilizer were found for concentrations up to 180 mg/L. Effects were found for wheat, aluminum oxide and soybean meal for concentrations lower than 180 mg/L. Interpretation of the results depends on the actual concentrations of the spilled material in water. Therefore, location specific circumstances such as type of port (e.g. sea or inland port), water flow, water depth and expected dilution of the water, should be taken into account.