Shiploader is a large mechanical equipment used to transport bulk materials (such as coal, ore, grain, etc.) from land to ship. It plays a vital role in bulk cargo collection and distribution centres such as ports and terminals, and is the key equipment for bulk cargo loading operations.
The basic components of a shiploader usually include:
Boom mechanism: This is the main conveying part of the shiploader, usually a cantilever structure with conveyor belt, responsible for conveying materials from land to the cabin.
Tilt mechanism: This is used to adjust the tilt angle of the boom to suit different heights of vessels and changes in tide levels.
Slewing mechanism: enables the jib to rotate horizontally to transport materials to different positions in the ship's hold.
Travelling mechanism (for mobile shiploader): enables the shiploader to move on the quay to adapt to different ship loading positions.
Skid or guide tube: Installed at the end of the boom to control the direction and speed of material discharge to minimise dust and material scattering.
Gantry or support structure: Used to support the boom and other mechanisms, and provide a stable working platform.
Classification of Ship Loaders:
According to different classification criteria, shiploaders can be divided into different types:
According to the structural form:
Fixed shiploader: fixed installation in the dock, can not be moved.
Mobile shiploader: can be moved on the dock, with a higher degree of flexibility.
Oscillating shiploader: the boom can be oscillated to expand the range of ship loading.
According to the conveying method:
Belt conveyor type shiploader: adopts belt conveyor as the main conveying method.
Bucket Elevator Type Ship Loader: Bucket elevator is adopted for vertical conveying.