Dry Fertilizer Terminal Automation
Rail, Ship, And Truck Receiving And Bulk Weigh Loadout With Truck Traffic Control
PROJECT: American Plant Food Corp (APF), Galena Park, Texas
OVERVIEW
Located in the United States, the American Plant Food Corp(APF), a fertilizer blender and wholesaler, was in the process of expanding and developing their dry terminal facility in Galena Park, Texas. The company, which distributes product in the wholesale market, needed a solution that focused on four main factors: Equipment Operation, Speed, Accuracy, and Documentation.
WHAT WE DESIGNED
Automated Distribution and Weighing System
Automated Reclaiming System
Truck Traffic Staging System
Plant Supervisor Software
Terminal Management Software
Kahler Automation was chosen to develop high quality automation systems that would offer very efficient control and protection of the unloading equipment from incoming vessels. The process includes reading a belt scale for measuring product received by rail and ship, and truck scales for product received by inbound trucks. All receiving equipment is controlled, and a laser tripper system programmed for 28 locations puts product into the four storage bins inside the warehouse. The loadout system has four 300TPH reclaim systems, and conveyors are operated by wireless tablets in the reclaim loaders. The conveyors fill the bulk weigh tower, which is controlled by Kahler Automation's Plant Supervisor loading software. A truck staging system directs drivers to the appropriate loading location and pre-staging truck scales.
All file handling for the railcar RFID system and truck loadout are received by Kahler's Terminal Management software, processed during loading, and returned to both Watco and APF for proper bills of lading and legal-for-resale billing.
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY
Jesse Stephenson, VP of Operations, American Plant Food Corporation
"The decision to go with Kahler was made because we wanted to work with the best in the business. With a project of this magnitude, there would be little to no room for error. By utilizing Kahler Automation, we have been able to maximize our truck and rail loading, as well as ensure accuracy on the inbound side."
