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From Powder and Bulk Dot Com Bulk Storage
Alpha Foundry had a problem not unique to others in the industry. Due to increasing demand for their products, the amount of sand required continued to grow. Prior to installing bulk storage silos, sand was stored in 2,000 lb. bulk bags inside their facility. The problem of floor space became an issue, and they realized that by storing some of their sand outside, in a silo, they could free up valuable floor space for production. Frazier Bulk visited their facility in the spring of 2006 and consulted with Alpha owners, Emerson Barron and Ryan Barron to determine exactly what they needed. After a thorough evaluation of their operating requirements and facility layout, Frazier Bulk proposed a system that included (2) 30-ton silos, along with a 30 ton per hour bucket elevator to fill each silo. Equipment was delivered during the summer and installed by Alpha personnel. The silos were designed specifically for bulk sand storage. Each silo includes OSHA ladder access to the top, an inspection hatch, and HI and LO level indicators to alert the operator when the silo is ready to receive another load of sand and also when the silo is full. The discharge outlet was positioned 4.5’ off the ground to allow the operator to fill tote boxes and other containers that feed core machines. A convenient butterfly valve controls flow from the silo outlet. Additionally, Frazier Bulk provided an anti-segregation baffle above the silo outlet to prevent fines from accumulating and to allow first in, first out flow from the silo. Frazier Bulk also provided a “skid” base that spreads the loaded silo weight over a greater area, so Alpha was able to use an existing concrete pad without having to pour new footings. Frazier Bulk designed the bucket elevators, using a standard product design, but with simple sand handling modifications. Use-specific features include high-wear buckets, commercial bearings, urethane-lined boot and head sections, self-cleaning boot pulley, and abrasion-resistant rubber spouting. Emerson states, “It used to take two guys working 2-1/2 hours to unload a truck. Now, one guy can unload a truck in about an hour.” The system has opened up floor space to allow for more production room. In addition to the labor and facility savings, the need for bag disposal has also reduced, which helps the environment. Of Frazier Bulk, Emerson says, “they really worked with us to provide a system that performs well at a cost we could justify.” Alpha Foundry Company, founded in 1920, uses its own unique casting process to create aluminum and zinc castings for a variety of clients. About Frazier Bulk Frazier Bulk, Inc. assists companies that need to store, convey, measure, and weigh dry or liquid bulk materials. We address your bulk material handling challenges by providing practical storage and handling solutions. For more information visit: http://www.frazierbulk.com/ © Copyright 1998 - 2008 Powder and Bulk Dot Com |
