CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM 5: MAKING THE LOAD PORTABLE

Selecting the correct material handling system can be a complex task. In this comprehensive series, we are breaking down this intricate decision-making process step by step. Previously, we addressed the weight of the load, maneuverability, flexibility requirements, transportation frequency, distance, and costs. Now, we are delving deep into how to seamlessly integrate the load into the material handling system.

What do ships, wind turbines, and transformers have in common?

The answer is quite simple: their transportation processes present significant challenges. These objects are not only large and unwieldy but also boast unconventional shapes. This not only makes it challenging to figure out how to transport them from point A to point B but also how to connect or support them within the material handling system. Some scenarios are straightforward, such as easily transferring basic components onto a conveyor belt or moving materials with a forklift. However, transporting loads like wind turbines or large structures may require additional manpower, increased costs, and even the need for additional material handling solutions to facilitate the transition from their initial locations to the material handling system.

In theory, it is possible to load any object onto any material handling system, provided one is well-versed in the constraints established in earlier segments of this series, like weight considerations, and possesses adequate engineering knowledge. However, this loading process may incur additional costs and necessitate choices between logistics and organization, potentially making certain systems less appealing or feasible for specific applications.

Let's take the example of a large wind turbine, a product of the sustainable energy sector. When the time comes to transport this substantial turbine to its final installation area, one of the initial challenges that arises is how to load the turbine onto the material handling system. This turbine, being a product of the sustainable energy sector, is not only costly, difficult to manufacture, but also delicate, demanding careful handling. Any mistake in this complex process could result in significant losses.

Several solutions were available to achieve proper transportation, each carrying its own set of pros and cons that required careful consideration:

Human Intervention: Given the weight and massive dimensions of the turbine, a team would have to carefully guide the turbine through the process.

Cranes: Although cranes are a common choice for lifting heavy loads, practical constraints within the facility made their usage unfeasible. Even if using a crane were possible, directly attaching it to the turbine was not an option. This would have required additional time, expenses, and engineering complexity to the project.

Forklifts: Faced with similar facility limitations, forklifts, if an option, would have demanded securing the turbine tightly to a pallet or transport surface. Measures to prevent the transmission of vibrations or sudden movements to the delicate turbine would have been imperative, increasing the risk of potential damage.

Air Cushion Systems: Initially, air cushion systems seemed like an attractive alternative. They could slide under a pallet, lifting and transporting the turbine. However, their continuous dependence on a supply of compressed air and the need for a high-quality surface made them impractical for long-distance use, necessitating the introduction of a comprehensive secondary material handling system.

Ultimately, battery-powered transfer carts were chosen. These innovative devices facilitated the seamless placement of the turbine on a pallet and synchronized operation, simplifying the transportation process.

In the realm of sustainable energy, as in all complex transportation processes, careful planning and consideration are essential to ensure the object's maneuverability and loading onto the system, making it possible to avoid costly mistakes and loss. Even if the material being transported isn't as massive and heavy as a wind turbine, the question of how to make the object "portable" remains of paramount importance. As the product evolves at each stage of the manufacturing process, a conveyor belt may get it through the initial phases, but what happens as it grows in size or experiences changes in its center of gravity that may increase the risk of tipping over?

The "portability" of the load to be transported is a key question that must be addressed before selecting a material handling system.

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