Bruks Siwertell commissions new grain handling ship unloader in Mexico 

24 May 2021

Bruks Siwertell has recently completed the commissioning of a Siwertell ST 640-M ship unloader for Puertos Especializados Transnacionales PETRA’s (a subsidiary of Grupo Gramosa) new agri-bulk terminal in Veracruz, Mexico. From the outset, the import facility will be able to offer unmatched grain handling and environmental protection capabilities thanks to proven Siwertell screw-type conveying technology. 

Originally ordered in 2018 and delivered fully assembled in 2019, the terminal is now complete and, following operator training, its new ship unloader has been brought online. Gramosa chose Siwertell technology because it out-performed all other competitor systems during a four-month selection process; particularly the two 600t/h pneumatic systems it was initially considering.

The analysis showed that a single Siwertell ST 640-M ship unloader would be a more economical solution in the long run. The operating costs comparing two pneumatic unloaders, delivering an equal total capacity, was lower. Also, the Siwertell unloader offered cost savings from reduced berth occupancy as through-ship efficiency was greater. Furthermore, the quality of grain shipments was also considered. 

“One of the many outstanding qualities of the Siwertell ship unloader is its ability to handle grains gently,” explains Per Wahlström, Contract Manager, Bruks Siwertell. “The screw-type conveyor offers steady conveying velocities, with minimal particle collisions within the conveyor, keeping material degradation to a minimum. 

“But this was not all, the Siwertell unloader was selected after comparing many features such as operating principles and mechanisms, investment costs, as well as operating costs,” notes Wahlström. “In combination, the cost and energy savings, efficiency gains, and gentle grain handling, meant that Gramosa picked a Siwertell unloader instead. 

“Its new owners are happy with the initial performance tests,” he adds. “In fact, the capacity of the unloader currently exceeds the capacity of the receiving equipment. So, the unloader is ready to offer more, should the terminal require it.

“Gramosa can now expect the unloader to deliver long, reliable performance and easy dry bulk material handling; it is very well suited to the job it has been ordered for,” concludes Wahlström.

The new, rail-mounted Siwertell ship unloader is totally enclosed, ensuring a spillage and dust-free operation. It has a continuous rated capacity of 1,200t/h and a peak one of 1,320t/h, discharging vessels up to 80,000 dwt. The unloader’s seamless flexibility enables it to handle a number of different grains such as corn, soya meal, dried distillers grains (DDG), and canola seeds without any loss of efficiency.