Siwertell unloader delivers dust-free cement handling in Houston

7 Jul 2021

Bruks Siwertell has now completed the commissioning of a new Siwertell ST 640-M screw-type ship unloader in Houston, Texas, USA; as far upstream the Buffalo Bayou as ocean-going vessels can go. Its undisclosed owners have switched from bagged to bulk deliveries of cement and building materials, and supporting this transition is a totally enclosed high-capacity ship unloader.

“The operator was looking to expand its US operations,” explains Per Wahlström, Contract Manager, Bruks Siwertell. “For some time, it has imported bagged deliveries of cement, but bulk imports hold the potential for greater market impact.”

As part of the terminal’s construction, the old quay had to be repaired, and to keep renovation costs as low as possible, the unloading system had to be low in weight to minimize any reinforcement work from increased loads. 

“The Siwertell unloader was an ideal choice for this terminal,” adds Wahlström. “It was light enough to minimize these costs, but yet deliver the through-ship capacity that it required. Performance tests have gone to plan, and the operator is happy.”

The new rail-mounted Siwertell unloader offers continuous dust-free cement handling at a rated capacity of 1,500t/h, with a peak capacity of 1,650t/h, discharging vessels up to 80,000 dwt. Furthermore, as it is totally enclosed, no dry bulk material is lost through spillage. 

Bruks Siwertell also supplied 1.6m-wide jetty conveyors, with a belt length of 192m. These were delivered in 2019 and underwent final assembly in 2020. 

The unloader was ordered in 2018 and delivered in component parts, where it was assembled within twelve weeks, according to schedule. Following the completion of the terminal’s construction, both the unloader and jetty conveyors were commissioned in September 2020 and operator training conducted.