Detailed Barge and Unloading System Design

Salas O’Brien provided engineering services to replace an existing barge and its unloading system. Our main goal for the design was to increase bulk material unloading rates and improve operations utilizing the existing plant additive material conveyor and barge mooring systems. Our design included unique features that concealed the pneumatic piping and electrical cable trays under the deck, enabling the new 10-cubic-yard unloading e-crane to unload freely from both sides of the barge. We designed a new hopper equipped with a grizzly to receive clay, sand, gypsum, and other cement additives. The hopper discharges into a new belt conveyor that connects to an existing pivot conveyor that is supported by rails on the barge. The rails give the pivot conveyor the ability to move with the barge while remaining fixed on shore. Our barge design includes mooring connections, winches, access platforms, and stairs for safe operation and maintenance. The new barge and unloading system significantly improved the client’s process efficiency.