Handling Specialty’s Rail Gantry for Crude Oil Transloading Operation

NIAGARA, Ontario - Oct. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- – Handling Specialty Manufacturing in Grimsby, Ontario, has custom engineered and manufactured a traversing gantry system for an oil transloading operation in the United States. The company wanted to improve the efficiency of one of its processes where personnel were required to be positioned over the top of rail tanker cars.

Two important factors in the development of this solution were the safety of workers and the equipment’s ability to withstand a harsh outdoor environment. Working with the customer, Handling Specialty developed a 77’ L self-propelled rail gantry that spans four railway lines, which allows four rail car tankers to be accessed by personnel simultaneously by the use of four pivoting and telescoping gangways.

Other factors taken into consideration during the engineering of this gantry system included the guide rails themselves given that the environmental conditions of the site called for a high prescribed variation in rail gauge. Furthermore, steps were taken to ensure long lasting structural durability and functionality in extreme weather conditions.

In terms of personnel safety, obstacle detection mechanisms are present on the leading edge of each gantry leg – both front and back – that halt gantry movement if a foreign object is detected on the gantry rails. Mechanisms prevent movement of the system while the gangways are in the lowered position and cable pull switches have been installed to protect personnel while on top of the rail car.

The gantry system is diesel powered, and the traversing speed of the gantry is operator adjustable to allow for precise and repeatable positioning along its rails.

Additional details include:

Overall Height:          33’
Overall Length          77’

Overall Depth:          25’
Equipment Weight:          40,000 lbs
Operating Capacity:          8 persons
Travel Distance:          4,500 ft
Travel Rate:          Variable up to 40 fpm
Gantry clearance          17’ 6” from ground
Powered by          Self contained diesel fuelled generator

Handling Specialty can custom engineer different features, weight capacities and specifications to suit any customer’s needs. This gantry system is well suited for any transloading facilities in the oil industry and is a cost effective, capital reducing alternative to standard unloading terminals. To find out how these gantry systems can work in your facility, please call Mike Roper, Sr. Specialist, Engineered Solutions, at 905-945-9661.

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To learn more about Handling Specialty please contact:

Mary Haurilak, Marketing

Tel: 905.945.9661 ext. 264

Email: mhaurilak@handling.com

Or visit our website at www.handling.com