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Ports
Barges are loaded using various methods depending on the type of cargo.
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For granular materials, vacuum based machines are used to unload the cargo. They first remove the material up out of the hold and then place it onto a conveyor, so it can be taken to the appropriate form of surface transportation. In order to grab cargo all over the hold, a long maneuverable tube is attached to the end of the device. |
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A similar process is used for loading granular materials, except gravity is used to drop the cargo into the hold. First a conveyor moves the product from the surface transportation vessel and then brings it to the boom. The cargo enters the loading boom and drops to the barge in the position specified by the boom. |
For refined petroleum products sealed barges are used in order to protect the environment. This diagram below clearly shows that hoses connect the barges to the terminal so pumping can occur. Vapors from the barges are removed in order to keep the by products of loading off of the vessel. To transport crude oil on and off of the barge, the same process applies except that the oil is heated to facilitate easier movement of the viscous product.
To unload solid materials cranes and excavators can be used. Excavators are cheap and easy to use, but lack the life span and fuel efficiency that cranes offer. Also cranes can handle more cargo per day. Notice in the photos how ordinary excavators are being used to unload the coal cargo from the barges.
Standard conveyor belts can be used directly to load and unload heavy cargos like coal, as shown in the picture. Notice how the conveyor in the second picture is located on top of a pivot point.
E-Train
http://www.tcamembers.org/articles/tickets/urr/
Gateway Terminal
http://www.gatewayt.com/facility_berth.htm
K-Sea
http://www.k-sea.com/CleanOil.htm
Moran
http://www.morantug.com/towline_2003_newbarge_page2.asp
Pulman BTC
http://www.pullemanbtc.com/pdfs/Crane%20Excavator%20Comparison.PDF
Quinsam Coal Corporation
http://www.quinsam.com/coalbarge.html
Riverton Iron Pier Reconstruction
http://www.byroncampbell.com/RYC%20Building/october_21.htm
Vigan Loaders and Unloaders
http://www.vigan.com/code/EN/prod_c.asp
http://www.vigan.com/code/EN/prod_d.asp
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