CA2699009A1 - System and method for ship loading in all weather - Google Patents
System and method for ship loading in all weather Download PDFInfo
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- CA2699009A1 CA2699009A1 CA 2699009 CA2699009A CA2699009A1 CA 2699009 A1 CA2699009 A1 CA 2699009A1 CA 2699009 CA2699009 CA 2699009 CA 2699009 A CA2699009 A CA 2699009A CA 2699009 A1 CA2699009 A1 CA 2699009A1
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Abstract
A system and method for facilitating ship loading in inclement weather. The system includes a retractable cover configured to provide protection to a material loading boom. The cover extends in use to cover the entire area where the material to be loaded is through to the hold of ship to be filled with the material. The provision of the cover allows material, an example of which is potash, to be loaded into a hold without degrading the material during precipitation.
Description
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHIP LOADING IN ALL WEATHER
The present invention relates to a vessel loading system and method for bulk cargo, particularly cargo which is suitable for continuous conveyance by endless conveyors, susceptible to product degradation or devaluation by environmental contamination such as rain or snow.
Ship or vessel loaders of various types are widely used for loading bulk cargoes into bulk carrier merchant vessels and river barges. The designs typically support a continuous belt conveyor and use a combination of linear travel, slew, luff and shuttle to provide motion in three axes for the ship loader conveyor. The range of motion provides the ability to provide balanced loading of the holds for a range of bulk carrier vessels and a range of tide and wave conditions.
Ship loaders transfer the bulk product from land via a series of conveyors to the vessels hold through open hatches. A hatch or hatchway is the opening at the top of a cargo hold and the mechanical devices which allow hatches to be opened and closed are called hatch covers. In general, hatch covers are between 45% and 60% of the ship's breadth, or beam, and 57% to 67% of the length of the holds.
To efficiently load and unload cargo, hatches must be large. During the loading operation, the hatch covers are retracted and the hatch remains open exposing the hold and the cargo to environmental contamination such as rain and snow. For products which are sensitive to environmental contamination, these environmental factors introduce weather delays which limit the shiploading operations, limit the terminal capacity and attract additional demurrage charges.
Examples of known shiploader configurations include five basic types of ship loading systems. These systems include fixed loaders, traveling loaders, slewing loaders, slewing/traversing loaders, and linear loaders. Conventional ship loading design practice has trended towards increased environmental containment of the cargo through the shiploader with the addition of wind shields in the form of removable cover plates attached to the conveyor support and boom structures, collection pans to capture spillage under the belt, architectural enclosure surfaces to the outside of the conveyor and boom structures or complete enclosure of the conveyor within a tube gallery. The objective of these design features is to achieve reliable containment of dust emissions and material spillage typically associated with the loading of bulk materials into barges or ships however they do not afford the cargo any environmental protection once it is discharged from the ship loader into the ships hold.
An important objective of this invention, therefore, is to provide weather protection for the cargo by encapsulating the complete shiploading operation through to and including the ship's hold within a combined rigid roof and rigid side walls, sealed around the ship's hatch with a flexible shirt.
In accordance with one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for loading the hold of vessel during conditions of precipitation, comprising: a movable support structure mounted for movement along a wharf; conveyor means for conveying material to be loaded from a source thereof into the hold of the vessel, the conveyor means being connected to the support structure; dispensing means operatively connected to the conveyor means for discharging conveyed material into the hold; and moveable cover means operatively connected to the support means for covering material conveyed from the conveyor to the hold whereby the material is protected from exposure to precipitation.
It is envisioned that the cover means could be retrofit to existing ship loading structures and thus, in accordance with another object of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover for use on a vessel loading structure for loading material into the hold of a vessel, the structure having a moveable frame mounted on a wharf, conveyor means for conveying material from a source thereof to the hold and dispensing means operatively connected with the conveyor means, the cover comprising: a selectively extensible frame mounted for conjunctive movement to the frame in response to movement of the vessel, the frame extensible in use to extend over the conveyor means and the hold; and waterproof material extending over the frame to preclude precipitation exposure of the material being transferred to the hold.
As a further aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for loading a vessel hold, comprising: providing a vessel with a hold to be charged with material; providing a structure having conveyor means for conveying material to the hold and dispensing means operatively associated therewith for dispensing the material into the hold;
The present invention relates to a vessel loading system and method for bulk cargo, particularly cargo which is suitable for continuous conveyance by endless conveyors, susceptible to product degradation or devaluation by environmental contamination such as rain or snow.
Ship or vessel loaders of various types are widely used for loading bulk cargoes into bulk carrier merchant vessels and river barges. The designs typically support a continuous belt conveyor and use a combination of linear travel, slew, luff and shuttle to provide motion in three axes for the ship loader conveyor. The range of motion provides the ability to provide balanced loading of the holds for a range of bulk carrier vessels and a range of tide and wave conditions.
Ship loaders transfer the bulk product from land via a series of conveyors to the vessels hold through open hatches. A hatch or hatchway is the opening at the top of a cargo hold and the mechanical devices which allow hatches to be opened and closed are called hatch covers. In general, hatch covers are between 45% and 60% of the ship's breadth, or beam, and 57% to 67% of the length of the holds.
To efficiently load and unload cargo, hatches must be large. During the loading operation, the hatch covers are retracted and the hatch remains open exposing the hold and the cargo to environmental contamination such as rain and snow. For products which are sensitive to environmental contamination, these environmental factors introduce weather delays which limit the shiploading operations, limit the terminal capacity and attract additional demurrage charges.
Examples of known shiploader configurations include five basic types of ship loading systems. These systems include fixed loaders, traveling loaders, slewing loaders, slewing/traversing loaders, and linear loaders. Conventional ship loading design practice has trended towards increased environmental containment of the cargo through the shiploader with the addition of wind shields in the form of removable cover plates attached to the conveyor support and boom structures, collection pans to capture spillage under the belt, architectural enclosure surfaces to the outside of the conveyor and boom structures or complete enclosure of the conveyor within a tube gallery. The objective of these design features is to achieve reliable containment of dust emissions and material spillage typically associated with the loading of bulk materials into barges or ships however they do not afford the cargo any environmental protection once it is discharged from the ship loader into the ships hold.
An important objective of this invention, therefore, is to provide weather protection for the cargo by encapsulating the complete shiploading operation through to and including the ship's hold within a combined rigid roof and rigid side walls, sealed around the ship's hatch with a flexible shirt.
In accordance with one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for loading the hold of vessel during conditions of precipitation, comprising: a movable support structure mounted for movement along a wharf; conveyor means for conveying material to be loaded from a source thereof into the hold of the vessel, the conveyor means being connected to the support structure; dispensing means operatively connected to the conveyor means for discharging conveyed material into the hold; and moveable cover means operatively connected to the support means for covering material conveyed from the conveyor to the hold whereby the material is protected from exposure to precipitation.
It is envisioned that the cover means could be retrofit to existing ship loading structures and thus, in accordance with another object of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover for use on a vessel loading structure for loading material into the hold of a vessel, the structure having a moveable frame mounted on a wharf, conveyor means for conveying material from a source thereof to the hold and dispensing means operatively connected with the conveyor means, the cover comprising: a selectively extensible frame mounted for conjunctive movement to the frame in response to movement of the vessel, the frame extensible in use to extend over the conveyor means and the hold; and waterproof material extending over the frame to preclude precipitation exposure of the material being transferred to the hold.
As a further aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for loading a vessel hold, comprising: providing a vessel with a hold to be charged with material; providing a structure having conveyor means for conveying material to the hold and dispensing means operatively associated therewith for dispensing the material into the hold;
positioning weatherproof cover means about the conveyor means and the hold;
opening the hold; and charging the hold with material, whereby the material is loaded in the hold without exposure to inclement weather conditions.
By making use of the arrangement and method noted herein, significant benefit in terms of maintaining feedstock integrity and value is realized. This is particularly the case with potash material, which, if exposed to excessive moisture results in crystal accretion making the product substantially less flowable and generally unsaleable.
The ship loading installation design of this present invention is unique in providing, in combination, a slewing style ship loader supported within a linear gantry style portal frame, fixed all-weather cover, projecting and luffing rigid all-weather cover and flexible seal from the rigid all-weather cover to the deck of the ship encapsulating the ships hatch and ship loading operation.
The arrangement described is uniquely amenable to supporting both the slewing style ship loader and the combined fixed and articulating all-weather covers from a single linear travel gantry portal structure.
While not in operation, the shuttling boom and shuttling rigid roof section are retracted behind the berth face. In one preferred embodiment of the design, a shuttling rigid roof section is supported off a luffing roof frame inside the portal frame. In another preferred embodiment of the design, the shuttling rigid roof is supported off a fixed roof frame inside the portal frame and luffing cantilevered beams pivoted at the front face of the portal frame, similar to a portal container crane (portainer).
During ship loading operations, the ship loader is positioned linearly along the berth at the centre of a hatch. The rigid roof section may then be shuttled out over the hatch and either luffed, in one preferred embodiment, or lowered, in another preferred embodiment, to provide minimum clearance to the hatch while the hatch is opened. Once the hatch is opened, the rigid roof section continues to luff or lower until the flexible skirt forms a seal between the rigid all weather cover and the deck of the ship surrounding the hatch.
With the all-weather cover in place and sealed to the deck of the ship, the clewing ship loader is uniquely able to operate within the enclosure providing balanced loading of the hold and full coverage of the hatch.
opening the hold; and charging the hold with material, whereby the material is loaded in the hold without exposure to inclement weather conditions.
By making use of the arrangement and method noted herein, significant benefit in terms of maintaining feedstock integrity and value is realized. This is particularly the case with potash material, which, if exposed to excessive moisture results in crystal accretion making the product substantially less flowable and generally unsaleable.
The ship loading installation design of this present invention is unique in providing, in combination, a slewing style ship loader supported within a linear gantry style portal frame, fixed all-weather cover, projecting and luffing rigid all-weather cover and flexible seal from the rigid all-weather cover to the deck of the ship encapsulating the ships hatch and ship loading operation.
The arrangement described is uniquely amenable to supporting both the slewing style ship loader and the combined fixed and articulating all-weather covers from a single linear travel gantry portal structure.
While not in operation, the shuttling boom and shuttling rigid roof section are retracted behind the berth face. In one preferred embodiment of the design, a shuttling rigid roof section is supported off a luffing roof frame inside the portal frame. In another preferred embodiment of the design, the shuttling rigid roof is supported off a fixed roof frame inside the portal frame and luffing cantilevered beams pivoted at the front face of the portal frame, similar to a portal container crane (portainer).
During ship loading operations, the ship loader is positioned linearly along the berth at the centre of a hatch. The rigid roof section may then be shuttled out over the hatch and either luffed, in one preferred embodiment, or lowered, in another preferred embodiment, to provide minimum clearance to the hatch while the hatch is opened. Once the hatch is opened, the rigid roof section continues to luff or lower until the flexible skirt forms a seal between the rigid all weather cover and the deck of the ship surrounding the hatch.
With the all-weather cover in place and sealed to the deck of the ship, the clewing ship loader is uniquely able to operate within the enclosure providing balanced loading of the hold and full coverage of the hatch.
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments.
FIGURE 1 is a side view of the ship loader according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a front view of the ship loader of Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating the coverage of the vessel hatch and the relationship of the cover structure there with;
FIGURE 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the overall structure;
FIGURE 5 is the same view as Figure 4, however the range of motion of the boom and cover are depicted; and FIGURE 6 is a front view the device of Figure 5.
Similar numerals used in the drawings denote similar elements.
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention.
The overall arrangement is denoted by numeral 10. The latter is positioned for movement on a wharf 12. The vessel into which it charges material (not shown) is represented by numeral 14 having a hold 16 typically associated with cargo vessels.
Broadly, the arrangement includes a portal frame 18 having front bogies 20 and rear bogies 22 received in tracks 24 and 26, respectively for movement of the frame 18 linearly (parallel relation) to wharf 12.
Mounted for movement on frame 18 and to be discussed herein after in greater detail is wharf tripper conveyor 28, shown best in Figure 2, the dispensing hopper 30 of which is shown in Figure 1. Conveyor 28 receives material (not shown) from a source (not shown) and transports it to hopper 30. The material in transit is covered by suitable material 32 to protect it from exposure to precipitation. Suitable cover material will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Non limiting examples include materials which provide moisture impermeability.
FIGURE 1 is a side view of the ship loader according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a front view of the ship loader of Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating the coverage of the vessel hatch and the relationship of the cover structure there with;
FIGURE 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the overall structure;
FIGURE 5 is the same view as Figure 4, however the range of motion of the boom and cover are depicted; and FIGURE 6 is a front view the device of Figure 5.
Similar numerals used in the drawings denote similar elements.
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention.
The overall arrangement is denoted by numeral 10. The latter is positioned for movement on a wharf 12. The vessel into which it charges material (not shown) is represented by numeral 14 having a hold 16 typically associated with cargo vessels.
Broadly, the arrangement includes a portal frame 18 having front bogies 20 and rear bogies 22 received in tracks 24 and 26, respectively for movement of the frame 18 linearly (parallel relation) to wharf 12.
Mounted for movement on frame 18 and to be discussed herein after in greater detail is wharf tripper conveyor 28, shown best in Figure 2, the dispensing hopper 30 of which is shown in Figure 1. Conveyor 28 receives material (not shown) from a source (not shown) and transports it to hopper 30. The material in transit is covered by suitable material 32 to protect it from exposure to precipitation. Suitable cover material will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Non limiting examples include materials which provide moisture impermeability.
The material is transferred to ship loader boom 34.Boom 34 is telescopically adjustable (shuttling) and mounted for telescopic movement within and relative to ship loader support frame 42. Frame 42 is mounted to an ancillary bearing frame 44 which functions to accommodate slew and is thus also referred to as a slewing frame. The frame 44 provides bogies 46 and 48 which are slidably received in rails 50, generally shown in Figure 2. The rail arrangement 50 is provided in a lowermost and front member 52 of frame 18. In opposition on to this, there is provided a boom pivot bearing 54. In order to allow movement of the frame 42 for slew movement (transverse motion relative to the vertical). Although a bearing 54 is provided, it is contemplated and clearly within the scope of what is taught herein that the bearing 54 could be replaced with further bogie arrangement (not shown).
Boom 34 provides a conveyor 56 which terminates in a dispensing hopper 58 for discharging material into hold 16.Many of the broad structures in the foregoing are common to conventional vessel loader devices. It has been found that the use of a cover or roofing system has a dramatic effect on preserving the integrity and saleability of product being dispensed into the hold which is otherwise sensitive to precipitation exposure. To this end, the cover arrangement discussed herein is easily adaptable to existing vessel loading structures as, for example, a retrofit scenario.
Structurally, there is provided a cover frame 60 having a weatherproof material (not shown) stretched there over and discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The weatherproof material may comprise any suitable material suitable examples of which include, without being limiting, conveyor belting, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl fluoride film, rubber or derivatives thereof, treated cotton or fabric material inter alia.
Frame 60 has a top portion 62 and side supports 64 and 66. Supports 64 and 66 provide rails 68 and 70 (Figure 2). Selectively extensible precipitation cover 76 includes rollers 72 and 74, received within rails 68 and 70, respectively. Cover 76 includes an impermeable material stretched there over (not shown) as previously noted herein supra. A flexible skirt 77 depends from cover 76 and may be retracted upwardly in the same manner as a louvered window blind. Cover 76 is selectively retractable using a pulley system 78, however it will be immediately apparent that any suitable selectively operable actuation device could be used and the one illustrated is exemplary only. A reaving system 80 (shown best in Figure 3) is provided for effecting both conjunctive or concerted movement of the boom 34, cover frame 60 and cover 76 as well as independent sequential movement. Generally speaking, Figure 1A
illustrates the range of motion of the boom 34, cover frame 60 and cover 76.
In use, a vessel 14 takes the position as illustrated in Figure I relative to the apparatus 10.
Cover 76 is moved from its existing position at that point in time to a slightly positively incline attitude relative to the horizontal and telescoped outwardly toward the hold 16. In sequence with this, frame 42 of boom 34 is moved upwardly in a positive inclination. Cover 76 continues to telescope until it completely overlies the opening of the hold 16, the opening not being shown, but the relationship generally depicted in Figure 3. In conjunction with this, the flexible skirt 77 provides enclosure of the hold opening. Either independently or in concert, boom 34 is telescoped outwardly from frame 42 and repositioned from a positive to a negative inclination (Figure IA) in order to position dispensing hopper 58 over the opening of the hold 16. The material (not shown) is then dispensed in the hold 16.
Once the dispensing is completed, the cover 76 is lifted upwardly in a positive attitude and retracted as is the boom 34. The apparatus 10 then entirely moved along rails 24 and 26 to another vessel (not shown) to be loaded. The overall process is then repeated.
Turning now to Figures 4 through 6, shown is an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Many of the structural features are common with the previously presented embodiment and are so indicated by the use of common numerals.
The embodiment shown in these Figures provides pivotally adjustable cover 84.
The latter pivots relative to frame 18. The cover 84 includes a fixed portion 88. A
reaving system 92 facilitates movement of the cover 84 from the positions in Figures 4 and 5.
Cover 84 includes a frame 96 having a resiliently flexible perimeter 98 for contact with the opening of a hold 16. Cover 84 is moveable by reaving system 100 to the positions shown in chain line in Figure 5. This allows the cover 84 to remain in contact with the hold during motion of the vessel as depicted by chain line in Figure 5.
Boom 34 is connected to a support structure 104 (luffing structure) having a conveyor 108 common with boom 34. In this manner material to be loaded into hold 16 is conveyed from wharf conveyor 112 to conveyor 108.
Support structure 104 is movably mounted to a movable support 116 at 120 and to boom 34 at 124. The connection may be any suitable mechanical connection which allows pivoting movement of members 34 and 104 relative to movable support 116 such as that which is shown in Figure 5. Further movement of the boom 34 and support structure 104, in parallel relation to the vessel 14, is provided by support 116. The latter provides front and rear bogies 128, 132, respectively which are received in rails (not shown) provided in frame member 136 of frame 18. In order to allow slew (transverse) movement of the boom 34 and support 104, the latter is connected to a bearing 140. Accordingly, the entire group of connected components can freely move transversely or vertically to accommodate a wide range of motion of a vessel when the boom 34 is lowered into position for loading (Figure 5) without exposure to precipitation.
In respect of the sequence of movement of the components, initially, cover 84 is moved from the storage position generally depicted in Figure 5 to the extended use position shown in Figure 4. The frame 96 is then lowered by the reaving system 100 into a position where the former is atop the opening of the hold 16. Subsequent to this positioning, boom 34 is extended from the storage position shown in chain line in Figure 5 to the extended use position in Figure 4 and inclined as necessary to facilitate filling of the hold 16. Movement of the boom 34 may be achieved by any suitable means, such as reaving arrangements, fluid cylinders inter alia. Other satisfactory alternatives will be appreciated by those skilled.
The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Boom 34 provides a conveyor 56 which terminates in a dispensing hopper 58 for discharging material into hold 16.Many of the broad structures in the foregoing are common to conventional vessel loader devices. It has been found that the use of a cover or roofing system has a dramatic effect on preserving the integrity and saleability of product being dispensed into the hold which is otherwise sensitive to precipitation exposure. To this end, the cover arrangement discussed herein is easily adaptable to existing vessel loading structures as, for example, a retrofit scenario.
Structurally, there is provided a cover frame 60 having a weatherproof material (not shown) stretched there over and discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The weatherproof material may comprise any suitable material suitable examples of which include, without being limiting, conveyor belting, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl fluoride film, rubber or derivatives thereof, treated cotton or fabric material inter alia.
Frame 60 has a top portion 62 and side supports 64 and 66. Supports 64 and 66 provide rails 68 and 70 (Figure 2). Selectively extensible precipitation cover 76 includes rollers 72 and 74, received within rails 68 and 70, respectively. Cover 76 includes an impermeable material stretched there over (not shown) as previously noted herein supra. A flexible skirt 77 depends from cover 76 and may be retracted upwardly in the same manner as a louvered window blind. Cover 76 is selectively retractable using a pulley system 78, however it will be immediately apparent that any suitable selectively operable actuation device could be used and the one illustrated is exemplary only. A reaving system 80 (shown best in Figure 3) is provided for effecting both conjunctive or concerted movement of the boom 34, cover frame 60 and cover 76 as well as independent sequential movement. Generally speaking, Figure 1A
illustrates the range of motion of the boom 34, cover frame 60 and cover 76.
In use, a vessel 14 takes the position as illustrated in Figure I relative to the apparatus 10.
Cover 76 is moved from its existing position at that point in time to a slightly positively incline attitude relative to the horizontal and telescoped outwardly toward the hold 16. In sequence with this, frame 42 of boom 34 is moved upwardly in a positive inclination. Cover 76 continues to telescope until it completely overlies the opening of the hold 16, the opening not being shown, but the relationship generally depicted in Figure 3. In conjunction with this, the flexible skirt 77 provides enclosure of the hold opening. Either independently or in concert, boom 34 is telescoped outwardly from frame 42 and repositioned from a positive to a negative inclination (Figure IA) in order to position dispensing hopper 58 over the opening of the hold 16. The material (not shown) is then dispensed in the hold 16.
Once the dispensing is completed, the cover 76 is lifted upwardly in a positive attitude and retracted as is the boom 34. The apparatus 10 then entirely moved along rails 24 and 26 to another vessel (not shown) to be loaded. The overall process is then repeated.
Turning now to Figures 4 through 6, shown is an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Many of the structural features are common with the previously presented embodiment and are so indicated by the use of common numerals.
The embodiment shown in these Figures provides pivotally adjustable cover 84.
The latter pivots relative to frame 18. The cover 84 includes a fixed portion 88. A
reaving system 92 facilitates movement of the cover 84 from the positions in Figures 4 and 5.
Cover 84 includes a frame 96 having a resiliently flexible perimeter 98 for contact with the opening of a hold 16. Cover 84 is moveable by reaving system 100 to the positions shown in chain line in Figure 5. This allows the cover 84 to remain in contact with the hold during motion of the vessel as depicted by chain line in Figure 5.
Boom 34 is connected to a support structure 104 (luffing structure) having a conveyor 108 common with boom 34. In this manner material to be loaded into hold 16 is conveyed from wharf conveyor 112 to conveyor 108.
Support structure 104 is movably mounted to a movable support 116 at 120 and to boom 34 at 124. The connection may be any suitable mechanical connection which allows pivoting movement of members 34 and 104 relative to movable support 116 such as that which is shown in Figure 5. Further movement of the boom 34 and support structure 104, in parallel relation to the vessel 14, is provided by support 116. The latter provides front and rear bogies 128, 132, respectively which are received in rails (not shown) provided in frame member 136 of frame 18. In order to allow slew (transverse) movement of the boom 34 and support 104, the latter is connected to a bearing 140. Accordingly, the entire group of connected components can freely move transversely or vertically to accommodate a wide range of motion of a vessel when the boom 34 is lowered into position for loading (Figure 5) without exposure to precipitation.
In respect of the sequence of movement of the components, initially, cover 84 is moved from the storage position generally depicted in Figure 5 to the extended use position shown in Figure 4. The frame 96 is then lowered by the reaving system 100 into a position where the former is atop the opening of the hold 16. Subsequent to this positioning, boom 34 is extended from the storage position shown in chain line in Figure 5 to the extended use position in Figure 4 and inclined as necessary to facilitate filling of the hold 16. Movement of the boom 34 may be achieved by any suitable means, such as reaving arrangements, fluid cylinders inter alia. Other satisfactory alternatives will be appreciated by those skilled.
The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. An apparatus for loading the hold of vessel during conditions of precipitation, comprising:
a movable support structure mounted for movement along a wharf;
conveyor means for conveying material to be loaded from a source thereof into the hold of said vessel, said conveyor means being connected to said support structure;
dispensing means operatively connected to said conveyor means for discharging conveyed material into said hold; and moveable cover means operatively connected to said support means for covering material conveyed from said conveyor to said hold whereby said material is protected from exposure to precipitation.
a movable support structure mounted for movement along a wharf;
conveyor means for conveying material to be loaded from a source thereof into the hold of said vessel, said conveyor means being connected to said support structure;
dispensing means operatively connected to said conveyor means for discharging conveyed material into said hold; and moveable cover means operatively connected to said support means for covering material conveyed from said conveyor to said hold whereby said material is protected from exposure to precipitation.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said moveable structure is a supporting frame for supporting said conveyor means, dispensing means and said cover means and is moveable laterally relative to said wharf for repositioning.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said frame includes a luffing support structure.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claims 2 or 3, wherein said frame includes a shuttling boom.
5. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein said cover means includes a fixed cover member.
6. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein said cover means includes a moveable cover member releasably engageable with said shuttling boom and said luffing support structure.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said movable cover member is telescopically extensible.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claims 6 or 7, wherein said movable cover member is pivotally.
9. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 6 through 8, wherein said cover extends in use to cover said hold of said vessel.
10. A method for loading a vessel hold, comprising:
providing a vessel with a hold to be charged with material;
providing a structure having conveyor means for conveying material to said hold and dispensing means operatively associated therewith for dispensing said material into said hold;
positioning weatherproof cover means about said conveyor means and said hold ;
opening said hold; and charging said hold with material, whereby said material is loaded in said hold without exposure to inclement weather conditions.
providing a vessel with a hold to be charged with material;
providing a structure having conveyor means for conveying material to said hold and dispensing means operatively associated therewith for dispensing said material into said hold;
positioning weatherproof cover means about said conveyor means and said hold ;
opening said hold; and charging said hold with material, whereby said material is loaded in said hold without exposure to inclement weather conditions.
11. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein said cover means is selectively retractable when not in use.
12. The method as set forth in claims 10 or 11, wherein said material is covered from a source of material to be charged in said hold through to said hold.
13. The method as set forth in any one of claims 10 through 12, wherein said cover is mounted to a support structure for conjunctive movement with a vessel during movement thereof.
14. The method as set forth in any one of claims 10 through 13, further including the step of repositioning said structure to a subsequent vessel after charging a hold of a vessel to be charged.
15. The method as set forth in any one of claims 10 through 14, further including the step of securing said structure to a wharf for storage.
16. A cover for use on a vessel loading structure for loading material into the hold of a vessel, said structure having a moveable frame mounted on a wharf, conveyor means for conveying material from a source thereof to said hold and dispensing means operatively connected with said conveyor means, said cover comprising:
a selectively extensible frame mounted for conjunctive movement to said moveable frame in response to movement of said vessel, said frame extensible in use to extend over said conveyor means and said hold; and waterproof material extending over said frame to preclude precipitation exposure of said material being transferred to said hold.
a selectively extensible frame mounted for conjunctive movement to said moveable frame in response to movement of said vessel, said frame extensible in use to extend over said conveyor means and said hold; and waterproof material extending over said frame to preclude precipitation exposure of said material being transferred to said hold.
17. The cover as set forth in claim 16, including resiliently flexible means on said frame for sealing said cover about the opening of said hold.
18. The cover as set forth in claims 16 or 17, wherein said waterproof material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl fluoride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, treated fabric and rubber.
19. The cover of claim 15 in combination with a ship.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16720509P | 2009-04-07 | 2009-04-07 | |
| US61/167,205 | 2009-04-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2699009A1 true CA2699009A1 (en) | 2010-10-07 |
Family
ID=42933061
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2699009 Abandoned CA2699009A1 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2010-04-06 | System and method for ship loading in all weather |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2699009A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20160023723A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-01-28 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Cargo transporter loading assembly |
| WO2019046920A1 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2019-03-14 | Inteligate Tecnologias De Acesso Ltda | Covering for protection against the rain during the loading of bulk materials onto ships |
-
2010
- 2010-04-06 CA CA 2699009 patent/CA2699009A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20160023723A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-01-28 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Cargo transporter loading assembly |
| US9650113B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-05-16 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Cargo transporter loading assembly |
| WO2019046920A1 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2019-03-14 | Inteligate Tecnologias De Acesso Ltda | Covering for protection against the rain during the loading of bulk materials onto ships |
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