Kamengo Technology Inc. - Reliable Flow with the Moving Hole

Prototype feeder on self-unloading ship

unloading ship A Canadian shipping company was looking at improved ways of unloading bulk cargo from ships for application in newbuilds. To test the performance of the system, the company first installed a prototype feeder in one hold of an existing ship. The hopper inside the hold was modified and a new "Moving Hole" feeder installed.

The prototype feeder has been operating since 1995, carrying a variety of cargo, including gypsum and coal. The feeder has provided a good comparison of old vs. new technology, operating side-by-side with conventional sliding gates separated by "hog-backs".

The "Moving Hole" feeder has provided reliable and controlled flow without manual intervention. In contrast, material above the sliding gates has tended to hang up and "rat hole". The gates are operated manually by tunnel men who have to be "sharp shooters" to maintain good flow without over loading the belt conveyors. When "hang-ups" occur above a gate, it has to be opened wider, or vibrators activated, or flow started from an adjacent gate. The operation of the "Moving Hole" feeder is in contrast fully automated.

The feeder has also been mechanically reliable with no maintenance required during the first five years of service and only minor maintenance after that period. Good performance of the prototype has led to use of the "Moving Hole" technology for a new ship currently under construction.

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