In steel service centres, coils are usually carried to the slitting and cut-to-length lines by overhead crane. When crane coverage ends between bays, or the crane is busy with another job, the line waits. This case study describes, step by step, how transport between bays was moved to a transfer cart at such a facility.
Requirement
- Moving coils from the storage bay to the production bay independently of the crane
- A vehicle that fits through the door between the two bays and the existing aisle
- No rails or channels cut into the floor; the route must be able to change in the future
- The coil must sit securely on the deck and must not roll
Assessment
The deciding factor was not capacity but site conditions. The following information was collected during the site survey:
| Topic | Information checked | Effect on selection |
|---|---|---|
| Load | Heaviest coil, diameter and width | Capacity and deck size |
| Floor | Concrete quality, joints, gradient | Wheel type and wheel load |
| Route | Narrowest aisle, clear door dimensions | Vehicle width, turning method |
| Loading | Coil placed on the vehicle by crane | Platform height, coil saddle |
| Operating pattern | Trips per day, shifts | Battery capacity and charging solution |
Solution
Because the route had to remain changeable and no work on the floor was wanted, a trackless, lithium battery-powered transfer cart was chosen. The vehicle is operated by remote control; with straight and crab travel and on-the-spot turning it can manoeuvre in the aisle. A V-saddle fixture was added to the deck for the coils.
For series and model values, see the transfer cart selection table.
Commissioning
- Factory acceptance test (FAT): the vehicle was load-tested at the manufacturer’s plant before shipment.
- Delivery to site and on-site installation
- Loaded test runs along the route
- Training of operators and maintenance staff
Result
Transport between bays became independent of the crane; the cranes were freed up for line feeding and stacking. Because the route is not tied to the floor, the vehicle can keep working on a new route when the layout changes.
If you have a similar handling need, tell us about your load and your site; let’s determine the right model together.
Note: This case study is an example scenario describing a typical application.