Paper Reel Transport System

Project Details:

Total Value:     $150 000
Year Completed:    2015
Duration:     5 months

Background:

Sappi launched a new line of brown paper reels varying in size and weight, necessitating an advanced reel handling system. The system needed to provide an unmanned solution for transporting unwrapped reels and reels up to a maximum width of 2,500 mm. The existing system required all reels, regardless of wrapping status or size, to pass through a wrapping station, which caused damage due to multiple handling actions and was incapable of accommodating reels 2,500 mm wide. The Sunds Reel Handling System was designed to transfer paper reels from Paper Machines 2, 3, and 6 to the Goldfields warehouse (finishing house) while minimizing damage during transport. The system also required validation of reel weight and width during the transfer process. Sappi engaged MKDesigns to design, manufacture, install, and commission the paper reel transport system to meet these requirements.

Description:

MKDesigns developed a dual-ramp system incorporating key components, including the kicker, ramp, weigh station, and stoppers. Detailed calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were conducted on critical components to ensure adequate design life, accounting for severe shock loading from the weight of the reels. MKDesigns also provided drafting, manufacturing, and commissioning services to ensure the successful delivery and implementation of the system.