Bulk materials: challenges in conveying and dosing
Storing, dosing and conveying a wide variety of bulk materials is often a challenge, especially in complex logistics processes. Many conventional feeding systems reach their limits with high loads or difficult materials. Particularly problematic are:
- Uneven material flow: This causes material to accumulate, which slows down the entire process
- High maintenance costs: Mechanical wear parts need to be replaced regularly
- Complex installation: Many conventional systems require complex foundation work or structural adjustments
The Vecoplan Toploader VTL has been specifically designed to overcome these challenges. Thanks to its robust and durable design, the Toploader is suitable for particularly demanding applications where bulk material feeding must run reliably around the clock without downtime.
The Vecoplan Toploader VTL – robust, reliable and flexible
What makes the VTL toploader so special? Quite simply, it combines various functions in a system that is precisely tailored to the requirements of bulk material logistics. The Toploader VTL can be used to store, convey and dose a wide range of bulk materials such as peat, compost, wood chips, fertiliser, fibres, sawdust, shavings and wood chips in pellet systems, bark, substitute fuels and waste wood (max. grain size 300 mm). It has an extremely robust and durable design.
As a practical 3-in-1 system,
it fulfils the following functions:
- Truck receiving station
- Storage box
- Automatic boiler loading
Receiving
Material delivery is registered via the intuitive control panel, the Toploader positions itself and waits for the material to be unloaded. The storage bins (up to 1,300 m³ depending on the version) can be filled with material either from the open side or from the top. This allows the system to be flexibly adapted to individual logistics processes. Filling is carried out by walking floor trucks, tipping containers or a conveyor unit from above.
Unloading
The storage boxes are emptied fully automatically without the need for operators. Thanks to its clever design, the drive technology, lifting device and mechanical components of the toploader always remain outside the bulk material. This simplifies maintenance and minimises downtime. This makes the VTL toploader a reliable partner for continuous material handling without frequent maintenance intervals.
VTL Construction
Thanks to the clever design, the drive, lifting device
and mechanical components of the VTL always
remain outside the bulk material. This makes
maintenance easier and ensures permanently high
operational safety with low energy consumption.
Why conventional dosing systems often reach their limits
Conventional dosing systems that work with push floors, dosing screws or mechanical discharge aids can quickly fail under high loads or with complex materials. The result is frequent maintenance and an unreliable material flow.
In comparison, the Toploader VTL:
- Consistent material feed: the slider moves over the surface in a controlled manner and ensures a constant flow of material.
- Fully automatic box discharge without operator intervention
- Minimised wear: The robust design and control of the discharge process significantly reduces mechanical wear.
- High load capacity: The VTL is designed for continuous operation in demanding conditions, making it ideal for biomass power plant applications.
Easy and flexible to install
A major advantage of the VTL Toploader is its ease of installation. Many dosing systems require complex conversions - a costly and time-consuming affair. The VTL Toploader, on the other hand, requires no foundation work or excavation. Its simple installation saves time and money and minimises downtime. This makes the Toploader system particularly interesting for companies that want to optimise existing processes without having to completely restructure them. Vecoplan also offers a range of downstream conveyor technology - a complete system solution from a single source.
Possible applications for the VTL toploader
This flexibility is a real advantage, especially in industries where several material flows need to be controlled in parallel.
The VTL is versatile and is ideal for a variety of applications in bulk material logistics Wood-based bulk materials: wood chips, sawdust or fibres:
- Biomass & organic bulk materials: peat, compost or bark - the VTL ensures even discharge.
- Alternative fuels: Efficient handling of alternative fuels for industrial applications.
- Waste wood (up to 300 mm particle size): Perfect for processing wood waste for recycling or energy generation.
Digital control with VSC.connect - the solution for the future
For companies wishing to further optimise their bulk materials logistics, the Toploader VTL offers the option of a digital control solution, the Vecoplan Smart Center (VSC). Thanks to intelligent networking via VSC.connect, all operating data can be monitored in real time, enabling precise control of the entire material logistics process. With VSC.connect, operators have access to all the important operational information they need for efficient control. The remote service option is particularly beneficial. If faults or problems occur, they can be rectified quickly and directly from a distance. This minimises downtime and enables faster response times. This networking optimises both the operation of the toploader and the entire material flow. Users can continuously improve their processes, reduce energy consumption and increase productivity. The combination of the toploader's robust, flexible hardware and intelligent control system makes the VTL a future-proof solution for feeding a wide range of bulk materials.
Conclusion – Intelligent dosing of bulk materials with the VTL toploader
The Vecoplan VTL Toploader is ideal for companies looking for a robust, reliable and maintenance-friendly solution for feeding their bulk solids. With flexible material feeding, automated discharge and easy integration into existing processes, it saves time and money and minimises downtime.
Whether for wood residues, biomass or alternative fuels, the Toploader VTL offers companies reliable operation and optimised bulk material logistics.
Benefits at a glance:
- Fully automatic box emptying without operators
- Filling of one or more boxes up to 1,080 m³ or 1,300 m³ each
- Discharge rates of up to 100 m³/h
- Drive, lifting device and mechanical components are outside the bulk materials and always easy to maintain
- No foundation work, no pit construction necessary
Get non-binding advice
Optimise your bulk solids logistics with efficient dosing solutions. This allows you to increase material flow and reduce maintenance costs!
Feel free to contact us regarding your individual challenges. Contakt us here.
