Product category:
Robotics, Handling and Storage
News Release from: Robson Handling Technology | Subject: Baggage handling systems
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 28 March 2008
Simulation swings airport contract
Experience working with simulation software was a key factor in winning the contract for the baggage handling system at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Ensuring that a baggage handling system will perform without jams at peak times has always been a drawn out process of trial and error, often resulting in delayed customer baggage and some times delayed flights Sheffield company Geo Robson and Co (Conveyors) has always striven to be proactive in the development of innovative systems and has been using Automod simulation software for many years and so was well prepared for a recent challenge
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 15 May 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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When George Best Belfast City Airport sent out tenders for a baggage handling system upgrade, the airport insisted on proven simulations before orders could be placed.
Robson's team of 3D simulation engineers used not only the software but also the support and knowledge of airport system engineers proven over many years with many successful installations.
The system comprises more than 60 individual conveyors, including two bespoke vertical spiral conveyor stackers to transfer baggage seamlessly from lower floor of the baggage hall to upper floor and baggage reclaim.
Along with six plough diverters, the system was designed and the 3D simulation was constructed.
An element of the software allows variations of the control philosophy, which includes the speed and bag capacity; many permutations were tried before the optimum design was agreed.
The existing baggage make up system was also simulated to verify the capacity and ensure the increased throughput was compatible with the older parts of the baggage system.
When George Best Belfast City Airport placed the GBP 1.1 million order, the completed design was passed to the drawing office for production drawings to be finalised, undergoing this process speeded the design stage enabling production to start earlier than expected.
According to Brian Jackson, Robson Airports Project Manager.
"Having this 3D system in place, helps us by ironing out any problems or bottlenecks on the computer, thereby saving time and money rather than having the expense of finding something wrong on site".
The installation commenced in February 2008 with expected completion by June 2008.
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