Pulp shunting robot enters service in Brazil

Pulp shunting robot enters service in Brazil BRAZIL: Vollert has supplied a PRO DER100 shunting robot for use at pulp producer Suzano’s Inocência site in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. German company Vollert said the order was a milestone in its international expansion, representing its first shunting robot delivery in South America outside the port of Santos. Just keep on moving Suzano produces pulp for paper, cardboard, hygiene and medical products. It manages large-scale eucalyptus plantations, and processes the wood into pulp which is then transported by lorry to the logistics centre where it is transferred to rail. Block trains of up to 71 wagons enter a turning loop where loading takes place sequentially in a warehouse using forklifts. The shunting robot handles minor shunting tasks, such as when individual wagons need to be replaced or repositioned due to maintenance work. If necessary, it can also handle the entire loading process, precisely moving groups of up to 10 wagons with a trailing load of 1 200 tonnes through the loading area. The PRO DER 100 is powered by a diesel-electric drive system that delivers 100 kN of tractive force, with a 1 000 litre fuel tank enabling 24/7 operation for several days without refuelling. A 15 kW compressed air compressor is installed to supply the braking system. To provide a compact design, two compressed-air reservoirs, each with a capacity of 350 litres, are mounted on the vehicle roof and are automatically drained several times per minute during operation. The couplers can be opened pneumatically, while the compressed air lines are automatically disconnected during uncoupling, meaning no personnel need to enter the track area. The robot is designed for use in tropical conditions, with on-site temperatures of up to 40 °C combined with humidity levels exceeding 85%. The fully-insulated operator’s cab is accessible from both sides of the vehicle, so operators do not have to cross the tracks. Two air-conditioning units, each with a capacity of 5 kW, combined with UV-protective films on the windows, ensure comfortable working conditions even in intense sunlight. An electrical surge protector safeguards the vehicle’s electronics during the region’s frequent thunderstorms Additional safety features include a backup camera and a long-range radio remote control system. The way the future’s meant to feel ‘The requirements at the Inocência site were exceptional in many respects — from the climatic conditions to the high demands on availability and operational reliability’, said Wesley Gomes, CEO of Vollert Latinoamérica. ‘This project is an important reference for us for future industrial and logistics projects in South America.’ Subscribe to gain access to all news Already have a subscription? Log in. Choose your subscription Considering a corporate subscription? Contact us to find out more.