TES and ADM are two neighboring companies united by one goal: the modernization of the ship terminals for loading agricultural goods in the port of Santos, Brazil. In several steps, investments were made in the demolition and conversion of the existing halls and loading facilities as well as in new and modern shunting and transport technology to reduce dust pollution from grain particles and emissions from the entire facility. Within just three years, TES was able to increase its capacity from around 2.3 to 4.5 million tons. ADM increased its capacity to 8 million tons. At the same time, dust emissions were reduced by around 80 percent. This is also made possible by Vollert's modern shunting systems, which enable efficient 24/7 shunting operations on four unloading tracks with optimum interplay, while at the same time reducing noise and exhaust emissions. TES and ADM have been using four cable-connected, all-electric and therefore emission-free STANDARD TANDEM KR130 and STANDARD KR70 shunting robots to move freight wagons since 2020. The new diesel-electric drive of the PRO DER240 also uses state-of-the-art drive technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Concentrated power: 108 tons with 240 kN tensile load
While the four cable-connected shunting robots take over the semi-automated unloading and return of the empty wagons to the terminals, the new PRO DER240, together with two other identical machines, feeds the loaded freight trains. With an operating weight of 108 t, the PRO DER240 shunting robot is a real heavyweight. Equipped with two bogies and four spring-mounted drive axles, its frequency-controlled diesel-electric drive offers 240 kN of tractive force - and therefore enough power to shift up to 3,900 t at a travel speed of 6 km/h. It can be controlled either from the two control stations or by radio, and the coupling can also be opened either automatically or manually. Due to the numerous coupling processes involved in weighing, unloading and returning the wagons to the port terminals, this saves a considerable amount of time. In addition, the coupling is compatible with trains with 1,000 mm and 1,600 mm track widths.
Robust technology and fast on-site service
In order to cope with the harsh working conditions and daytime temperatures of up to 40 °C in continuous operation, the new shunting robot at TES has an air-conditioned driver's cab and reinforced supply and exhaust air for the diesel unit, as well as air/water heat exchangers to cool the frequency converter. Drive is provided by four 75 kW electric motors. An automatic sanding system with integrated slip measurement also ensures optimum power transmission even in adverse weather conditions. In damp conditions, maize and soybean residues on the tracks can lead to considerable friction losses. "In addition to the robust technology, we also offer our customers components with service and replacement in Brazil. Thanks to our Brazilian subsidiary, we have our own service technicians and fitters on site - an important aspect when it comes to the operational reliability of the systems," explains Wesley Gomes, CEO of Vollert do Brasil. His team is also responsible for project management and commissioning on site. Vollert do Brasil, based in Belo Horizonte in eastern Brazil, is responsible for direct contact with customers from Mexico to Chile.