Allied Grain Systems found a way to construct vital rail loading infrastructure for QUBE without requiring a lengthy approval process.
Getting approval to build within a rail corridor can take months, if not longer. This process is important to ensure the reliability and safety of vital freight infrastructure but could prove too time consuming.
QUBE Logistics faced this dilemma when it began planning to construct a rapid rail loading facility in Narromine, NSW. The company wanted to be able to rapidly move grain from bunker storage onto trains as quickly as possible.
However, QUBE had certain time constraints. It needed the project finished soon and could not rely on the costly approvals process to build the rail loading facility inside the rail corridor.
That’s why it reached out to Allied Grain Systems to design and construct a 1000tph radial rail loading conveyor.
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Allied Grain Systems managing director John White said the radial stacker could be built more than 15m away from the rail line in a non-loading position but could be rotated to sit above the rail line to load trains.
“The approval process was quite easy, because there was nothing that needed to be approved,” White said.
“There was no infrastructure within the corridor. That saved on time and costs.”
“With a road hopper, the maximum you can load is 600tph because you need to wait for the trucks to stop and tip.
“The radial conveyor was an economical, fit-for-purpose design that met QUBE’s budget and technical specifications.”
Allied Grain Systems had a tight deadline to deliver the project, as QUBE had to meet its commercial obligations.
The team is no stranger to these kinds of projects. Allied Grain Systems has been delivering rail infrastructure for decades and understands the risks and challenges. It identifies these risks and focuses on minimising them as much as possible to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget.
White said the company has comprehensive project management procedures to ensure everything is delivered as expected.
“When we start working with a client, we create a program for them that outlines how long the project will take,” he said.
“When we say a date, we’re making a promise to the client and its up to us to deliver.
“We take pride in our capability to hit deadlines for clients and don’t give out dates lightly. We make sure our programs are well calculated so we can achieve what we say we will.”
As principal contractor for the project, Allied Grain Systems was accountable for providing four 760t cone bottom silos, a 24m 500tph intake bucket elevator, a 500tpb drag conveyor, a 500tph drive over hopper, and the 1000tph radial rail loading belt conveyor system.
Allied Grain Systems’ engineers used 3D modelling to ensure everything was designed to Australian Standards, and that everything would come together easily when it came time for installation. Durability was key, so every part of the solution was designed to last as long as it can.
In addition, QUBE wanted the plant to be operatable while intaking without requiring a full-time operator.
White said that everything was designed so that it could be stopped and started automatically.
“The under-silo conveyor has a belt weigher that can dial in exactly how much grain needed for each wagon to maximise the load,” he said.
“The programmable logic controller can then automatically take out grain from the bins and cut off when it reaches the maximum weight.
“This means the train can begin loading without needing someone constantly stationed at the facility.”
Allied Grain Systems’ team of dedicated professionals have years of experience delivering projects like this one, taking lessons learned from previous projects. QUBE worked closely with the delivery team, providing proactive assistance to ensure everything went smoothly. As part of the project, Allied Grain Systems also offers after-sales support around the clock and is available to provide preventative maintenance programs as well. White said the conveyor has been working away for almost three years now as intended.
“QUBE were really good to work with. I applaud the investment they are making into regional areas,” he said.
“(They are) spending money that will support the local economy and nearby grain growers.
“It’s a company that has good people to work with and that understands the agriculture industry. Projects like these are vital for Australia, and we’re proud to be working on more projects that support the grain industry.”