Associated Grain Terminals adheres to the following quality
philosophy: the MGMT (Myrtle Grove Midstream Terminal) will
meet customer and organizational requirements by
employing quality people and training them to commit to
continuous improvement, which will provide highly valued
customer solutions. This is accomplished by having highly
trained personnel who perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
These skills were evident during a turnaround, where maintenance and upgrades were
completed within budget and ahead of schedule. After
months of planning, the AGT group went to work with the
goal of completing the turnaround on the MGMT
during a period of 21 days or less. After only 16 days, the
MGMT was back in service loading cargo.
Some of the specific components upgraded include
the Heyl & Patterson barge unloader, which was upgraded
with new buckets, chain, sprockets, bearings and boom
hoist cables. There are 27 buckets, each of which can hold approximately one tonne of
cargo. This was a major project that will greatly extend the
service life of the barge unloader.
The belts on the MGMT were totally enclosed to
eliminate cargo loss and protect the environment. All belts,
rollers, enclosure panels, and reclaim conveyors were
thoroughly inspected and problem parts were repaired or
replaced. The transfer points from one belt to the next were
relined and rebuilt.
The shiploader spout assembly was completely rebuilt
with a new transfer point, cables and sheaves. The
hydraulic system that moves the barges had major structural
repairs completed as well as cylinders and sheave
replacements. The cargo sampling systems were
upgraded with new components and re-certified. The dust
collection systems had all of the socks in the bag houses changed
and any worn piping replaced.
The MGMT has some of the most sophisticated and
specialized vessel loading and control software of any floating
transfer facility in the US.
Customer service is a hallmark of Associated Grain Terminals’
commitment to continuous improvement in customer satisfaction. This project will
enhance customers’ operations by providing a grain elevator
that is well maintained and ready to minimize load time.