iSAM: offering a technological advantage in electrical equipment for train loading

In recent years, German company iSAM AG, which is based in
Mülheim an der Ruhr, has become prominent in the supply of
electrical equipment for train loading stations.
for iron ore and coal at Hansaport, Hamburg’s iron ore and coal
terminal. Also, in May this year, the EMO (Europees Massagoed –
Overslagbedrijf) terminal in Rotterdam placed an order with the
German bulk automation specialist for the complete electrical
equipment for its new train loader.
true ‘operatorless’ automation, i.e. once the train has been
handed over to the system, all movements of the train as well as
the loading process itself are controlled without human
intervention. The details differ depend on the type of train
loader and the material loaded. However, all systems are based
on an elaborate train tracking system.
measure exactly the position and speed of the individual railcars.
As the distance between the railcars does not remain constant
when the train stops or accelerates the speed of the locomotive
provides only an initial indication on the movement of the train
itself. To overcome this problem 2D laser scanners from SICK
were installed before and after the train loading station as well
as in the station itself. They provide not only the exact position
of the individual railcars, but they can also detect material which
has remained in the railcar during the unloading process and
identify damaged railcars which may cause problems, especially
when loading high-volume materials like coke and coal.
For the loading of iron ore or mixed coal and iron ore stations,
the material flow is controlled in real-time during the discharge