Storage and Handling of De-icing Salt for Airport Operations
With a network of 120 airports in 50 countries, handling 337 million passengers annually and employing 28,000 people, our client stands out as a global leader in airport operations.
In this high-profile sector, where precision and safety are absolute imperatives, no errors are tolerated. Aircraft must be able to take off and land safely, even when runways are threatened by snow or ice.
Managing winter conditions is therefore a major challenge in ensuring continuity of operations and the safety of passengers and crews. Every detail counts, and snow removal salt storage and handling solutions play a crucial role in this mission. These solutions must be efficient and reliable, but also ergonomic and safe for operators, in order to meet the rigorous requirements of the airport industry.
The customer’s challenge
Our customer wanted to both reduce the physical strain on their teams when loading road salt into lorries and optimise the waiting time between salt spreading operations. Finally, the solution had to be ergonomic and offer maximum safety for operators.
To meet these needs, our client chose to equip themselves with a big bag emptying machine with a transfer screw coupled with a storage silo mounted on a self-supporting structure.
The handling solution provided by Syvrac
Syvrac has designed a comprehensive solution that combines a big bag emptying station, a stainless steel transfer screw and a 10 m³ flexible silo, all positioned on a robust, self-supporting gantry. This installation ensures a two-speed supply depending on weather conditions. It thus facilitates the rapid and safe handling of snow-melting salt.
Details of the proposed solution
Autonomous unloading of big bags
The autonomous big bag emptying station offers efficient transfer of salt to the storage silo thanks to its careful ergonomic design. It is equipped with an access hatch that allows for safe untying and unlacing, as well as a spike that pierces big bags without an unlacing system. Using the integrated lifting beam, operators can handle the big bags safely with their handling equipment. Finally, a vibrating table equipped with a seal ensures a perfect seal for complete emptying of the big bag without loss.
The stainless steel conveyor screw
The stainless steel transfer screw, which ensures continuous feeding of the silo, stops automatically when the big bag is empty, thanks to a detection sensor. A pressure relief valve located at the bottom of the screw facilitates complete emptying and simplifies maintenance operations.
The 10,000-litre fabric silo
The flexible silo with a capacity of 10 m³ has been designed to perfectly match the capacity of snow clearance lorries. It is positioned on a sturdy self-supporting gantry and allows direct and efficient loading of vehicles. To ensure even and smooth unloading of the salt, the silo is equipped with a vibrating bottom. In addition, a perforation system located above the silo allows the big bag to be quickly punctured and thus handled safely from the ground.
Finally, the entire system is controlled by a stainless steel control cabinet that is simple and intuitive to use. This cabinet offers complete manual control and has an emergency stop button, which guarantees operator safety in the event of a malfunction.
The advantages of the Syvrac solution
By integrating this installation, our client benefits from optimised handling that ensures fast and efficient unloading and loading cycles. The solution designed by Syvrac offers high reliability thanks to its robust equipment, which is perfectly suited to the most demanding industrial environments. It also complies with current standards for bulk material handling.
Operationally, this solution optimises the storage and distribution of de-icing salt. It also guarantees enhanced safety for operators. In conclusion, Syvrac’s technical expertise ensures optimal performance and a comprehensive response to the specific needs of airports in terms of storage and handling of granular and powdery materials.
Snow clearance lorry filling up with salt
Pick used to tear open big bags
Bulk bag containing salt above the drilling peak
Bulk bag piercing
Salt used for airport operations in winter
Snow-melting salt conveyed by a flexible screw
Pump supplying air to the conveyor tube
Salt silos and feeding system
Stainless steel conveyor screw for salt supply
Salt storage silos with discharge systems
