NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

MODULE CODE: MEU 07508E

MODULE NAME: PORT HANDLING MACHINERY

STUDENT’S NAME: SULEIMANI, ISIHAKA I

REGISTRATION NO: NIT/BME/2017/657

PROGRAMME: HDME III

TASK: INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 01

LECTURER’S NAME: MR. JOSEPH LUHANDA

SEMESTER: ONE

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2019/2020

QUESTIONS;

1. Identify types of handling systems.

2. Classify handling system.
3. Explain application of handling system.
 HANDLING SYSTEM

Handling systems(HS) refer to the equipment which manages the storage and movement of
products. They are essential to provide an efficient and consistent product distribution service. HS
combines innovative technology, systems engineering, and support to drive efficient, cost-
effective order fulfillment operations.

There are several types of handling systems and those types are such as follows;

I. Static Storage Systems

Static storage systems include storage racks, block stacking systems, mezzanines and shelf and
drawer storage. The common feature of static storage systems is that loads remain stationary or
“static” in their storage locations until removed from the system. Static storage systems are more
likely to be associated with low turnover inventories where manual storage and retrieval is a cost
effective mode of operation. In this section, only selection guidelines for storage racks,
mezzanines, shelf and drawer storage are discussed since block stacking does not require
mechanical structures. Block stacking generally deals with lane storage of pallets or other unit
loads stacked directly on top of each other in high volume, low turnover applications. Generally,
block stacking provides a low cost, high density storage alternative when loads are stackable and
not susceptible to crushing.

II. In-Plant Industrial Trucks systems

This system includes electric rider trucks, electric narrow aisle trucks, electric hand pallet trucks,
cushion tire internal combustion trucks, and pneumatic tire internal combustion trucks. These
trucks are used for moving either mixed or uniform loads intermittently over various paths. While
these paths can be somewhat random at the discretion of the driver, the paths are restricted to
suitable indoor or outdoor surfaces. Industrial trucks provide not only a means of transporting
materials, but also provide a means of accurate lifting and stacking. Appropriate tooling for the
truck permits users to lift not only pallets, but a wide array of specialized loads. For example, rolls
of carpet are easily moved via industrial truck by replacing standard forks with a single tube. The
dock equipment discussed in this section includes dock levelers and truck restraining devices.
Both of these equipment types support the use of industrial trucks for loading/unloading.

III. Conveying systems

Conveyor Systems are mechanical devices or assemblies that transport material with minimal
effort. While there are many different kinds of conveyor systems, they usually consist of a frame
that supports either rollers, wheels, or a belt, upon which materials move from one place to
another. They may be powered by a motor, by gravity, or manually. These handling systems come
in many different varieties to suit the different products or materials that need to be transported.
IV. Lifting, Leveling, and Work Positioning Systems

This category of equipment includes stationary systems, overhead mobile cranes, gantry cranes,
stacker cranes, hoists, and balancers. The focus of this section will be primarily on cranes and
hoists because they are the most widely used equipment for lifting, leveling, and work positioning.
Stationary systems include fixed devices such as the jib crane which is a fixed crane with a
cantilevered bridge supported from a stationary vertical support. Overhead mobile cranes are
traveling cranes with a movable bridge running on the top surface of rails of an overhead fixed
runway structure. They carry a movable or fixed hoisting mechanism.

V. Unitizing Systems

Unitizing systems refer to systems for the creation of the unit handling load. Usually, unitizing
systems must be carefully considered in the shipping, receiving, in-process handling, and storage
activities associated with manufacturing and/or distributions systems. The type of unitizing system
that is appropriate for a given application depends on the form of the unit load, e.g., pallets,
containers, etc., as well as the physical characteristics of the material being handled. Palletizers
are systems for consolidating unit loads onto pallets. These systems are often used in conjunction
with systems for stabilizing palletized unit loads such as stretch wrappers, strappers or shrink
wrapping systems. In this section, issues directly related to unitizing systems are discussed with
results presented from recent literature which provide guidelines for the application of various
elements of unitizing systems including pallets, industrial metal and plastic containers, palletizers
and load stabilizing systems.

HANDLING SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION

1. Mechanized
2. Semi-automated
3. Automated
4. Information-directed
1. MECHANIZED

Mechanized: - a combination of labor & handling equipment is utilized in this system.

The types of equipment most commonly used are,

i. Lift trucks,
ii. Rider trucks,
iii. Towlines,
iv. Tractor trailer devices,
v. Conveyors,
vi. Carousels.
 2. SEMI-AUTOMATED

Semi-automated systems are high density storage systems that allow you to store multiple pallets
in a deep lane configuration. The system also gives you the flexibility of retrieving pallets from
any lane with multiple SKU locations without driving into the system.
A semi-automated system is a great option for companies looking to improve their manufacturing
process but are not able to completely remove their operator assistance. These systems should be
considered if your company involves some aspects of assembly that are too difficult to be
performed reliably by a fully automated system.
Pallets are loaded and unloaded into the system from the first or “Home” position at either end
with a cart. The cart is controlled by a hand-held radio transmitter which allows the carts to perform
multiple functions to suit your storage needs. The cart is designed to transport pallets being stored
into the system, and retrieve the pallets as needed for shipment. This allows storage systems to be
much deeper than other high density systems.
Semi-automated handling includes,
i. Automated guided vehicle systems,
ii. Computerized sortation,
iii. Robotics,
iv. Various forms of live racks.

3. AUTOMATED
Automated handling (AH) refers to any automation that reduces or eliminates the need for humans
to check-in, check-out, sort material, or to move totes and bins containing library material.
The mechanical equipment used in AH systems includes check-in machines, sorters, conveyors,
singulators, stackers and unstackers, totes, bins, trolleys, and tote carriers. Somewhere in the
process there must be a scanner to read the bar code or a reader to read the RFID tag (or both.)
Various belts, pulleys, chutes, slides, and laser beams are used to ensure bins don't overflow and
to get each item oriented correctly and pushed or carried into the right tote or bin. Self-check-out
machines are sometimes lumped into the AH category because they take the check-out step out of
the hands of staff. However, they do so by having the patron do it themselves so it is more of a
self-service feature than automation.

4. INFORMATION-DIRECTED
It uses information technology to direct mechanized or automated handling equipment.
Examples: -
i. Pick-to-light.
ii. RF Wireless (Wi-Fi)
 APPLICATIONS OF HANDLING SYSYTEMS
Most industries use material handling equipment for storage, shipping, or moving products or
goods in a closed facility. Here are industry-wide material handling systems applications in the
top five industries.

1. Automobile:
The automobile industry has been one of the oldest end-use industries for material handling
equipment. In the beginning, it relied on assembly lines and lifting equipment managed by
individual workers. Over the years, however, engineered material handling solutions have mostly
replaced the traditional assembly lines. Conveyor systems are the bedrock of the automotive
industry as they can efficiently move vehicle components and bodies through the various stages of
an assembly line. These systems eliminate the need for manual lifting services, reducing the
chances of accidents, and increasing productivity.
The industry also uses an Automated Guided Vehicle or AGVs for controlling material flow from
the nearby storage facility. Strategically placed mezzanines provide hundreds of square feet of
additional storage space inside the factories and warehouses.
They can also double as extra office space and workstations. On-site warehouses in automotive
factories have modern shelving systems for storing engine parts, tires, and other pieces to be
assembled on the line.
2. Healthcare and Pharma:
Despite the complex distribution processes and the heavy regulations, the healthcare and
pharmaceutical sector has been at the forefront of advanced material handling equipment adoption.
The industry primarily relies on an intricate system of conveyors.
The industry uses specially designed conveyor systems for medical and pharmaceutical
warehouses, making them easier to clean, dismantle, and maintain when required. In these
warehouses and manufacturing plants, conveyors come in many shapes and sizes including, belt
conveyors, extendable conveyor, line shaft conveyor, and heavy-duty roller conveyors.
The industry also uses semi-automated pallet jacks, reach trucks, powered trolleys, electrode tugs,
powered mobile platform lifters, and AGVs to move products and goods inside the plant or
warehouse.
3. Manufacturing:
The global manufacturing industry is adopting advanced material handling equipment solutions to
fulfill their just-in-time orders. The growing demand for safe working practices is also responsible
for increased automation.
Automated order-filling stations, electrical material carts, computerized order-picking aisles,
overhead cranes, robotic pick and drop systems, and AGVs are some of the material handling
applications in the industry. While overhead cranes help move large and heavy loads on an
assembly line or inside the plant, AGVs can move small but heavy raw material between storage
facilities and workstations.
Computerized order-picking aisles and sortation systems can help distribute different materials
quickly and efficiently. This material handling equipment not only makes standard tasks safer but
also ensures a high degree of manufacturing flexibility.
4. Building and Construction:
The increasing focus on building world-class infrastructure is creating a demand for advanced
moving and lifting equipment solutions in the construction sector. The industry uses a wide range
of cranes including, portable gantry cranes, single or double bridge overhead cranes, jib cranes,
low headroom jib cranes, and mobile floor cranes to lift and move construction material, concrete
blocks, and construction equipment.
The industry uses autonomous dump truck systems for driverless on-site hauling operations.
Automated Vertical Transport System (AVTS) is also used to automatically load, unload, and
deliver material on the construction site.
Track and drive tube conveyors, on the other hand, help distribute components to the on-site
workstations for prefabrication. AGVs are also used to move heavy equipment and raw material
on the same floor via dedicated routes.
5. 3PL (Third Party Logistics) Industry:
The 3PL industry has been the backbone of the global supply chains, and it is responsible for the
rapid growth of the e-commerce sector worldwide. The industry uses a variety of industrial lifting
equipment and other tools for moving products and goods.
The industry relies on engineered solutions such as Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
(AS/RS) for receiving, storing, and retrieving products or goods. AGVs are used for moving heavy
loads inside the warehouse along with small trucks, automated forklifts, and other manual handling
equipment.
Loading and unloading conveyors, automated modular conveyors, and monorail overhead cranes
are used to optimize order fulfillment process. You can also see dynamic sortation systems
designed for maintaining a cost-effective and efficient flow of goods. The demand for fully
computerized warehouses and distribution centers flexible enough to handle seasonal and
promotional peaks is on the rise.
REFFERENCES;
1. Apple, J.M. (1972). Material Handling System Design. New York: Ronald
2. Kay, M.G. (2012). "Material Handling Equipment" (PDF). pp. 5–6.
3. Kulwiec, R.A. (1981). Basics of Material Handling. Charlotte, NC: MHI. p. 10
4. Mulcahy, D.E., 1999, Materials Handling Handbook, New York: McGraw-Hill.
5. Chu, H.K., Egbelu, P.J., and Wu, C.T., 1995, "ADVISOR: A computer-aided material
handling equipment selection system", Int. J. Prod. Res., 33(12):3311−3329.