Industrial

Cement Distribution Terminal

Spokane, Washington - USA
overview

Project Overview

FWS Group was commissioned to develop the Cement Distribution Terminal to enhance cement handling, storage, and distribution operations. This project focused on creating a highly efficient infrastructure capable of managing large volumes of cement with advanced automation and streamlined processes to ensure minimal downtime and increased throughput.

goals

Project Goals

The primary goals of the Cement Distribution Terminal project were:

  • To improve the capacity and efficiency of cement handling and storage.
  • To integrate advanced automation for seamless cement processing and distribution.
  • To develop a reliable, scalable infrastructure capable of managing high-volume operations.
  • To enhance operational reliability and reduce manual handling through automation and optimized systems.
gallery

Project Gallery

Tools

Technologies and Innovations

Several innovative features were implemented at the Cement Distribution Terminal:

  • Slipform Concrete Storage Structure: A 5,650-ton capacity slipform concrete storage structure was built, consisting of three divisions, 28-foot silos, and one interstice bin. This design ensures optimal storage space and accessibility for cement handling.
  • Rail Receiving System: The terminal includes a rail receiving system capable of processing 200 metric tonnes per hour (MTPH), ensuring efficient unloading of cement from railcars.
  • Truck Unload System: The truck unload system, with a 350 MTPH capacity, allows for rapid unloading of cement from trucks, improving operational speed and efficiency.
  • Silo Aeration System: To maintain cement quality and prevent clumping, an aeration system was installed in the silos. This ensures smooth discharge and consistent flowability of the cement.
  • Automated Control System: The terminal features an automated control system to integrate all operational processes. This advanced system allows for precise monitoring and control, optimizing cement handling and distribution workflows.
  • Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Installations: Complete civil, mechanical, and electrical installations were integrated into the terminal, ensuring full operational efficiency and seamless infrastructure.
Timeline

Project Timeline

Several innovative features were implemented at the Cement Distribution Terminal:

  • Slipform Concrete Storage Structure: A 5,650-ton capacity slipform concrete storage structure was built, consisting of three divisions, 28-foot silos, and one interstice bin. This design ensures optimal storage space and accessibility for cement handling.
  • Rail Receiving System: The terminal includes a rail receiving system capable of processing 200 metric tonnes per hour (MTPH), ensuring efficient unloading of cement from railcars.
  • Truck Unload System: The truck unload system, with a 350 MTPH capacity, allows for rapid unloading of cement from trucks, improving operational speed and efficiency.
  • Silo Aeration System: To maintain cement quality and prevent clumping, an aeration system was installed in the silos. This ensures smooth discharge and consistent flowability of the cement.
  • Automated Control System: The terminal features an automated control system to integrate all operational processes. This advanced system allows for precise monitoring and control, optimizing cement handling and distribution workflows.
  • Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Installations: Complete civil, mechanical, and electrical installations were integrated into the terminal, ensuring full operational efficiency and seamless infrastructure.
Results

Results

The Cement Distribution Terminal project delivered the following outcomes:

  • Increased Efficiency: The terminal's advanced systems for rail and truck unloading, silo aeration, and automated control have greatly increased the speed and reliability of cement processing.
  • Enhanced Storage Capacity: The slipform concrete storage structure's robust design allows for optimal storage, improving organization and accessibility of cement.
  • Improved Quality Control: The silo aeration system maintains the quality of the cement, ensuring consistent flowability and preventing clumping.
  • Operational Scalability: With high-capacity systems for receiving and unloading cement, the terminal is equipped to handle large volumes and can scale operations as demand increases.
  • Automation Integration: The automated control system enhances operational efficiency, reduces the need for manual intervention, and allows for continuous monitoring of processes.

The Cement Distribution Terminal represents a significant upgrade in the handling and distribution of cement, providing a state-of-the-art facility designed for high-volume operations. With cutting-edge technologies like the automated control system, silo aeration, and advanced unloading systems, this project has improved the efficiency and scalability of cement processing, contributing to the overall success of Lafarge North America’s distribution operations.

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