Focus on sustainability
At CeMAT, the world‘s leading intralogistics exhibition that was held in Hanover from 02.-06.05.2011, the BEUMER Group focussed on innovative and sustainable solutions from the three company divisions, conveyor and loading equipment, palletizing and packaging technology, and sorting and distribution systems. In the field of sorting and distribution equipment, the Group presented a BEUMER sorter loop of the type used in numerous distribution centres (Fig.). The BEUMER BS 7/25/55 BT Sorter consists of a series of moving conveyor belts. These are fitted at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction in which the sorter runs. As a result, they are able to channel the transported goods in and out either to the left or to the right. To do this, the goods are fed in on the belt-tray at a speed matched to the sorter speed and the transfer angle. The reverse procedure takes place when the goods are discharged: The belt moves in the discharge direction and the package is guided gently into the end position. The BEUMER BS 7/25/55 BT Sorter comprises 50 % fewer parts compared with other cross-belt sorters. The distance between the individual conveyor belts is minimized. The use of the cross-belt enables narrower and more closely arranged end positions. The sorter therefore takes up considerably less floor space in the facility.
The energy requirement compared with conventional sorter drives is reduced by about 75 % thanks to the use of the highly efficient BEUMER OptiDrive drive system. This drive system for loop sorters works on the “friction wheel drive” principle. The friction wheel runs continuously at an optimum working point – this increases the efficiency and minimizes wear.
At CeMAT, the BEUMER Group also showcased the energy-efficient LS-4000 Cross Belt Sorter with linear synchronous motor technology (LSM). The energy consumption of the high-speed sorter is up to 75 % lower than that of other sorters, and the CO2 balance has been optimized. The Crisplant LS-4000 Tilt Tray and Cross Belt Sorters are designed on the same optimized principle. This ensures rapid and trouble-free installation and commissioning as well as maximum reliability and availability. The modular design is based on standardized units. These are completely tested and certified in the factory before assembly. These sorters also have lower life-cycle costs thanks to their low-friction design. They are more reliable and have high system availability. The fact that the LS-4000 sorters use less energy than comparable sorters and are therefore both frugal and environmentally friendly, makes environmental protection an important factor in materials handling.
