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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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Automation and technology are increasingly being employed in the cold chain and logistics industry . Engineers work on integrating dock levellers and curtains with automated systems , such as dock management systems , to streamline operations and improve efficiency . This may include features like automated levelling , remote control operation or integration with warehouse management systems for better inventory tracking and logistics planning .
DDL has developed a docking bay communication system that integrates all the docking equipment : dock leveller , sectional door , traffic lights system and sealing system . “ The PLC ( programmable logic controllers ) system can be linked to wireless communication if need be . Sensors along the floor that detect where in the docking stage the vehicle is , are generally used in conjunction with truck wheel guides . The latter are used to guide the truck into the docking bay to ensure it contacts the seal in exactly the right place to get the best seal between truck and building .
“ The HMI ( human machine interface ) screen inside the building guides the operator through the steps . Sensors are triggered as the truck ’ s wheels pass through the beams - turning on different coloured lights at the various stages during docking . The last sensor is installed on the dock sealing system and a red light is illuminated once the truck has reached the optimum seal and before the truck
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contacts the building or docking structure . This helps to protect the building and the seals , ensuring the vehicle contacts the seals without compressing them too far and causing damage to the seals . Trip switches on doors are also used and linked to the dock leveller . This will prevent the dock leveller from being operated before the door in the fully open position and vice versa , for closing the door before the dock leveller is returned to its rest position ,” he says .
The industry often requires flexibility in dock operations , accommodating various types of vehicles , container sizes or load configurations . Dock levellers and curtains are designed so that they can adapt to different loading scenarios . This may involve adjustable or modular systems that can accommodate varying dock heights , different door sizes , or specialised loading equipment .
At DDL , Le Roux says the company offers a design service to meet any special needs that clients might have . “ This includes custom-made seals to accommodate different vehicles or to deal with space constraints in loading yards . Mini-dock levellers are also used , but are best suited to uniform vehicles . Where loading docks aren ’ t available , elevating dock levellers or scissor lifts are an option , as they are relatively compact which is useful where space may be an issue . Freestanding dock levellers are used in conjunction with ISO panel enclosures to which seals can be fitted .”
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© Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
A DDL air powered dock leveller .
DOCK LEVELLERS
In most modern loading bays , goods are transported directly from a coldroom facility onto a truck . Loading bays can either be designed to be inside of the building , situated outside on a loading platform or mounted on a free-standing frame . There are many benefits to having the loading bays outside of the building . These include saving valuable space inside the warehouse and creating more energy efficient loading bays incorporating dock levellers , dock shelter and load house .
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Systems used will be dictated by the type and size of the vehicles being loaded and the exterior mounting surface of the building . |