Belt conveyor network design using simulation. Issue 3 (1st August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Vianen, T; Ottjes, J; Lodewijks, G
• Is Part Of: Journal of simulation. Volume 10:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 157
• Page End: 165
• Publication Date: 2016-08-01
• Subjects: transport -- queuing -- simulation -- stochastic processes -- allocation and scheduling; Operations research -- Periodicals; Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; 511.805
• DOI: 10.1057/jos.2014.38
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-7778

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper simulation is applied to design belt conveyor networks at dry bulk terminals. Stochastic variations in ship interarrival times, shiploads and equipment availabilities enforce the use of simulation. Parameters that affect belt conveyor network designs like the network connectivity, storage policy and stochastic distributions are evaluated in this paper. One of the main findings is that installing the maximum number of connections does not necessarily lead to better performances. Another finding is that redundancy of piles (a pile is in reach of two stockyard machines) is more efficient than increasing the number of connections. In a case study, designs for belt conveyor networks were formulated and assessed using the simulation model developed.