The intermodal fleet for dry bulk presently counts well over 1,000 silo containers, most of them pressurised. These new units for Van den Bosch, manufactured by Belgian company LAG, can also be used for pressurised unloading. “It makes these containers extremely suitable for the transport of both powders and granules,” Business Unit Manager Wally Lentjes explains. “This investment is made to further expand the transport of powders and granules in the European market. The focus is on the transport of food products, such as sugar and potato flakes, as well as on chemicals, such as PVC and technical starch.”
He continues: “Many powders and granules typically have a low density, such as PVC powders and Low Density Polyethylene. As the density of these products is extremely low, we are able to transport more product mass in proportion. We top this by investing in lightweight equipment. The new 40ft silo containers weigh about 1,000kg less than the 30ft silo containers, which results in further payload optimisation and cost savings for our customers.
“The new containers have a smooth aluminum inner surface, making them easy to clean. Also, a rotary valve is not required to unload the product, meaning that the residual product risk after cleaning is zero. The quality of the goods being transported is guaranteed this way.”
The first new silo containers will be delivered in March 2017.