The facility features two truck unloading stations, each capable of handling 500 tons per hour (tph). Coal is transferred onto a 42-inch wide conveyor belt, which moves it to a 10,000-ton stockpile. The stockpile provides a buffer to ensure a continuous flow of coal to the subsequent operations, improving overall efficiency and minimizing downtime.
To reclaim the coal, the facility uses three reclaim hoppers that feed the material into three vibratory feeders, each designed to handle 2,000 tph. The feeders are equipped with a fog dust suppression system, which reduces airborne dust during the reclamation process. From the feeders, the coal is moved onto a 60-inch wide reclaim transfer conveyor operating at 3,000 tph. This conveyor runs through a concrete tunnel, which features a washdown pit, a sump pump, and a 6-foot diameter emergency escape for safety.
"A state-of-the-art system that streamlines the entire coal transport process, from unloading to barge loading, with unmatched efficiency."
The coal is then transferred to a 120-ton surge bin before being sent to a 72-inch wide barge loadout conveyor, which again operates at 3,000 tph. The coal is finally loaded onto river barges via a telescopic chute, ensuring smooth and precise coal delivery to the barges.
Wolf Point Engineers & Contractors is responsible for the complete engineering, including foundation design, structural and mechanical engineering, as well as the electrical controls. Additionally, they oversee the marine work, including pile driving and the installation of breasting dolphins to secure the barges. Meanwhile, NAFCO is fabricating the steel structures required for the facility.
All operations at the facility are controlled by a series of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which help automate and optimize the unloading, reclaiming, and loading processes, ensuring both efficiency and safety. The facility is expected to be operational by November 2025, marking a significant advancement in coal export infrastructure and contributing to more efficient coal handling and transportation.
