Finding the right processes can make all the difference.
When you have an issue, you need a creative problem solver on your side.
An organization that can come in, assess your needs and use their expertise to come up with a solution that keeps production running smoothly.
Here’s an example of how Tank Fab was able to find a solution that solved a tricky issue with jump tracks used in the wood treating and wood preservation industries.
In 2013 the wood preservatives CCA, creosote, and pentachlorophenol (also known as Penta) were re-approved for use as a wood preservative.
However, additional regulations were implemented to protect individuals that were exposed to the wood preservatives during the wood preservation process.
These included additional steps when employees worked with jump tracks used between the wood treating cylinder and the load tracks outside the cylinder.
There are a few different ways we could have approached this situation.
One method was to install an automated swing bridge to swing the tracks out of the way. While this method works, it can become both labor intensive and another maintenance headache.
Our solution to the problem was to use a uni-tram system.
We have used the uni-tram in the dimensional lumber treating operation for over 30 years. In 1998 we introduced its use in the utility pole treating operation and in 2010 in the cross-tie treating operation.
The uni-tram is designed to act as one continuous tram instead of separate individual trams.
This allows the tram to “jump” the open gap between the load tracks and the tracks inside the treating cylinder.
Below is a video showing how a uni-tram works. In this case, the uni-tram is jumping the gap between one of our material handling systems, which we call a transfer deck and a drip bay. The open gap between the two tracks is over 8′. The combined weight of the uni-tram and the treated cross-ties is around 500,000 lbs.
As the video shows, no tracks are needed between the tracks on the transfer deck and the tracks in the drip bay. This eliminates any additional maintenance required with a swing bridge and still keeps your treating plant operators out of the 15′ radius while the treating cylinder door is open.
Uni-trams can be made for use with dimensional lumber, cross-ties, utility poles, or fence posts.
The automated swing bridge would have effectively solved the problem.
But it would have done so at the cost of more labor and more maintenance – which translates to more money and less revenue.
By implementing the uni-tram system, we were able to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
At Tank Fab, this is what we do. We create answers for the tricky questions.
What situation are you dealing with in your organization right now that Tank Fab could help you out with?
