Roger Simonsson, Aquajet managing director, said:

“Safe and efficient wastewater handling is the number one concern for contractors, especially in bridge applications where even a minor spill not only threatens the environment but the contractor’s ability to work in that area. We’ve designed a trio of machines that, when used in combination, allows contractors to conquer road and bridge projects with power, precision and the complete certainty that wastewater is safe for release back into the environment or recirculation through the machine, reducing water requirements.”

With the 710V, operators can complete the work faster and with more precision than traditional methods. The 5,070-pound (2,300-kilogram) unit provides exceptional reach and unmatched productivity — up to 25 times faster compared to handheld pneumatic devices. It uses 14,500- to 40,000-psi water jets to remove as much as 35 cubic feet (1 cubic meter) per hour of concrete. Unlike other methods, Hydrodemolition cleans and descales rebar without damaging it or producing microfracturing in the surrounding concrete. The method also provides a superior bonding surface, which can extend the longevity of repairs by as much as three times, making it an ideal method for time- and budget-sensitive road and bridge repair projects.

For applications such as bridge deck repair and expansion joint replacement, the 710V combines power with industry-leading precision. Aquajet’s cutting-edge technology — including the Equal Distance System (EDS), ceramic nozzles and Evolution control system — provide unmatched productivity with high-quality results.

The 710V’s innovative mast design also gives operators unrivaled reach for applications such as columns, piers, abutments and parapets. The front powerhead can reach as high as 23 feet (7 meters) without additional support. Combined with Aquajet’s unique cutting head and multi-axis 3D positioning system, the unit provides versatile operation, easily removing concrete on horizontal, vertical and overhead surfaces that would be difficult to get at with other equipment.

The 710V is compatible with Aquajet’s line of accessories, such as extension kits, rotolances and circular power heads, as well as spines and frames, for increased versatility.

Powered by the Ecosilence 3.0 Power Pack, the 710V easily removes loose, deteriorated concrete or lowers the sound concrete to a pre-determined depth. Aquajet’s Ecosilence 3.0 consists of a 20-foot container that houses the engine and pump, offering reduced noise, low emissions and a cost-effective equipment transportation option, as well as secure storage for the robot and accessories when not in operation. A built-in workbench with a vise provides contractors a space for jobsite maintenance and a place to store spare parts, accessories and high-pressure hoses. The skid-mounted unit employs auto start/stop technology, like that found in many modern automobiles, which temporarily shuts down the engine when not in operation to reduce idling time by up to 50%. The Ecosilence 3.0 is available in several pressure and flow combinations, allowing operators to scale equipment to meet their specific needs.

With the EcoClear, contractors can leverage cutting-edge technology to meet even the strictest environmental standards. The system, contained in a compact, 20-foot container, lets contractors treat water, which can be scarce on some road and bridge applications, or safely release it back into the environment. The treatment system processes the wastewater generated through Hydrodemolition, neutralizing water pH and greatly reducing its turbidity. The EcoClear moves as much as 88 gpm, or about 5,283 gallons (20 cubic meters) per hour, through a series of treatment chambers that neutralize alkaline water to a pH of 6 to 9 and reduce turbidity to just 20-40 mg particles/liter, allowing contractors to treat wastewater in real time and maintain an environmentally sound jobsite. The entire process can be monitored and controlled with the RECO control system. This system records all historical data on outgoing water in a format that can be easily verified with third parties, such as project stakeholders or government agencies.

Simonsson said:

“To gain the advantage in road and bridge applications, contractors need to be able to do the job quickly and efficiently, but also to provide the documentation proving compliance with environmental regulations. For decades, our Aqua Cutters have been revolutionizing road repair applications. But with the addition of the EcoClear and the Ecosilence, contractors can really stand out in this highly competitive field.”

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In this article, we’ll cover the main trends and challenges in warehousing that have caused this transformation. Then, we’ll explore the ways in which innovations – especially with respect to material handling equipment and alternative motive power systems – provide effective solutions to these trends and challenges.

The creation of the modern consumer

The rise of Amazon and e-commerce has given consumers greater choice. As a result, warehouses and fulfillment centers must now handle many different types of materials and products across a variety of stockkeeping units (SKUs). At the same time, these facilities must also maintain peak efficiency in their operations, but without sacrificing operational flexibility.

In order to handle the greater amount and variety of SKUs, warehouses need more storage space. But expanding horizontally often carries too great a cost for budget-conscious directors. In fact, as Modern Materials Handling reports, the trend is to reduce warehouse footprints, as doing so can shave up to 65% off operating costs.

One way that warehouses have sought to expand their storage capacity without increasing their footprint is by building taller racking. Whereas in the 1970’s the typical racking height was 20’, the evolving standard is a whopping 36’. This upward growth provides a particular benefit in space-strapped, expensive areas like Los Angeles, where the First 36 Logistics Center is one of the area’s newest warehouses to feature this new, taller racking configuration.

Another strategy warehouses have used is reducing the space between aisles in order to fit more racking into the same space. This has resulted in the creation of very-narrow aisles (VNAs), which can increase storage capacity by 40 to 50%.

The consequence of both of these warehousing trends is expanded demand for material handling equipment designed to reach these new heights and fit into these new, smaller spaces. Thus, tall-mast reach trucks and very-narrow aisles machines like articulating and swing-mast forklifts are becoming increasingly popular in the modern warehouse.

How industrial lithium batteries enable warehouses to boost storage space

Li-ion batteries are particularly well suited to help warehouses adapt to these dual trends of reducing facility footprints while increasing reliance on specialized material handling equipment.

For one, using Li-ion batteries eliminates the need for costly battery storage areas. This allows companies to repurpose their existing industrial battery warehouse space to accommodate more storage area, or eliminate future construction costs altogether.

The root reason for this is that Li-ion batteries provide greater run times and faster charging cycles than lead-acid industrial forklift batteries. Consequently, they do not have to be changed multiple times per shift, eliminating both the need for spare batteries and the space to store them.

One such company who has benefited in this regard is Allan Brothers, a fruit producer based in Washington State. They were able to save $440,000 in construction costs for a new lead-acid battery storage space by switching their forklift fleet to run on Li-ion batteries.

In addition to the space-saving advantage, Li-ion batteries also have the ability to work across a wide swath of specialized material handling equipment, like the aforementioned tall-mast reach trucks and articulating forklifts.

In fact, OneCharge, one of the top lithium battery manufacturers in the USA, has over 550 Li-ion battery models available to fit nearly any type of machine. Better yet, they fit within standard battery compartment sizes and connect to existing electrical systems, so there is no need for expensive modifications to accommodate them.

Labor shortages and budgetary pressure

Another warehousing trend prompted by the demands of the modern consumer is a shift from centralized warehouses to regional hubs. Warehouses have felt the need to make this change in order to improve delivery times, given the expectation of two-day delivery established years ago by Amazon Prime.

However, in moving closer to customer bases, warehouse directors have found two problems: A shortage of workers and higher costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training the workers they do find.

Both of these problems have been compounded recently, given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting pressure has forced facilities to raise their wages in order to recruit and retain scarce warehouse workers, further straining their already-tight budgets. Leading the pack in this is Amazon, who recently increased their workers’ pay to $17 per hour to attract workers to their fulfillment centers.

In order to reduce their reliance on expensive and difficult-to-source labor, while also maximizing productivity to meet consumer demands, many warehouses are increasing their use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

One company that has found great use for AGVs is Oxford Cold Storage, who have reported benefits such as utilities savings, wage cost reduction, and improvements in order picking accuracy, among others.

How Li-ion batteries enable facilities to achieve maximum productivity with automated material handling equipment

AGVs are electric vehicles and thus require batteries for power. And where lithium battery systems really shine is in their compatibility with AGVs and other automated equipment. There are multiple reasons for this.

For one, Li-ion batteries have quick-charge capabilities, enabling longer operating hours without incurring the life-reducing effects of opportunity charging that is associated with lead-acid forklift batteries. In fact, lithium battery cycles can span up to 3,000 charges as opposed to 1,500 for lead-acid batteries.

Additionally, using Li-ion power means having a no maintenance battery system, eliminating the need for daily upkeep as is required with lead-acid batteries. And where problems do arise, an integrated battery management system can immediately alert facility operators so corrective measures can be taken.

One company in particular that has benefited from adopting Li-ion batteries for use with their AGVs is Spirit AeroSystems, a manufacturer of aerostructures, which relies extensively on material handling equipment to fulfill the needs of their manufacturing processes.

The major advantage Spirit has realized since they began using Li-ion batteries is a reduction in charging times to 1 to 1.5 hours, once or twice daily. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, require 30 to 40 minutes six times per day. Such a reduction in idle time can add thousands of dollars to an operation’s budget in the form of improved productivity.

Closing Thoughts

The warehousing industry has experienced an upheaval in recent years. Emerging trends have placed unprecedented pressure on existing structures and solutions, forcing a change in the function and configuration of the modern warehouse.

The article was written by Maxim Khabur, OneCharge Marketing Director

The post OneCharge Lithium-Ion batteries help warehouses keep up with modern commerce appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

A&B Packing Equipment, Inc. for the last 20 years has specialized in fresh and process equipment for the small fruit & vegetable industry with a focus on high speed packing equipment for consumer packaging. A&B’s flagship line of equipment is the Evolution series of high speed weigh and fill packing machines, which have the ability to pack clamshells, punnets, bags and boxes all with one machine. “The Evolution has dominated the mainframe fresh packing market for the past five years and continues to grow into other markets and industries worldwide” according to Fred Pieplow, A&B President.

Lakewood Process Machinery has specialized in process industry for a wide variety of products for over 50 years. During this time they have been responsible for many innovations in sizing, de-stemming, conveying, washing and drying of the agricultural and food processing industry.

Both companies are extremely proud of the quality of their equipment, the quality of their personnel, and the quality of their service. “Customers can expect the same focus, the same high quality service and the same team effort that you have come to know” says A&B founder and CEO Bob Williamson. A&B Packing Equipment, Inc. will now be a company of more than 100 employees, with offices in Lawrence, Michigan, Hartford, Michigan, and a presence in Holland, Michigan.

Source: A&B Packing equipment

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