by GuestfromEU » July 25, 2021, 10:18 am
As mentioned, the Frontenac and other similar conversions use the tunnel belts as the loop belts. In most ships using two or three tunnel belts, they discharge into transfer conveyors, which are oriented port-starboard, and discharge the cargo onto a centreline loop belt. That is, the loop belt is a separate, independent belt from others.
The advantage of the above is several: Space is saved in loop belt area. Belts are not as complex or difficult to change. More cubic capacity is retained in the cargo holds.
In the common arrangement mentioned above, the transfer belts will be the first to wear out. Those are not difficult to change and they are the lowest cost due to shortest length. The loop belts will be next to replace. Again, cost is lower due to being only the loop belt, not loop + tunnel belt combined. The tunnel belts can last quite some time, often 15+ years with proper care. They move at the slowest speed and have less wear in way of stretching or conforming like the loop belts experience.
The Algoway/Algorail/Agawa Canyon, plus some CSL conversions I believe, had a similar multiple tunnel belt and transfer belt arrangement, but they used a different elevator system, not a loop belt. I am not familiar with this, but others here likely have knowledge.
As mentioned, the Frontenac and other similar conversions use the tunnel belts as the loop belts. In most ships using two or three tunnel belts, they discharge into transfer conveyors, which are oriented port-starboard, and discharge the cargo onto a centreline loop belt. That is, the loop belt is a separate, independent belt from others.
The advantage of the above is several: Space is saved in loop belt area. Belts are not as complex or difficult to change. More cubic capacity is retained in the cargo holds.
In the common arrangement mentioned above, the transfer belts will be the first to wear out. Those are not difficult to change and they are the lowest cost due to shortest length. The loop belts will be next to replace. Again, cost is lower due to being only the loop belt, not loop + tunnel belt combined. The tunnel belts can last quite some time, often 15+ years with proper care. They move at the slowest speed and have less wear in way of stretching or conforming like the loop belts experience.
The Algoway/Algorail/Agawa Canyon, plus some CSL conversions I believe, had a similar multiple tunnel belt and transfer belt arrangement, but they used a different elevator system, not a loop belt. I am not familiar with this, but others here likely have knowledge.