When it comes to continuity and reliability of operations, the patented 'quick release' Gramac belt bend now manufactured and supplied by Quartz Systems based at Stanstead Abbotts, and part of the Oldham based engineering group Amber Industries , is still 'flying high' and specified by airport terminal teams for use in airport baggage handling and security screening systems.
Due to even more recent air tragedies, the ongoing strict airport security policy of "100% Hold Baggage Screening" initially introduced some years ago following the Pan Am flight 103 disaster and implemented in all BAA airports, is still actively continued today.
The primary function of baggage handling systems is to process large numbers of bags automatically from check-in to baggage chute in a safe, efficient and quick operation to meet passenger flows and departing aircraft needs. The need to screen these bags places extra demands on these systems which, if not correctly executed and maintained, can result in major disruption to baggage handling operations. No one can avoid unplanned downtime completely, but keeping it to a minimum is critical if an airport wants to achieve the highest return-on-investment on it's handling equipment.
Quick Release Mechanism Ensures Less Conveyor Downtime
For the system to operate effectively issues relating to maintenance, how the system works and what options are available, all have to be fully understood by the terminal team before compiling the functional design specification. It is imperative that the system provides total reliability and is simple to maintain functionality.
Most baggage handling systems include directional conveyors of some type in order to re-direct luggage to allocated destinations. As corner units ( bends & mergers) are more complicated in their construction than straight sections, with greater tensions and opportunities for friction and wear, they need more frequent servicing and are therefore prone to possible failure. The most common form of maintenance involves the removal of the conveyor belt from the rollers, often causing difficulties and protracted down time, but this has been overcome by the proven patented Gramac 'Quick Release Mechanism' ; something which Quartz Systems are keen to demonstrate as a key feature to maintenance engineers and conveyor system integrators.
Gramac's patented technology, provides a quick release mechanism that enables two people to change a conveyor belt in less than 10 minutes on a bend and less than 30 minutes on a merge unit.
Recognising this fact, BAA along with many other leading European airports have selected Gramac's powered belt turns, spirals and merge units on many new and upgrade projects.
The design differs from conventional belt turn technology, in that it releases the guide wheel assemblies along with the belt to facilitate a rapid vulcanised belt changeover.
General Manager Neil Wrangles commented about ongoing developments at Quartz Systems, since the engineering rights for the manufacture and sale of the patented quick release Gramac powered belt bends, mergers, spares and servicing were acquired by the Amber Industries Group. " It's business as usual. The opening of our new sales and service centre located close to the main London airports and supported by at our parent company within thirty minutes drive from Manchester airport, demonstrates our total commitment to servicing airport baggage handling system needs. Apart from providing the expertise and technical support in designing new conveying systems, our dedicated service engineers can be on site at key airport terminals within hours, backed up with genuine Gramac spare parts to ensure that conveyors are up and running with minimum down time."
"Establishing Quartz Systems in a strategically placed centre has been vital if we were to be considered as serious contenders for airport baggage handling conveying business. But, this is only the first step forward as we will shortly be announcing developments in a new powered belt bend product range with handling capacities up to 50kg. in weight, to suit most general package conveying applications. This is an ideal directional conveyor for system integrators, moving parcels, bags and sacks in such companies as TNT, Parcelforce and mail order type companies.
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