Belt conveyor network design using simulation

In this paper simulation is applied to design belt conveyor networks at dry bulk terminals. Stochastic variations in ship interarrival times, shiploads and equipment availabilities enforce the use of simulation. Parameters that affect belt conveyor network designs like the network connectivity, storage policy and stochastic distributions are evaluated in this paper. One of the main findings is that installing the maximum number of connections does not necessarily lead to better performances. Another finding is that redundancy of piles (a pile is in reach of two stockyard machines) is more efficient than increasing the number of connections. In a case study, designs for belt conveyor networks were formulated and assessed using the simulation model developed.