Runs like a well-oiled machine – even though it isn’t

Springer is a leading supplier of integrated solutions for the timber industry. With the development of a new solution in the log wood segment, the company has now reached a milestone, which the plant manufacturing specialists describe as a revolution in log sorting. The V-Sorter is used to transport and sort logs into sorting bins in the log yard. It offers numerous advantages, most of all the elimination of total-loss lubrication over the entire length of the log transporting unit and significantly lower energy consumption thanks to reduced friction. It is also equipped with an integrated disposal system which removes dirt from the inside of the plant.

Hardly any lubricating oil, much lower energy consumption

Egon Eisner, head of product development at Springer, is enthusiastic about the efficiency gains of the new plant: “Our solution offers two key advantages: Firstly, we replaced the previously used drive chains with a highly resilient elevator belt which has proven itself in the timber industry and whose structure has significantly improved breaking load and elongation properties. Permanent lubrication of the track and drive train is no longer necessary during the operation of the plant. Secondly, we use heavy-duty wheels on the carrier to pull the conveyed material over a roller conveyor on to the tip. This significantly reduces friction between the carrier and the running surfaces. There is also no need to lubricate them and the required drive power is significantly lower.”

Reduced maintenance and costs, more sustainability

Springer’s development team has calculated that an average of around 30,000 to 50,000 liters of oil and more can be saved compared to similar plants or comparable operating modes. In addition, electricity consumption can theoretically be reduced by over 60% thanks to reduced friction.

Egon Eisner explains further details of the solution: “In longitudinal transport, the logs are ‘handed over’ to carriers which are attached to a steel cable belt and are pulled over guides with the help of rollers without lying directly on the conveyor belt. Dirt and breakage are also transported by the belt to ensure the optimal disposal in the log sorting area. Via sheet metal slides, smaller pieces of dirt are conveyed onto the returning belt inside and disposed of by a sweeper so that the area under the log sorting stays clean. We are very proud of this innovation, since it has a huge ecological and economic potential.”

The V-Sorter is a patented log solution which is currently in trial operation at Springer’s factory premises in Friesach where it can be visited as well. Two plants have already been sold and will be installed at the respective customers in the coming months.