Product Information

Silo Technology

Solutions for a floating Concrete Plant

Built by Hanson in 2000, the Korsor is a huge, floating, pontoon-mounted concrete plant, originally used to service the Canary Wharf development. After completion of the project, it was moored on the Thames, until a new development at nearby Wood Wharf required the facility.

Hanson called in CAM Project Management, who had managed the first build at Canary Wharf. The company contacted Portasilo, suppliers of the original silos and transfer systems, to assess the condition of the plant and suggest a programme of works. The Korsor accommodates three 100 t silos and a single 200 t silo. Portasilo conducted a detailed investigation of the plant and came up with a solution that involved refurbishing all four.

Originally, the largest unit was an overflow buffer silo, which fed the three smaller silos by means of pneumatic blowers. For flexibility, Hanson decided to use all four silos as storage.

Portasilo replaced some of the pipes, valves and filters, reorganised the delivery lines and installed new screw conveyors to replace the original pneumatic transfer system and even designed tandem screw conveyors that could transfer material from the large silo, directly into cement weigh hoppers. Further modifications were also required to the tanker delivery system, as the new position of the Korsor at Wood Wharf meant that deliveries could be taken from tankers parked on dry land. Portasilo came up with a sophisticated delivery system, which meant pipes could be extended out to reach tankers on the dockside and folded away when not in use.

All of the works have been completed within a five-week period, delivering a fully operational floating concrete plant, updated to comply with all the latest legislation.