Challenging conversion of hopper wagons
VTG optimises 35 hopper wagons for the dust-free transport of dolomite lime. An efficient solution was developed with innovative technical adaptations and close collaboration - including an adaptation for travelling through a historic tunnel.
Transport of dolomite lime
In mid-2023, VTG received an exciting enquiry from Nedmag B.V.: the Dutch company was looking for a solution to convert 35 hopper wagons for transporting dolomite lime. The aim was to ensure the most efficient and dust-free loading and unloading of the fine, highly dusty material.
VTG developed an innovative flat slide gate module to minimise dust during unloading. This enables pneumatic opening and closing of the slides - i.e. controlled by air pressure. In addition, electric and pneumatic switches were integrated to make the unloading process even more efficient.
Passage through historic tunnel
In addition to dust-free unloading, another challenge was the route profile. The wagons have to be transported from Hermalle-sous-Argenteau (Belgium) to Veendam (Netherlands) - and on this route there is a tunnel that is over 120 years old, the height of which is not sufficient for standard hopper wagons.
The solution: VTG specifically adapted the wagon height and lowered it to 4.2 metres. This ensured that the wagons could pass through the tunnel safely.
Successful test run
All 35 wagons have been delivered to Nedmag and they are already using our converted wagons very diligently to ensure the transport of dolomite lime. This project is a great example of seamless collaboration between technical support and sales and shows what is possible when expertise comes together.
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Lower section of the VTG hopper wagon with open flat slide module, which enables low-dust unloading of the dolomite lime.
Cooperation as the key to success
The close collaboration between Sales and Technical Support was a decisive factor in the success of the project. Right from the start, the teams worked closely together to understand the customer's specific requirements and develop a customised solution. In particular, the technical modification of the standard freight wagons posed a major challenge, as they had to be adapted for travelling through the tunnel.
New standards in special transport
This successful project underlines VTG's innovative strength and technical expertise in the field of freight transport. The customised adaptations to the hopper wagon show how even complex challenges can be overcome through interdisciplinary cooperation and technical expertise.
