Metso Outotec is setting out to improve safety and productivity in pellet plants with the launch of an automatic pallet car changing device.

This is an alternative to conventional solutions that require production stoppages of up to 10 minutes to remove and replace worn pallet cars, according to Metso Outotec, with the automatic changing device enabling pallet car replacement in a safe, reliable and cost-effective way without manual intervention or halting production.

The automatic pallet car changing device is part of Metso Outotec’s leading-edge solutions helping ensure the optimal operation and maintenance of iron ore pelletising plants, the company says. It improves process performance, production capacity and product quality while reducing energy consumption, environmental impact and operation and maintenance costs. In addition, it improves the operational safety associated with these changes by automating heavy load handling.

The device complements Metso Outotec’s Pallet Car Condition Monitoring System that, the company says, helps operators improve preventive maintenance planning and execution.

Olavo Nolasco, Director, Product Competitiveness, Ferrous & Heat Transfer at Metso Outotec, said: “We are really excited about the automatic pallet car changing device. It eliminates the manual step involved in pallet car change as well as enables continuous changes without halting the production. What makes it more interesting is the fact that it can be implemented also in existing machines – provided they meet certain criteria. Our experts are happy to give more information on how each of these would benefit and work in individual plants.”