CHIPPING TERMINAL LOGISTICS

A chipping terminal was modelled using simulation technique. A discret e-event-based manufacturing simulator was applied in the modelling and analysis. Chipping and trucking were modelled in order to compare dif ferent loading and transport technologies. The following factors were examined: chipping into truck. chipping onto ground and loading using a wheeled loader, long-distance transport by truck with draw-bar trail er, by truck with a semitrailer, and by a truck with interchangeable p latforms. Furthermore, the number of trucks used was varied. It was fo und that a system consisting of a chipper, a wheeled loader and one or two trucks and an additional draw-bar trailer resulted in the most co mpetitive costs. A manufacturing simulator was appropriate in modellin g chipping and transportation of chips. In particular, the impact of m achine interactions was quantified in monetary terms. This played a si gnificant role in the systems modelled.